City of Westwood, Kansas

What City of Westwood, Kansas does

The City of Westwood, Kansas is a municipal government incorporated in 1952 and located in Johnson County within the Kansas City metropolitan area. It operates with a small staff of approximately 22 employees, governed by an elected Mayor (David Waters, term 2023-2027) and a five-member City Council, and provides the full menu of municipal services to its residents and businesses: police protection, public works (streets, stormwater, snow removal), building inspection and planning, parks and recreation (including the Woodside summer pool and Joe D. Dennis Park), municipal court, and administrative services. Customer-facing operations include a City Hall at 4700 Rainbow Boulevard and a Public Works facility at 2545 W. 47th Street.

The City runs a CivicPlus-powered municipal website (westwoodks.org) and a GovBuilt online portal for building permits, occupational licenses, rental licenses, massage therapist licenses, and solicitation permits, enabling digital self-service for residents and businesses. Revenue is generated through property taxes, a 1/2-cent capital improvement sales tax (effective October 2018), recurring rental licenses ($50/property/year), annual occupational licenses, building permit fees (flat fees and ICC valuation formulas), solicitation permits ($25), massage licenses, municipal court fines, and Woodside pool passes. The City functions as a fiscal agent for capital and redevelopment activity, channeling tens of millions in public-private investment into the Woodside Village ($105M+ with Tanner & White Properties), the former Westwood View Elementary School site (Hunt Midwest selected August 2025), and the City Hall site (RFQ/P process launched 2024).

The City is actively pursuing a multi-corridor Complete Streets program (47th Street, Rainbow Boulevard, 47th Place, Mission Road, Belinder Avenue) in partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK, Roeland Park, Fairway, and other regional stakeholders. It has invested in long-range planning instruments including a 2017 Comprehensive Plan, 2015 and 2021 ULI Technical Assistance Panels, a 2022 Multistudio City Facilities Assessment, and a 2024 Governing Body Strategic Plan developed with PorchLight Insights and ETC Institute. The City has earned Gold-level recognition in KC Communities for All Ages (2023) and a 94/100 Complete Streets score from Smart Growth America (2022) as reputational capital for its planning discipline.

Name

City of Westwood, Kansas

Legal name

City of Westwood, Kansas

Website

https://westwoodks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The City of Westwood, Kansas is a small Johnson County municipal government that provides police, public works, permitting, parks, and planning services to residents and local businesses, funded primarily by property and sales taxes and administered through a CivicPlus website and GovBuilt online portal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (56179), Police Protection (922120), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Sanitary Services (4950)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Planning, Zoning, Permitting & Code Enforcement (BPAIACAE), Grounds & Exterior Services (Landscaping/Snow Removal/Parking Lot Maintenance) (IMAIAAAF)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Building permits licensing
• Public works infrastructure
• Community development planning
• Parks recreation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Westwood, Kansas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Taxes: Property tax revenue as primary municipal funding source, subject to revenue neutral rate considerations
2. Sales Tax Revenue: Sales tax revenue including special 1/2 cent sales tax measure for capital improvements (effective October 1, 2018)
3. Business/Occupational Licenses: Annual occupation licenses required for all businesses, expire January 14th. New businesses after July 1st charged half annual fee
4. Building Permits: Building permit fees based on flat fees for certain projects and ICC valuation formula for new construction, commercial alterations, remodels, and tenant finishes
5. Rental Licenses: Annual rental license fee of $50 per property including short-term rentals
6. Solicitation Permits: Application fee of $25 per solicitation permit
7. Massage Therapist Licenses: Separate permit for massage therapy establishments in addition to occupational license
8. Municipal Court Fines: Fines collected through municipal court for city code violations
9. Pool Passes: Revenue from Woodside summer pool pass program

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The City of Westwood is a municipal government that delivers core municipal services to residents and businesses within its Johnson County, Kansas jurisdiction. Its primary offerings include public safety (police, municipal court, animal control), public works (street maintenance, stormwater utility, snow removal, trash/recycling/composting collection), parks and recreation (Woodside pool program, Joe D. Dennis Park, community events), building and planning services (building permits, inspections, zoning, comprehensive planning), and licensing (occupational, rental, massage therapist, and solicitation licenses). Services are delivered in-person at City Hall and online through the GovBuilt permitting and licensing portal.

