Kearney Residents Give City High Marks in Latest Community Survey

Residents continue to view Kearney as a desirable place to live, while also pointing to shopping, dining, jobs, recreation and development quality as priorities for the future, according to results from the city’s 2026 National Community Survey.

The City of Kearney received the survey results July 29. The report is intended to help city leaders better understand residents’ experiences with local services and community life as they prepare to set priorities for the coming year.

Overall, the results show strong satisfaction with the community. Ninety percent of respondents rated Kearney as an excellent or good place to live, 88 percent said they expect to remain in the community over the next five years, 87 percent said they would recommend Kearney as a place to live, and 85 percent rated the city’s overall quality of life positively.

Compared with the city’s 2023 survey, 28 community ratings improved, 88 remained statistically similar and seven declined. City officials said the findings suggest residents continue to have a generally positive view of municipal services and the community as a whole.

Several of the improved ratings involved services residents encounter regularly, including traffic flow on major streets, traffic signal timing, ease of travel by car, snow removal, sidewalk maintenance, crime prevention, traffic enforcement and code enforcement.

Those gains follow strategic investments by the mayor and Board of Aldermen over the past three years in infrastructure, public safety and city services.

The survey also identified areas where residents would like to see continued progress. Respondents expressed interest in more shopping and dining options, additional employment opportunities, expanded recreation programs, more community events and continued attention to the quality of new development.

“The National Community Survey gives us an opportunity to measure whether the city’s priorities are reflected in residents’ everyday experiences,” City Administrator Sheila Ernzen said. “It’s encouraging to see many of the survey’s strongest improvements align with those priorities.”

Ernzen said the Board has focused on strengthening everyday services, investing in infrastructure, encouraging business investment, expanding housing choices and preserving the quality of life that residents value.

The mayor and Board of Aldermen are expected to use the survey results during their annual priority-setting session as they establish city goals for the next year.

The full National Community Survey report can be found HERE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Mayor Pogue Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

Mayor Randy Pogue delivered his annual State of the City address during the Kearney Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 3, spotlighting recent accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

During his presentation, Mayor Pogue shared updates on several key infrastructure and community projects that are helping shape Kearney’s future.

“2025 has been another remarkable year for Kearney,” Mayor Pogue told Chamber members. “We have continued to make meaningful investments in infrastructure, economic development, parks, public safety, and other priorities that strengthen our community. New businesses are opening, major projects are taking shape, and we are making thoughtful decisions that position Kearney for long-term success.

The first item Pogue highlighted was the1 billion-gallon water tower, which is now fully operational. City crews also cleaned and inspected more than 21,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, rehabilitated more than 5,000 feet through trenchless lining, and completed major maintenance improvements at the water treatment facility, where treatment basins were sandblasted and recoated to prevent corrosion and extend their useful life.

Another topic Pogue talked about was Kearney’s strong economic momentum. He acknowledged the opening of Precision Athletics & Wellness and River Trails BierWerks which opened this spring. He also commented that Kearney’s Innovation Business Park is nearing full buildout.

The mayor also highlighted national business brands that are going through the approval and construction process in Kearney, including Chipotle, AutoZone, and Les Schwab Tires.

Mayor Pogue also talked about the downtown revitalization of the original portion of Kearney through the CORE 353 redevelopment program. Six major projects have already been approved that represent more than $5.5 million in private investment.

Pogue also listed ways that Kearney became a more connected community in 2025 through pathway gap projects that improve connectivity and pedestrian safety throughout Kearney. These projects built five new sidewalk connections, ADA-accessible ramps at key locations, and a flashing pedestrian beacon at Meadowbrook Drive to improve crossing safety.

At Lions Park, the city completed a major playground replacement project using a new poured-in-place safety surface, significantly improving accessibility, safety, and usability for children of all abilities. At Jesse James Park, the city added new playground features, including a Ten Spin attraction and a new web climber.

Mayor Pogue also outlined future projects for the city. Projects in the works include the Mack Porter Park connector trail, which will create new recreational and transportation opportunities, a new water line along Nation Road which will support future development near the interchange, the 19th Street Complete Street project to enhance connectivity, improve safety, and support future development potential, and major wastewater system improvements, including a $60 million expansion of the wastewater treatment facility to accommodate Kearney’s continued growth.

