Jacob Laha

What are your top priorities or focus areas for the city?

My biggest areas of focus for the city are strengthening our sense of community and helping people get safely around our city. I grew up in a small town that was separated from others by 20 miles and the city naturally had it's own sense of identity and traffic was minimal. I want a city that people get easily navigate and feels different than our neighbors. I to help build a community that is safe enough for our youngest members to be able to walk to friends and to school.

What’s one accomplishment you’re most proud of during your time on the council?

So much of what the city does is a team effort. Nothing gets accomplished because one person. The thing that I am most proud of though is our residential tree grant. It is built off of a tree program that the city used to have. With the help of staff and the rest of council it has grown into something more robust that is helping get more trees planted across the city that will be enjoyed by residents for decades. The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago. The 2nd best time to plant a tree is now.

What’s your favorite local spot in the city?

My favorite local spot in the city is the community center. Our family spends a lot of time at the pool. It is a great place to go to get out of the house and be active. The staff are all great and incredibly friendly. My second favorite place is probably Brown Park.

What do you love most about living here?

I love seeing the amazing changes that have happened in the last several years and I can't wait to see what the next decade brings.

What’s a fun fact people might not know about you?

Our home in Merriam is the 2nd house that I have ever owned. My first home was a fire station in Wichita, KS.

What’s your vision for the city in the next 5-10 years?

Residents have consistently told us that they want a true downtown. My vision for the city is to see that brought to reality. It has been a very thorough process to get to where we are with our plans for downtown and no one wants to cut corners or take any unnecessary shortcuts. We are working towards a plan that we can begin implementing soon.