Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Olathe City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Olathe residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Housing: Many factors driving Johnson County’s tight and expensive housing market are out of local cities’ control, yet there are some things cities can do to try to address this issue, from incentivizing affordable housing developments to tweaking zoning codes that allow for more diverse types of housing. What policies would you like your city to pursue to make housing in your city potentially more affordable? Is this a priority for you?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
At-Large
Jeff Creighton
The wording of the question includes many of the policies that I would support to provide a broader range of housing options, opportunities for first time buyers, and assisting those with limited incomes. Just as the City of Olathe has been working to improve the downtown area with more options for restaurants and entertainment through city intervention, I believe that the same can be done with housing. Public / private partnerships that provide incentives to rehab or redevelop individual properties or certain areas of the city should be considered. Vacant lots around the city provide infill housing opportunities and it should be a priority to make them available to builders.
Regulations and fees that increase the cost of construction should be reviewed and reconsidered because they are a primary driver of added costs that can be controlled at the local level. I am encouraged that our planning and codes departments have a good relationship with members of the building industry and they meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas. This increased communication can go a long way toward advancing not only cooperation, but in adjusting codes to limit delays and to provide additional housing options in the city.
Rob Olson
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Ward 4
Kevin Deneault
This is one of my top priorities. When I moved to Olathe over 20 years ago I was looking for opportunity, and I found it. However, when I think of my kids graduating, that opportunity is less attainable.
My first apartment was not the cheapest or even luxurious. It cost $537/mo. With inflation that would make it $943/mo. But that exact apartment at the same complex today is actually $1170. We don’t have enough housing that is attainable for people in all stages of life. I support development projects that include attainable units. I support incentives to achieve this when the ROI is good for the city and its residents.
Olathe’s future needs more types of housing, while preserving what we love about Olathe today.
Marge Vogt (incumbent)
Affordable housing is not just an Olathe issue—it’s a national challenge. It’s a complex problem with multiple variables, and while no single solution will solve it, meaningful progress can be achieved. Success will require collaboration between the city and private stakeholders across the housing spectrum.
Current strategies include:
1. Updating ordinances and land use regulations (zoning) to allow more diverse and higher density housing;
2. Implementing pre-approved master plans;
3. Offering tax incentives; and
4. Discounting or deferring permit fees for developments meeting city-established affordability standards.
I supported the 2026 budget that allocated $260,000 toward an Affordable Housing Pilot Program. Developers at recent housing roundtables expressed concern about the “buildability” of lots—issues such as utility access and environmental constraints. This program enables the city to prepare “shovel-ready” sites that can be developed into single-family or multifamily housing. These lots will be placed in the City’s land bank to be sold or donated for affordable housing These initiatives represent only the beginning of what’s needed to provide affordable, quality housing that meets the needs of our growing community. Expanding housing affordability strengthens families, supports economic growth, and enhances quality of life across Olathe.
