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Up To Date

Lenexa's longest-serving mayor will retire after 2 decades and a city transformation

By Steve Kraske,
Zach Perez, Elizabeth Ruiz
Published February 1, 2023 at 4:56 PM CST
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Mayor Michael Boehm stands inside building near fake potted tree in a blue blazer and blue blue button up shirt holding an award received on a plaque.
City of Lenexa
Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm received the E.A. Mosher Excellence in Local Government Award on Oct. 10, 2022.

Mayor Michael Boehm will retire after serving five terms as Lenexa's mayor — the longest serving mayor in the city's history. Since he took office, the city's population has grown by nearly 20,000 residents and the downtown has been reimagined.

Michael Boehm, Lenexa's longest-serving mayor, will retire after 20 years leading the city. Boehm is a lifelong resident of the city, and has seen the city's population grow by nearly 20,000 residents since taking office in 2003.

Under Boehm, the city took on a massive development project, relocating city hall and creating a new downtown district near I-435 and 87th street.

"I think it's turned out better than anyone could have imagined," says Boehm of the Lenexa City Center.

Boehm joined Up To Date to discuss the growth and development of the city during his five terms as Lenexa's mayor.

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Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Zach Perez
News is only useful when it addresses your questions and concerns. As KCUR's community engagement producer, I speak directly with diverse communities in our region to help our newsroom understand what matters to them. Through this communication, I ensure your interests and lives are properly represented by our coverage.

What should KCUR be talking about? Who should we be talking to? Let me know. You can email me at zjperez@kcur.org.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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