Douglas County Commission Summary
Week of November 6, 2026
County zoning staff coordinates relocation for N. 1500 Road residents
Commission appoints new members to Food Policy Council
County explores 'Food is Medicine' health grants
Bert Nash Treatment and Recovery Center agreement nears expiration
Economic Development Corporation board member resigns
Haskell Indian Nations University and Chamber of Commerce plan economic impact study
County zoning staff coordinates relocation for N. 1500 Road residents
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - County zoning staff is managing the transition of residents living on N. 1500 Road as a court-ordered move-out date arrived Tuesday. Commissioners expressed concern that the displaced residents needed stronger connections to social services. County staff assured the commission that zoning enforcement is actively coordinating with local resources, including the Lawrence Humane Society and the Kansas Department for Children and Families, to handle the transition humanely while fulfilling the court order.
Commission appoints new members to Food Policy Council
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - The Douglas County Commission unanimously approved two appointments to the Douglas County Food Policy Council on Monday. An appointee was appointed to the agriculture and natural resources liaison seat, while another appointee will serve in the public health liaison seat. The advisory council works alongside local government to build a resilient, sustainable and equitable local food system in the region.
County explores 'Food is Medicine' health grants
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Douglas County is examining new federal grant opportunities following a national "Food is Medicine" summit attended by a commissioner. The initiative connects nutritional education and locally sourced produce to health care outcomes, with pilot programs nationwide showing reduced hospitalizations for heart failure and diabetes. Commissioners highlighted the potential for the Douglas County Food Policy Council and local health partners to secure federal Medicare and Medicaid innovation funding to build resilient food infrastructure in the community.
Bert Nash Treatment and Recovery Center agreement nears expiration
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Douglas County officials are in negotiations with the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center regarding the operating agreement for the Treatment and Recovery Center, which is set to expire at the end of December. County administrators reported a productive meeting with Bert Nash leadership earlier in the week and noted that a new medical director was recently hired for the facility. Staff remains hopeful a new or extended agreement will be finalized before the deadline.
Economic Development Corporation board member resigns
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Kevin Kelley has resigned from his position on the Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County board. The resignation was announced during Monday's Douglas County Commission meeting. Kelley, who also serves as the CEO of Peaslee Tech, stepped down without providing a public reason for his departure. Commissioners were encouraged to reach out to Kelley directly with any questions regarding his departure.
Haskell Indian Nations University and Chamber of Commerce plan economic impact study
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Efforts are underway to coordinate an economic impact study between Haskell Indian Nations University and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. The initiative seeks to quantify the university's financial and cultural impact on the local economy. A meeting between the chamber, Explore Lawrence and the Haskell Foundation was initially delayed due to a scheduling conflict with the upcoming Nov. 10 inauguration of the university's new president, Dr. Alex Red Corn, but coordination is expected to resume shortly.
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