Quality of Life

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In 2040:

Olathe is a great place to live and age well.
People come to Olathe and stay because it is a place that provides hope for their future.
Olathe is an inclusive community where everyone can live a productive life, where there are good jobs, attainable housing, quality amenities, access to quality education, child care, and health services.
People feel safe and connected to their neighbors and have community pride.

2040 Quality of Services Vision Statements

Diverse Housing and Quality Neighborhoods

In 2040, everyone can call Olathe home with attainable, diverse housing options in healthy, safe neighborhoods.

Context

As our population continues to grow, we understand the importance of quality neighborhoods and varied housing options. Olathe recently received recognition as the best place in Kansas to buy a home and the #1 city in America for millennials to buy a home.

Baby Boomers are selling their homes and downsizing from single-family to rental properties or maintenance provided communities. Many in the growing senior population wish to stay in their homes to avoid more institutional alternatives. Immigrant cultures are looking for multi-generational housing options to meet their families’ needs. While the housing preferences may differ, all groups desire a healthy neighborhood, a place where they are connected to neighbors, are safe and feel safe, and can easily access food and other life necessities.

Housing access, affordability, and diversity across our growing population will be crucial to our resilient community in the future. We will advance solutions for neighborhoods and housing through the strategic plan and with tools such as the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, the Community for All Ages program, and the Master Housing Study.

Goals

Improve the health of all neighborhoods.
Diversify housing choices.

Connected People

In 2040, Olathe neighborhoods connect people to where they live, work, and play. Human connections bring meaning to our lives and create a sense of belonging in the community. Neighborhoods are welcoming and have a sense of community and place.

Context

Engaging our community and creating connections supports a sense of belonging among Olatheans and preserves and builds on our shared community identity. Strong community connections improve physical and mental health, directly impacting the overall quality of life in the city of Olathe.

With advancements in technology, people can connect in ways not imagined by previous generations. While the digital space facilitates connection, we live in a time when loneliness and depression are on the rise and physical activity is decreasing. Having safe and easy access to the places we live, work, and play remains vital to our community well-being.

As we become a larger, more diverse community, we must make strategic investments in programs and infrastructure to create connections and a sense of community, and help bring meaning to the lives of all our residents.

Goals

Ensure that people are connected, safe, and have a sense of belonging.
Cultivate a welcoming community where people feel valued and relationships are built and fostered.

Healthy and Safe Community

In 2040, quality, integrated, and supportive resources are available and accessible to all members of the community.

Context

Olathe promotes active, healthy lifestyles for its residents, providing miles of trails, dozens of parks, and a community center designed for people of all ages. Our cardiac arrest survival rate is among the nation’s highest. We are ranked the #6 safest city in America.

Still, our community is facing health challenges. Demand for mental and physical health care is increasing and is expected to expand as our population grows and ages. Affordability and access to health-related services are concerns. Our community’s health is also affected by other broader social and environmental factors. Obesity, social isolation, alcoholism, drug use, and suicide are on the rise. The temperature in the Midwest is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades. Higher temperatures will impact our community’s overall health and will be particularly difficult for seniors, vulnerable populations, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Community health requires strong relationships among the City of Olathe, residents, community partners, and other agencies. We will approach our community’s health and safety with a sense of urgency and in a way that is most beneficial to all Olatheans.

Goals

Create a community where people of all ages and abilities thrive.
Optimize access to physical and mental health care, physical activity, and healthy food options.
Maximize an environment where people feel invested in community safety.

People Reach Their Full Potential

In 2040, people have access to quality employment, education, enjoyment, and transportation.

Context

When people have access to satisfying employment, first-rate education, physical and mental health services, and healthy lifestyle options, opportunities for a high quality of life improve.

Olathe is home to employers representing a wide range of services and specialties: education, technology, medical, insurance, food, security, and transportation. Public and private schools in Olathe have a long tradition of preparing our students for success.

However, fewer students are entering vocational training programs, and a shortage of trained trade workers is emerging. We will collaborate with our schools and businesses so that our growing employment sectors have a homegrown talent pool to fill jobs.

For some in our community, however, lack of training is not the only barrier to employment and reaching their full potential. Mental and physical health issues, lack of transportation, and homelessness hinder their ability to flourish. A community-wide effort is needed to address these complex challenges.

Goals

Improve opportunities for employment, education, and community resources.

Celebrate Our Unique Places and History

In 2040, Olathe treasures its rich history and cultural legacy through education, promotion, and preservation efforts. Locals and visitors enjoy Olathe’s historic attractions and community events.

Context

The City of Olathe enjoys a strong community identity, formed from our rich history and the many unique places and events we offer our residents and visitors. Continuing to celebrate and promote our past will grow our vibrant community, strengthen our economic development, preserve our legacy, and cultivate the future leaders.

Our community is home to many unique venues that educate and inspire our residents and attract visitors. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site, Olathe Heritage Center, Olathe Naval Air Station, Lone Elm Park Historic Campsite, Kansas School for the Deaf, Olathe Memorial Cemetery, Ensor Park and Museum, and the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture are all one-of-a-kind.

Staying true to the meaning of our namesake “beautiful,” we have invested in permanent and rotating public art, accentuating our downtown and surrounding community areas. We celebrate visual and performing arts through our Olathe Civic Band, Olathe Community Theater, and Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Our robust system of recreational parks and trails not only connect the community, they beautify our city and enhance community health.

Goals

Increase unique experiences and places.