Product overview

The City of Westwood, Kansas provides comprehensive municipal government services to its residents and businesses. The city's offerings include core administrative services (city council, planning commission, administration), public works (infrastructure, stormwater utility, snow removal), public safety (police, municipal court, animal control), parks and recreation (pool passes, Joe D. Dennis Park, community events), and permitting services (building permits, business licenses, rental licenses) through an online GovBuilt portal. The city also provides community resources including utility information, aging resources, transportation, and a community room available for reservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Building Permits Building permits issued by the City of Westwood for residential and commercial construction, including flat fees for residential electrical upgrades, mechanical and plumbing work, demolitions, sidewalks, and driveways, plus ICC valuation formula-based fees for new construction, commercial alterations, remodels, and tenant finishes. For property owners, contractors, and developers.
• Occupational/Business Licenses Annual occupation licenses required for all businesses operating within the City of Westwood, expiring January 14th each year. New businesses starting after July 1st pay half the annual fee. Issued through the city's online GovBuilt portal.
• Rental Licenses Annual rental license fee of $50 per property including short-term rentals, valid for one year and renewable annually. Issued via the city's online portal. For landlords and short-term rental operators.
• Massage Therapist Licenses Separate massage therapist establishment permits issued in addition to the standard occupational license for massage therapy businesses operating in Westwood.
• Solicitation Permits Application-based solicitation permits with an application fee of $25 per permit, issued to individuals or entities conducting solicitation activities within city limits.
• Public Safety Services Police protection, animal control, municipal court, and security alarm registration services delivered by the Westwood Police Department with 24-hour dispatch capability.
• Trash, Recycling & Composting Collection Residential waste collection services including trash, recycling, composting (yard waste limited to 10 bags/household/week effective January 1, 2026), and bulky item pickup, provided through GFL Environmental.
• Community Room Reservation 1,200 sq. ft. community room at Westwood City Hall (24' by 50') with kitchen area, accommodating up to 98 people theater-style or 60 with tables. Available for rental by community members, businesses, and organizations for meetings and events.
• Woodside Summer Pool Pass Program Summer pool pass program at the Woodside pools opening May 23, 2026, available to residents and community visitors for seasonal access to municipal pool facilities.
• Public Works and Infrastructure Services Municipal infrastructure services including street reconstruction, sidewalks, curb and gutter work, new street lights, stormwater improvements, and snow removal. In 2019, over $3 million in capital projects were completed across 10 street and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved Gold level recognition in KC Communities for All Ages program (Fall 2023)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hunt MidwestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 August 2025Hunt Midwest & Finkle Williams were selected as the recommended development team for the former Westwood View Elementary School site redevelopment. The RFP Review Committee recommended them based on alignment with city objectives, track record, financial feasibility, and responsiveness. Hunt Midwest presented preliminary redevelopment plans in July 2026 at a community open house.
• The 47 CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Comprised of businesses, area residents, Rosedale Development Association, and officials from Roeland Park, Westwood, and Unified Government. Coordinates planning and construction of public improvements in 47th & Mission Road area.
• ETC InstitutecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 15 May 2024Nation's leading firm in local government research. Compiled and analyzed survey results for Westwood's 2024 city-wide resident survey. Presented results to Governing Body.
• PorchLight InsightscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 February 2024Consulting firm that specializes in data-driven decision making. Partnered with Mayor and City Council to develop topics and questions for city-wide survey and aided in creation of Governing Body Strategic Plan.
• Multistudio (fka Gould Evans)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 May 2022Professional services firm selected for 2022 City Facilities Assessment and Feasibility Analysis. Recommended by steering committee based on qualifications, experience, and approach.
• Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Regional planning partner for Rainbow Boulevard Complete Streets study through MARC's Planning Sustainable Places program. Study conducted over 2023-2024 with public engagement process.
• Urban Land Institute (ULI) Kansas CitycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 October 2021Conducted Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) in 2015 and 2021 to evaluate land use planning, redevelopment opportunities, and highest/best use of city properties including former Westwood View Elementary School and City Hall site.
• Woodside Health & Tennis ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 202147th Place bisects Woodside's north and south club facilities. Partner in 47th Place planning and committed significant funds for Rainbow Boulevard Complete Streets improvements.
• Tanner & White Properties, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic-private partnership for Woodside Village development - a $105+ million mixed-use project including renovation of Woodside Racquet Club, 36,000+ sq ft new retail commercial space, and 334 new residential units near 47th Place and Rainbow Boulevard.
• Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City, KansascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-decade partnership coordinating 47th Street improvements and redevelopment between Rainbow Blvd and Mission Road. Financial partnership for Complete Streets concepts along 47th Street corridor.
• City of Roeland ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Mission Road improvements from 47th St to 53rd St, including spot curb repair, sidewalk repair, asphalt base repairs, milling and overlay, street lighting, and marked bike lanes. CARS grant funding through Johnson County.
• City of FairwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Mission Road improvements project spanning multiple jurisdictions with complete streets elements.
• Kansas Department of TransportationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStakeholder partner in Rainbow Boulevard planning study along with other regional entities.
• Kansas City Area Transportation AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStakeholder partner in Rainbow Boulevard planning study.
• University of Kansas Health SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStakeholder partner in Rainbow Boulevard planning and adjacent property owner at 4720 Rainbow Blvd. Currently reviewing City Hall redevelopment RFQ/P recommendation.
• Rosedale Development AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStakeholder partner in Rainbow Boulevard planning study.
• City of Mission WoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Rainbow Boulevard planning study.
• City of Westwood HillsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Rainbow Boulevard planning study.
• Midwest Transplant NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated adjacent to 47th Place, the network's building bisected by the street. Partner in 47th Place planning study.
• Variety KC (The Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnounced Joe D. Dennis Park as second recipient of the Ten Parks Project grant through Resolution No. 154-2026 adopted June 11, 2026.
• WaterOnecoreOthersWater utility provider for Westwood, conducting water main replacement projects on W. 50th Street from Belinder Avenue to Mission Road beginning June 24, 2026.
• GFL EnvironmentalcoreOthersTrash, recycling, and composting collection services provider. Changes to collection services effective January 1, 2026 including weekly yard waste collection limited to 10 bags per household.
• Johnson County WastewatercoreOthersWastewater services provider for Westwood residents.
• Kansas Gas ServiceminorOthersNatural gas service provider, conducting utility maintenance as part of Mission Road improvements in Spring 2025.
• Westwood FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit foundation supporting the city. RFQ/P review committee representation for City Hall redevelopment. Historical funding through Woodside Club investment and rental income.
• Amino Brothers Co., Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction contractor awarded contract in February 2025 for Mission Road improvements project.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• CivicPlus: Provider of the municipal website, alert/notification portal, and GovBuilt integration that powers Westwood's online permitting and licensing workflows; an enabling technology vendor rather than a competitor, but central to service delivery.

