Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird Announces Campaign for Jackson County Executive

Today (March 30), Bill Baird, two-term Mayor of Lee’s Summit, successful small business owner, and proven, results-driven leader, announced his candidacy for Jackson County Executive. Baird enters the race with a strong record of delivering for working families, strengthening public safety, and driving historic economic growth.

“We are at an important moment for Jackson County,” said Baird. “It’s time to bring respect, professionalism, and competence back to county government. It’s time to deliver stability for taxpayers and focus on results, not politics. I’m running to serve people, strengthen communities, and secure the future of Jackson County.”

Since being elected mayor in 2018, Baird has built a reputation for putting public safety first, strengthening the local economy, and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly. Under his leadership, Lee’s Summit made transformative investments in police and fire services, including increasing starting pay for both police officers and firefighters by more than 60 percent—dramatically improving recruitment and retention.

Baird also led major upgrades to public safety infrastructure, including new fire stations, expanded ambulance services, upgraded police facilities, and the implementation of body-worn and in-car cameras. These efforts have strengthened emergency response and enhanced transparency for residents.

A disciplined fiscal leader, Baird championed multiple no-tax-increase bond initiatives and innovative funding strategies to position the city for long-term success. His administration invested $187 million in infrastructure improvements, modernizing roads, stormwater systems, and public facilities while maintaining balanced budgets and increasing investment in core services.

Baird’s leadership has also driven unprecedented economic growth. During his tenure, Lee’s Summit approved nearly $3 billion in new development and more than 2 million square feet of commercial space, supporting job creation, expanding the tax base, and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a regional economic leader. He also advanced a balanced growth strategy that supports business development while protecting neighborhood character and quality of life.

In addition, Baird delivered on long-standing community priorities by revitalizing downtown with a new farmer’s market and performance venue, helping strengthen the city’s cultural and economic core.

Before serving as mayor, Baird built a successful 20-year career in real estate, founding and growing Infinity Realty into a firm with more than 130 agents before continuing as a commercial real estate broker with Baird Realty Group. His private-sector experience informs his practical, accountable approach to leadership.

A dedicated community leader, Baird has served on the Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board, the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation Board, and numerous civic and professional organizations. He holds degrees in business and psychology from Baker University, where he was a multi-sport athlete.

Baird and his wife, Hillory, have been proud residents of Lee’s Summit for more than 20 years and are raising their two children in the community they love.

As County Executive, Baird will focus on restoring trust in government, ensuring transparency and accountability, investing in infrastructure, supporting public safety, and driving sustainable economic growth that benefits all residents.

“Results you can see. Leadership you can trust. A record that delivers,” Baird said. “That’s what I’ve done as mayor, and that’s exactly what I’ll bring to Jackson County.”

The campaign will announce additional details in the coming weeks.