Commission approves $3.15 million agreement with homeless shelter

City reports 63 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness

Commissioner questions shelter financial controls

Bert Nash project gains zoning approval for affordable housing

East Lawrence property rezoned for single-detached dwellings

City manager search enters interview phase

Commission approves conference travel amid deficit concerns

Commission to review senior aquatic fees

New York Elementary to host 39th annual MLK Chili Feed

Housing assistance program to scrap lottery system

New housing guidelines to require sustainable rent

Landlords push back against tenant right to counsel

Treasurer to consolidate motor vehicle services to Sixth Street

Local taxpayers subsidizing state motor vehicle operations

Property tax rebate applications to open

Commission denies permit for self-storage facility due to road concerns

Commission approves $3.15 million agreement with homeless shelter

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission authorized a $3.15 million funding agreement with the Lawrence Community Shelter to operate emergency sheltering, the Pallet 24 village and inclement weather services for the 2026 fiscal year. The agreement formalizes the shelter as a "component unit" of the city, acknowledging the municipal government's increased financial role in the nonprofit's operations following the exhaustion of pandemic-era federal funds. City Manager Craig Owens noted that while the city does not govern the shelter, the funding arrangement requires stricter financial reporting and alignment with city goals. The measure passed 4-0.

City reports 63 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness

LAWRENCE, Kan. — City officials reported a 63 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness and a 30 percent reduction in overall homelessness from January 2024 to January 2025. Misty Bosch-Hastings, director of the Homeless Solutions Division, attributed the decline to a shift from reactive crisis responses to a coordinated system involving street outreach and increased bed capacity. The city's system has expanded from 40 emergency beds in previous years to 223 beds currently available across various programs, contributing to what Bosch-Hastings described as the first winter in decades without a weather-related death among the unhoused population.

Commissioner questions shelter financial controls

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioner Kristine Polian raised questions Tuesday about the Lawrence Community Shelter agreement, focusing on the "component unit" structure and financial oversight. Citing her background in housing authority finance, Polian asked Executive Director James Chiselom about internal controls, cash handling procedures and the specific use of taxpayer dollars. The commissioner requested that specific oversight data be made available to the commission and the public.

Bert Nash project gains zoning approval for affordable housing

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning requests for properties at 530 Rockledge Road and 2222 W. Sixth St. to facilitate a new affordable housing project. The rezoning from Mixed Corridor District to Residential High-Density District was requested by the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. Matthew Faulk, housing director for Bert Nash, told the commission the development is intended to provide income-based rental housing, a critical need identified in the city's strategic plan.

East Lawrence property rezoned for single-detached dwellings

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The commission voted 4-0 to rezone a property at 1045 Pennsylvania St. in East Lawrence from mixed corridor to low-density residential use. The change allows the property owner to convert an existing structure and parking lot into single-detached dwellings, a land use not permitted under the previous zoning designation. City planners recommended the approval, noting that the project aligns with the goal of increasing housing stock within established neighborhoods.

City manager search enters interview phase

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The search for a new city manager is accelerating, with the commission planning to conduct candidate interviews potentially within the next two weeks. Mayor Brad Finkeldei and staff are currently compiling lists of community stakeholders and representatives from the development community to participate in the interview process. The consultant leading the search has set aside dates in late January to facilitate meetings between the commission, stakeholders and the finalists.

Commission approves conference travel amid deficit concerns

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A consent agenda item regarding travel to the National League of Cities conference was pulled for separate discussion to address concerns over costs during a budget deficit. One commissioner questioned the necessity of the travel but ultimately supported the motion, citing the value of networking and federal advocacy. The commission voted 4-0 to approve the travel for Mayor Brad Finkeldei and Commissioner Amber Sellers.

Commission to review senior aquatic fees

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A commissioner raised concerns regarding recent fee changes at city aquatic centers, specifically the removal of free Wednesday sessions for residents over age 60. The commission directed staff to provide a report on the impact of these fee changes on seniors using the facilities for mobility and health. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is expected to present a proposal regarding the creation of a foundation to help fund department initiatives.

New York Elementary to host 39th annual MLK Chili Feed

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The commission issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting the 39th annual Chili Feed at New York Elementary School. Principal Brian Workman announced that the community event, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., will feature performances by the St. Luke AME Church and New York Elementary choirs. The event is hosted by the school's PTA and the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association.

Housing assistance program to scrap lottery system

Douglas County staff presented a major overhaul to the Housing Stabilization Collaborative rent and utility assistance program for 2026, moving away from a monthly lottery system to a needs-based prioritization model. Program manager Kristen Egan told the commission that the current lottery system forces residents to wait until they receive an eviction notice to qualify, often delaying help until a crisis is irreversible. The new model will accept applications weekly and use a scoring tool to prioritize the most vulnerable households, such as families with children and seniors on fixed incomes, without requiring an immediate threat of eviction.

New housing guidelines to require sustainable rent

As part of the changes to the Housing Stabilization Collaborative, applicants for emergency rent assistance will soon be required to demonstrate that they can afford their rent moving forward. Program Manager Kristen Egan noted that under the previous system, the county often paid back-rent for residents with zero income or in units costing more than their monthly earnings, effectively delaying homelessness rather than preventing it; to address this, a new "move-in assistance" fund will be established to help residents relocate to more affordable, sustainable housing units rather than paying arrears on unaffordable ones.

Landlords push back against tenant right to counsel

During the general public comment period, local landlords expressed opposition to a proposed resolution that would provide county-funded attorneys for tenants facing eviction. One landlord, who also identified as a college professor, argued that increased costs for property owners invariably lead to higher rents and questioned the validity of studies cited by advocates, while another property owner noted that rental agreements are private transactions requiring strict tenant screening to mitigate the risk of costly property damage.

Treasurer to consolidate motor vehicle services to Sixth Street

Douglas County Treasurer Adam Rains announced that effective Feb. 16, all in-person motor vehicle services will move exclusively to the satellite office at 2601 W. Sixth St., effectively closing the service counter at the historic Douglas County Courthouse. Rains explained that operating two locations with limited staff has contributed to burnout and long wait times, which reached more than three hours in 2024; while the downtown office will continue to handle tax-related transactions, residents needing vehicle tags or titles must visit the Sixth Street location or utilize online and mail options.

Local taxpayers subsidizing state motor vehicle operations

Following a presentation on office consolidation, Douglas County Commissioners highlighted the financial burden the county faces in administering state-mandated motor vehicle services. Commissioner Patrick Kelly noted that fees collected for tags and titles do not cover the cost of operations, forcing local property taxpayers to subsidize the service by over $1 million annually, and the commission emphasized that seeking legislative authority to adjust these fees remains a top priority to reduce the burden on residents.

Property tax rebate applications to open

Douglas County Administrator Sarah Plinsky announced that applications for the 2026 Property Tax Rebate Program will open on Jan. 15. The program is designed to provide relief to eligible low-income seniors and disabled veterans by rebating a portion of their property taxes, and residents will be able to submit applications through a live web form or via paper copies available at the courthouse.

Commission denies permit for self-storage facility due to road concerns

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners unanimously voted to deny a site plan for a proposed mini and self-storage facility in the 1700 block of East 902 Road. Planning staff recommended denial due to a traffic study indicating the development would increase daily traffic by 109 trips on a gravel road ill-equipped to handle the volume; although David Hamby of BG Consultants, representing the applicant, argued that paving the road was financially unfeasible and requested approval before conducting a required drainage study, the commission agreed with staff that the infrastructure was insufficient for the proposed use.

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