Direct peers

• City of Roeland Park, Kansas: Adjacent Johnson County, KS municipality of comparable size. Westwood and Roeland Park are active co-partners on the Mission Road improvements project and share CARS grant participation, making them natural operational and demographic peers.
• City of Prairie Village, Kansas: Comparable first-ring Johnson County suburb with similar Complete Streets-style planning, active redevelopment, and small-city governance profile; one of the closest demographic analogs to Westwood.
• City of Westwood Hills, Kansas: Small Johnson County, KS city collaborating with Westwood on the Rainbow Boulevard planning study; nearly identical size and service model makes it a near-clone peer.
• City of Mission, Kansas: Slightly larger Johnson County, KS municipality bordering Westwood with similar small-city service delivery and active capital improvement program; useful benchmark for capacity and operations.
• City of Mission Woods, Kansas: Tiny Johnson County municipality that participates as a stakeholder in Westwood's Rainbow Boulevard planning study; comparable scale and demographic profile create direct overlap.
• City of Fairway, Kansas: Neighboring small Johnson County, KS city that is a direct partner with Westwood on the Mission Road complete-streets corridor improvements; closely comparable in scale and service scope.

Broad incumbents

• City of Leawood, Kansas: Affluent Johnson County, KS municipality of moderate scale with a similar small-government service model but larger operating budget and redevelopment capacity; useful upper-bound benchmark for Westwood's trajectory.
• Unified Government of Wyandotte County / Kansas City, Kansas: Combined city/county government directly partnering with Westwood on the 47th Street improvements and Rainbow Boulevard planning; a much larger broad incumbent in the same regional planning footprint.
• City of Overland Park, Kansas: Much larger Johnson County, KS municipality that anchors the same regional planning ecosystem via MARC; provides a broader-incumbent reference point for service delivery, redevelopment scale, and Complete Streets implementation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-westwood-kansas

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of Westwood, Kansas