Lenexa Council Ward 1 Choose 1
Biographical Information
Ballot City
Lenexa
Campaign Web Site
http://HandleyforLenexa.com
Campaign Phone
7858443314
Campaign Address
14422 W 86th Ter., Lenexa KS
Mailing Address
14422 W. 86th Terr.
Lenexa, KS 66215
Lenexa, KS 66215
Personal Biography
John Michael moved to Lenexa in 2019 and fell in love with the city immediately. He wasted no time in giving back: in 2020, Mayor Boehm appointed him to the Planning Commission, and served on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in '23/'24. In 2025, Mayor Julie Sayers appointed him to City Council to finish his predecessor's term. He credits his family for his strong work ethic and desire to serve his community. John Michael is a former engineer and current data center developer.
Education
University of Kansas: B.S., Chemical Engineering, 2017; Master of Civil Engineering, 2019. University of Missouri-Kansas City: Master of Business Administration, expected 2028.
Community/Public Service
Lenexa Planning Commission, 2020-2025; Lenexa Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee 2023/2024; Lenexa City Council, 2025-; Black & Veatch Pride Employee Resource Group, 2018-2025;
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city/district forward?
1. Smart, intentional development. Lenexa is growing quickly, and should be guided by a clear, strategic plan that balances residential, commercial, and green space while preserving the character of our neighborhoods.
2. Value-based services and infrastructure. From public safety to streets and trails, we must continue to invest in the infrastructure and services that keep Lenexa strong while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
3. Expanding housing options. Broader housing types allow people of every stage in life, from young professionals to families to seniors, to afford to live and stay in Lenexa. This includes a healthy mix of single family homes in addition to denser options where they fit our community.
What skills, expertise, experience, or competencies qualify you for this position?
I bring a background in infrastructure and planning, shaped by experience in both the public and private sectors. I served nearly five years on Lenexa’s Planning Commission as well as on our Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee before my appointment to the City Council. In my professional work, I’ve led teams, delivered complex projects, and advanced equity-focused initiatives, all of which have earned me both company-wide recognition and one of Kansas City Business Journal's NextGen Leader Awards in 2025.
I take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership, focused on long-term results and responsive, community-driven decision-making.
What makes this office an important part of the local government?
City Council shapes our daily lives in Lenexa--providing the city direction on how our neighborhoods grow, how our tax dollars are spent, and how services are offered. We operate as a link between our constituents and city staff, easing the solution of residents' issues and ensuring their voices are heard when we make changes to our policy and code.
Biographical Information
Ballot City
Lenexa, KS
Campaign Web Site
http://keeganlikeslenexa.com
Campaign Phone
(913)205-1187
Mailing Address
PO Box 19522
Lenexa, KS 66285
Lenexa, KS 66285
Personal Biography
I am a life-long Kansan and have been a resident of Lenexa since 2006. I am married to my wife Elizabeth and we were recently blessed with a baby boy. I decided to enter the race for city council because I want to make sure Lenexa remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe that I have a lot of valuable experience and skills that will allow me to be a successful city councilperson, and I look forward to the opportunity to give back to the community.
Education
BS Industrial Engineering, Kansas State University, 2006
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city/district forward?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What skills, expertise, experience, or competencies qualify you for this position?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What makes this office an important part of the local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city/district forward?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What skills, expertise, experience, or competencies qualify you for this position?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What makes this office an important part of the local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.