The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners and county leaders are encouraging county residents to weigh in on how the commission district boundary lines should be updated. Today, the BOCC reached consensus on three proposed maps to share with the public as part of the 2025 redistricting process.

Due to population growth occurring at different rates throughout the county, redistricting is necessary to keep the districts “as compact and equal in population as possible” and ensure representation among the districts remains fair. The maximum population deviation between districts should be 10%. In 2025, the population deviation in Johnson County reached 11.03%.

In February, the county launched a redistricting project in partnership with Haystaq DNA, a consultant with decades of experiencing on redistricting projects for other governments. Their mapping and population experts have been working with county staff who also have expertise in this area.

“In addition to the expertise of our county staff and our consultants, we want to hear what our residents think about redrawing our commission district boundaries,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “I hope our residents will take the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed maps, or even create one of their own. Community input is always appreciated.”

Public engagement opportunities

At its May 22 Committee of the Whole session, the BOCC reached consensus on three draft maps for the public and commissioners to consider. The public can provide feedback on those maps and can even access an online tool called Dave’s Redistricting App, a popular online mapping tool used in redistricting projects. Residents are invited to edit the proposed maps or draw their own, now through June 16. They can share their maps with the county or provide other feedback. All of that, along with more information, is available at jocogov.org/redistricting.

During the first week of June, public engagement sessions will take place in each commission district to explain the process and show attendees how to use the mapping tool.

District	Commissioner	Date	Time	Location
2	Commissioner Jeff Meyers	Mon., June 2	11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (presentation at 11:30)	Shawnee Library (13811 Johnson Drive)
5	Commissioner Michael Ashcraft	Mon., June 2	3 – 5 p.m. (presentation at 3:30)	Administration Bldg. (111 S. Cherry St. Olathe)
1	Commissioner Becky Fast	Tues., June 3	11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (presentation at 11:30)	Corinth Library (8100 Mission Rd, Prairie Village)
3	Commissioner Julie Brewer	Tues., June 3	3 – 5 p.m. (presentation at 3:30)	Blue Valley Library (9000 W. 151 St., Overland Park)
6	Commissioner Shirley Allenbrand	Wed., June 4	11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (presentation at 11:30)	Gardner Library (137 E. Shawnee St.)
4	Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick	Wed., June 4	3 – 5 p.m. (presentation at 3:30)	Lenexa City Center Library (8778 Penrose Lane)

In addition, a virtual public engagement “lunch and learn” session will take place on June 11 from noon to 1 p.m. The link will be available at jocogov.org/redistricting.

Guidelines, requirements and criteria 

Data and population numbers aren’t the only factors used to determine district maps. The BOCC needs to consider legal standards as well as a set of criteria used as a lens when reviewing and voting on a new map. At its April 3 Committee of the Whole, the BOCC came to consensus on the following criteria.

• Population equivalency
• Logical, compact configuration
• Existing voting precincts
• Where possible, keep cities whole 
• Accommodation of future growth and population increases
• Recognition of existing boundaries and continuity with previous district plan
• Continuity in office
• Number of voters moving between districts

The BOCC plans to adopt a new county map in August.