OP Mayor Carl Gerlach talks U.S 69 expansion, public-private partnerships at 2020 State of the City

After 60 years of incorporation as a city, Mayor Carl Gerlach said Thursday that he credits Overland Park’s success to a history of intentional leadership.

Hundreds gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center on yesterday afternoon to hear Gerlach deliver the 2020 Overland Park State of the City address. Gerlach mentioned the various factors that led to the city’s recognition on lists as a great place to live, including education, strong community relations and quality of life.

“Awards are nice, but the attributes that lead to them don’t just happen,” Gerlach said. “They require intentional leadership — for us that’s 60 years of intentional leadership. I once heard someone say while other cities are playing checkers, Overland Park plays chess.”