Douglas County Commission Summary
Week of June 25, 2026
Commissioners call for review of 'A Place for Everyone' homelessness plan
Commission delays homelessness plan review pending new City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry
Commissioner seeks to revive failed 'EveryDay Counts' truancy model
Commissioners call for review of 'A Place for Everyone' homelessness plan
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Douglas County commissioners advocated for a comprehensive review of "A Place for Everyone," the joint city-county strategic plan to address homelessness. A commissioner expressed skepticism that the plan's central goal to make chronic homelessness "rare and brief" by 2028 is attainable, noting that the January 2025 Point-in-Time count found 290 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county.
Commission delays homelessness plan review pending new City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - In response to calls for an immediate review of the "A Place for Everyone" plan, the majority of the commission agreed to postpone strategic discussions until after the upcoming budget cycle and the onboarding of incoming Lawrence City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry. Several commissioners emphasized the importance of honoring the plan's original community-led creation process rather than unilaterally altering strategies during the current budget season.
Commissioner seeks to revive failed 'EveryDay Counts' truancy model
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Following the commission's 2-2 tie vote that deferred the proposed 'EveryDay Counts' truancy model three weeks ago—a deadlock caused when Commissioners Gene Dorsey and Erica Anderson opposed moving services in-house away from the current nonprofit partner—efforts are underway to revive and revise the plan. A commissioner noted they have been meeting with community stakeholders, including the Center for Supportive Communities, school districts, and the District Attorney's office, to collaborate with county staff and present a modified compromise proposal before the local K-12 school year begins on Aug. 13.
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