Leslie Soden

How did I learn how to fight development? 

I purchased my first home in a historic neighborhood in the 100k person town of Lawrence, Kansas.  I became active with the neighborhood association that already existed.  I spent 10 years on this neighborhood board learning about different city departments, codes, etc. 

And then came a massive development project a mere one block from my home.  I became President of our neighborhood association and thus the leader of our fight.  We won major concessions, but I was still unhappy with the process and issues that were uncovered.  

I made the leap to run to become a City Commissioner. First I served as Vice-Mayor, and then became Mayor the following year. 

Having sat on both sides of the table, I want to share what I learned in my time as a neighborhood activist and as an elected official.