3/8-Cent Sales Tax Renewal future opportunities for streets
Published on February 12, 2025
Nearly every Lenexa street has been improved over the last two decades through the Pavement Management Program (PMP). Over 60% of its funding comes from the 3/8-Cent Sales Tax. If renewed in a mail ballot election this spring, the Sales Tax would continue to support this program to keep Lenexa streets in good condition.
PMP work includes resurfacing, spot sidewalk repairs and curb and gutter replacement in both neighborhood streets and thoroughfares. This program extends the useful life of streets efficiently and economically. The City would continue to use a data-driven pavement analysis to decide which roads are resurfaced.
Lenexa’s street network grows each year — it now covers over 850 lane miles — and aging areas are in need of rehabilitation. The resurfacing techniques we use have a useful life of about 8–10 years. Regular resurfacing is required to keep streets in good shape and prevent disruptive, expensive reconstruction projects.
Some of this funding could support Lenexa’s Street Reconstruction Program. When roads have reached a point where traditional maintenance methods are no longer effective, we rebuild the street and fix the problems that caused the road to fail. These projects are much more expensive than resurfacing projects. In 2024, one lane mile of street reconstruction was nearly 10 times as expensive as resurfacing one lane mile.
The 3/8-Cent Sales Tax could also help fund further investment in the Complete Streets Plan, which promotes projects that provide access and connectivity; improve safety and comfort; and encourage a culture of walking and biking. Past Complete Streets projects have added bicycle street markings, a designated bicycle boulevard, bus landing pads, improved pedestrian crossings and trail connections around the city.
The City of Lenexa’s 3/8-Cent Sales Tax was approved by voters in 2008 to fund street and parks maintenance and projects. Lenexans will vote on whether to renew the Sales Tax for an additional 20 years in a mail ballot election this spring. Ballots will be mailed to all registered Lenexa voters March 11 and are due at the Johnson County Election Office by noon on April 1, 2025.