Leawood 360 Podcast

Back-to-school season means busier streets, active school zones and more kids walking, biking and riding e-bikes and scooters around Leawood.
In this episode of Leawood 360, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions on many parents’ minds: What are the rules for e-bikes, scooters and other e-devices in Leawood, and how can you help keep your kids safe?
Sergeant Matthew Schroeder and Officer Cody Morse from the Leawood Police Department break down what riders, parents and drivers need to know as students head back to school.
Then, City Engineer Brian Scovill joins us to talk about Leawood’s ongoing efforts to make our streets safer for people walking and biking, including recent pedestrian safety improvements and what to expect from major construction projects during the new school year.

Did you know Leawood is home to one of the Kansas City area's most impressive public art collections? In this episode of Leawood 360, host Beth Breitenstein sits down with Kim Hinkle, Chair of the Art in Public Places Initiative, Anne Blessing, Chair of the Leawood Arts Council, and Melissa Duggan, the City's Cultural Arts Supervisor, to explore the stories behind Leawood's public art program.
Learn about the newly released Leawood Public Art Guide, discover how the new Clio audio tours bring sculptures to life through self-guided storytelling, and hear why the City's iconic sculpture corridor along Tomahawk Creek Parkway is now officially known as Art Line Leawood. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to experience Leawood's parks and trails, this episode will inspire you to see the city through a new lens.

What really happens behind the scenes when severe weather moves into Leawood? On this episode of Leawood 360, we sit down with Leawood Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald to answer some of the biggest questions residents have about tornado sirens, weather alerts, emergency response, and storm preparedness.
We break down how warning systems work, why some neighborhoods hear sirens while others may not, when Leawood activates their Emergency Operations Center during major storms, and what residents should do before, during, and after severe weather hits. Plus, Chief Fitzgerald shares preparedness tips, common myths, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of emergency response in Leawood.

On this episode of Leawood 360, we’re joined by Parks Superintendent and City Arborist Dustin Branick for a fun and informative conversation about the trees that shape our community. From how to choose the right tree for your yard to what not to plant, Dustin shares practical tips every homeowner can use.
We also dig into Leawood’s updated tree ordinance, talk about common tree challenges like sweetgums, and highlight why investing in our urban forest matters now and for future generations.

Leawood is getting ready for the global stage. In this episode, Councilmembers Julie Cain and Lisa Harrison share a behind-the-scenes look at Leawood For the Goal, the city’s community-wide initiative tied to the 2026 World Cup in the Kansas City region. From the 3v3 soccer tournament and match day events to business support and ways to get involved, hear how Leawood is bringing the community together and why this moment matters.

In this episode, we’re bringing you the full audio from Mayor Marc Elkins’ 2026 State of the City Address, delivered on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the beautiful Ironhorse Golf Course.
In his remarks, Mayor Elkins reflects on the past year in Leawood, highlights major projects and community milestones, and looks ahead at what’s next for our city.

Governing Body meetings shape everyday life in Leawood—from parks and streets to safety, development, and long-range planning. In this episode, we’re demystifying the process by explaining how agendas come together, why terminology matters, and how residents can understand (and engage with) decisions at City Hall. No legalese required.

In this episode, Beth sits down with Public Works Superintendent Paul Dunn, and Public Works Specialist Ryan Hays for a behind-the-scenes look at how Leawood prepares for winter weather. From the first forecast to the final plow pass, Paul and Ryan walk through what it takes to keep 450 lane miles clear, how routes are prioritized, what happens overnight during a storm, and the best snow creations they have come across in Leawood yards.

Ever wondered what code enforcement actually means — or how it affects your neighborhood every day? In this episode, Beth talks with Travis Torrez, Leawood’s Director of Building and Code Enforcement, and Wade Thompson, Code Enforcement Officer, about what goes into keeping Leawood beautiful, safe, and consistent with community standards. From trash bins and tall grass to neighborhood character and vacant homes, we’re pulling back the curtain on the people behind the rules — and how they help make Leawood shine.

From parks and housing to the character of our neighborhoods, Leawood’s future is being shaped right now. Hear from the city’s planning leaders about the Rooted & Reaching Comprehensive Plan and why your voice matters.