Mayor Pogue concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Kearney’s growth and unity: “When I reflect on all we have accomplished, one thing becomes clear: the true strength of Kearney is its people. Success is measured not only in infrastructure and development, but in the families who enjoy our parks, the businesses that choose to invest here, the volunteers who serve their neighbors, and the residents who believe in this community’s future.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Residents Asked to Shape Kearney’s Future with Online Survey

The City of Kearney is asking residents to share their views on quality of life, city services, and future priorities through the National Community Survey, now open through June 17.

City officials said the survey covers topics including public safety, infrastructure, growth, and overall quality of life. Results will help guide the Mayor and Board of Aldermen as they set the city’s priorities and initiatives each year.

The city’s social media announcement about the survey has already garnered several comments suggesting the city look at items like streets, parking lots, police needs, animal control shelters, a community center, a pool, water prices, among other issues.

The survey takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Participants will be asked to provide their ZIP code and email address at the end of the survey to help ensure one response per person. The City of Kearney said all feedback will remain anonymous to the city, while personal information will be securely stored by Polco.

Take the survey HERE.

Residents with questions can contact City Hall by email at CityHall@KearneyMO.us or by phone at 816-628-4142.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Summer of Fun in Kearney Starts in May

Summer’s here in Kearney, and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting season yet! From splashing in brand-new parks to grooving at outdoor concerts, the City of Kearney has packed the summer calendar with fun for families, friends, and neighbors. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, there’s something for everyone to celebrate. Here’s your go-to guide to making unforgettable memories all summer long.

The City of Kearney is set to kick off an action-packed summer season with the opening of the Lions Park Splash Pad on Friday, May 22. After months of anticipation, families can look forward to a refreshing new way for kids to cool off as temperatures rise. The splash pad welcomes all ages for playdates, afternoon escapes from the heat, and plenty of sun-filled fun. Residents are encouraged to grab their sunscreen and towels and join the celebration as the splash pad officially opens for another memorable season.

This year, Kearney’s Community Market has a new home. Beginning Thursday, May 28, the Market in the Park will take place at Lions Park every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. The market offers a chance to support local farmers, artisans, and makers, while providing a perfect setting to shop for fresh produce and unique handmade goods. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

Friday nights at Lions Park promise even more entertainment with the return of Food and Flick Fridays. Starting at 6:30 p.m., local food trucks will serve up dinner options before family-friendly movies light up the big screen at dusk. This summer’s lineup includes:

• June 12: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

• June 26: Barbie

• July 10: Lilo & Stitch

• July 24: Superman

Another highlight of the season is the Cleats & Beats FunFest, taking place on Friday, June 19, at Jesse James Park. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a massive World Cup watch party as the USA takes on Australia, broadcast live on a giant outdoor screen. The event will also feature soccer camps with Challenger Sports coaches, food trucks, selfie stations, community activities, and a concert by The Bangerz following the match.

The music continues at the Kearney Amphitheater with the 2026 Summer Concert Series, where the gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The series kicks off July 3 with an Independence Day Celebration featuring Shiprocked and the region’s premier fireworks display. Additional acts include Sounds of Santana (Latin Rhythms) on July 17 and Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders (Outlaw Country) on August 29.

Finally, families are encouraged to sign their kids up for youth sports activities, with registration currently open. From soccer to new youth pickleball camps, there are plenty of ways for young athletes in Kearney to stay active and engaged all summer long.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Aldermen, Ballot Question Results

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, to decide who would serve in elected positions and if the city residents would approve a bond issue to help fund wastewater system improvements. Here are the unofficial results from the Clay County Board of Elections:

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1 Alderman incumbent Ashton King and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman David Lehman ran unopposed and were automatically reelected for those seats on the Board of Aldermen.

Kearney Question (Wastewater System Bond Issue)

Residents also voted how to finance required wastewater system improvements. Wastewater systems are funded by user fees paid by customers who use the system, not taxes.

 A “Yes” vote allows the City to use the lower-interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. A “No” vote means the City would still complete the work but using traditional financing at a higher cost.

The bond issue question was soundly approved by voters. 82.3% voters were in favor of the measure, while 17.7% of voters said no.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.