Moving Merriam Forward

Merriam is moving forward with projects and initiatives shaped by what you — our residents, businesses, and community partners — have told us matters most. Through surveys, committee feedback, the Comprehensive Plan, and ongoing community conversations, we know priorities like downtown revitalization, flood protection, safe streets, and sustainable growth are top of mind.

You’ll see these priorities reflected in upcoming projects along Merriam Drive, continued development with Merriam Grand Station & Marketplace, and the flood mitigation work on Upper Turkey Creek. Together, these efforts align with the major goals of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which was developed through extensive community input. The Comprehensive Plan is used to guide growth and development in Merriam through the year 2040.

Your voice helps guide how Merriam grows and invests for the future — thank you for being part of it.

2024 Community Satisfaction Survey

Conducted every three years, this survey is a vital tool for evaluating City services and setting strategic direction through community feedback.

According to survey findings, an overwhelming majority of residents expressed high levels of satisfaction with most City services, including public safety, parks and recreation, city maintenance, community engagement initiatives, and city leadership. These results highlight our commitment to meeting the needs and expectations of our residents.

Residents were also asked if they agreed with several initiatives that will shape the future of Merriam. The results help the City establish budget priorities and refine policy decisions. Those included:

Merriam should move in the direction of a future downtown that is considerably different than present downtown. (82% agreed)
Merriam should continue to support a public art program. (69% agreed)
Merriam should continue to allow open burning of yard waste and leaves. (65% agreed)
Merriam should implement a City-wide contract to provide trash/recycling services. (65% agreed)
Merriam should try to bring a grocery store to town even if it requires giving the store a multi-million dollar public incentive package. (58% agreed)

Following this guidance, Merriam is moving forward with each of these initiatives.

Projects and Initiatives

Downtown Merriam

Downtown Merriam is at a pivotal moment – and you have a crucial role to play in shaping its future. With a goal of making downtown Merriam a more desirable place to live and work, the City is researching floodplain mitigation and other infrastructure improvements.

Merriam Grand Station & Marketplace

Grand Station Marketplace is a transformative $102 million mixed-use development located just north of Shawnee Mission Parkway, on the site of the former Johnson County Library. This project is set to redefine the community's landscape with a blend of residential and retail spaces, including a grocery store.

Comprehensive Plan 2040

The City finalized the Merriam Comprehensive Plan 2040 in 2021. This plan addresses the City's land use, housing, development, sustainability, transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, and facilities and services across our community for the next 20 years.

Single Trash Hauler

Residents have been asking City Councilmembers to explore single trash service for years. The goal of implementing a single hauler program is to lower residents' overall trash service costs, while reducing the number of trash trucks on City streets. This will help decrease wear and tear on roads, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and reduce service costs for residents.

Public Art

More than two-thirds of residents agreed that Merriam should continue supporting a public art program on our most recent community survey. The Public Art Committee continues to bring new, engaging public art projects to enliven our public spaces.

Bike-Friendly Merriam

Merriam is becoming a more bike-friendly city. The City concluded a bike study in 2022 that now guides bike mobility improvements for future street projects.