Leawood Council Ward 1 Choose 1
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.
Biographical Information
Campaign Web Site
http://www.mattpeppesforleawood.com
Campaign Phone
9133350450
Mailing Address
9210 Belinder Rd.
Leawood, KS 66205
Leawood, KS 66205
Personal Biography
I grew up in North Leawood and have lived here for 31 years. My wife, Lauren (also a Leawood native) and I bought our home at 92nd & Belinder in 2021 after a few years in Prairie Village. I launched my digital marketing business, Cuvée KC, in 2016 where we help small business develop professional websites, manage their social media content, and optimize their digital visibility. Leawood has always been home. It’s where I grew up and where we’ve chosen to raise our family.
Education
I am a product of our local schools: Corinth, Mission Valley, and Shawnee Mission East. After high school, I headed to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas, where I joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and earned my bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. This fall, I’ll begin the next chapter in my education by pursuing my MBA at Southern Methodist University.
Community/Public Service
Community involvement has always been close to my heart. I currently serve on the City of Leawood's Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Commission, and Veterans Memorial Committee. I'm also the Chair of the Leawood Economic Development Council, member of the Leawood World Cup Committee, and serve as Vice President and Architectural Review Committee Chairperson of the Leawood Homes Association.
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city/district forward?
1) Quality of Life: Preserve Leawood’s exceptional parks, trails, art, recreation, and cultural amenities, while strengthening HOA partnerships to keep neighborhoods vibrant, safe, connected, and welcoming for families of all ages.
2) Smart Growth: Promote responsible, well-scaled economic development that respects our community’s character, supports local entrepreneurs, attracts innovative businesses, and creates opportunities for residents of all ages to live, work, and prosper locally.
3) Sustainable Infrastructure: Maintain and improve streets, sidewalks, and trails; protect green space; enhance bikeways and connectivity; and ensure environmentally sensitive, future-focused planning so Leawood remains a premier place to call home.
What skills, expertise, experience, or competencies qualify you for this position?
Having lived in Leawood nearly my entire life, I understand our community’s unique character, history, and values. As Chair of the Leawood Economic Development Council and an active HOA board member, I’ve helped shape local initiatives, strengthen neighborhoods, address residents’ concerns, and foster community engagement. My experience as a small business owner sharpens my perspective on economic development, budgeting, and supporting vibrant local businesses. I bring collaborative leadership, lifelong community ties, and proven dedication to keeping Leawood an exceptional place to call home for generations to come.
What makes this office an important part of the local government?
The Leawood City Council is vital because it directly shapes policies and decisions impacting residents’ daily lives, from public safety and infrastructure to parks, zoning, and development. As the voice of the community, the council ensures that Leawood’s growth aligns with residents’ values and maintains our high quality of life. This office provides essential oversight, fosters fiscal responsibility, and creates opportunities for residents to engage in decisions that protect and enhance what makes Leawood a premier place to live.