Record-breaking housing permits, business expansions and investments in public safety and parks took center stage during Olathe Mayor John Bacon’s annual State of the City address last week.

“Today, I’m happy to say the state of the city is strong,” Bacon said, addressing a few hundred attendees at the address, hosted by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce.

Bacon focused on Olathe’s developments along with the city’s plan to manage its continued expansion.

“There’s no denying Olathe’s growth,” Bacon said. “We see it every day in the neighborhoods being built and new businesses opening. What we’re here to talk about today is how we grow with purpose.”

Here are some key takeaways:

Residential growth

• With roughly 150,000 residents, Olathe is on the verge of becoming Kansas’ third-largest city, Bacon said.
• “We can’t build new homes fast enough,” he said said.
• The city issued housing permits for more than 2,000 residential units so far this year — the most in the city’s history, according to Bacon. Over 400 of those were for single-family homes.
• “People want to be here,” he said.

Economic development

• Bacon said the city has seen $1 billion in residential and commercial development this year, highlighting the Kansas City Chiefs’ headquarters and training facility.
• He also touted an expansion in Olathe by Faith Technologies, which manufactures parts for data centers.
• The city approved $239 million in industrial revenue bonds for the project in August.
• Amazon opened a new distribution center last month, creating 800 jobs.
• Dillons broke ground on a new grocery store at College and Sunnybrook boulevards last month.
• “Commercial growth means a more diverse and stronger tax base. It provides relief for residential property taxes and ensures our residents have job opportunities,” Bacon said.

Improving travel across the city

• Bacon pointed to the nearly complete 119th Street Extension Project as a response to residents’ requests for better east-west travel across the city.
• He said Olathe is working with BNSF Railway and federal partners to study nine railroad crossings along a 2.5-mile stretch between Woodland and Dennis.
• The study will gather data and public input, consider potential designs and assess possible solutions to concerns over safety and traffic delays.
• “We’ve heard you loud and clear,” Bacon said. “Something needs to be done about the railroad tracks west of downtown.”

Creating an inclusive community

• Bacon emphasized the city’s investment in inclusive developments.
• He announced a proposed $2.5 million grant to build an inclusive playground at Two Trails Park will come before the City Council this week.
• He also highlighted the city’s adaptive recreation programs, which offer sports and social activities for people with disabilities.
• Construction is currently underway for Halo Ridge, a $320 million ultra-accessible entertainment district.
• “Everyone deserves the chance to live an active lifestyle,” Bacon said.

Investments in Public Safety

• Bacon spoke about the city’s police and fire departments, saying: “We know public safety has always been one of your top priorities.”
• He highlighted the “Drones as First Responders” program, implemented in April.
• The Olathe Police Department has four drones used to gather real-time information before officers arrive.
• In one case, Bacon said a drone helped locate a vehicle tied to suspects in an interstate crime spree targeting bank customers.
• The city also recently opened a new law enforcement training center and fire station.