Lawrence local news summary

Commission to explore extended hours at Community Building

County approves 15-year tax rebate for historic downtown rehabilitation

County contracts new partner for homeless supportive housing services

Flexible housing pool program targets county’s most vulnerable

Report on heritage groups highlights need for collaboration, fears of lost autonomy

Heritage tourism identified as major economic driver for region

Youth apprenticeship grant tabled amid calls for school district investment

Commission to explore extended hours at Community Building

LAWRENCE, Kan. - City staff will explore options for keeping the Community Building open for youth after school, following a request from a city commissioner at Tuesday’s meeting. The request emphasized the need for a supervised public space for children, particularly during the winter months. Other commissioners expressed support for receiving a report on the feasibility and potential options for offering at least partial hours for after-school programming.

County approves 15-year tax rebate for historic downtown rehabilitation

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the county’s participation in a 15-year, 95 percent property tax rebate to support the historic rehabilitation of the former Reuter Organ factory buildings at 612 New Hampshire St. The incentive, part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Area, supports developer Matthew Gilhousen’s plan to transform the long-vacant structures into a mix of residential and commercial spaces. City commissioners previously approved a broader 22-year package that also creates a 2 percent special sales tax district; the school district will also be asked to participate. A consultant analysis by Baker Tilly concluded the project likely would not proceed without public incentives, citing deterioration and historic-preservation costs. Commissioners cited the developer’s prior stabilization investment and the project’s potential to reactivate a key downtown corner.

County contracts new partner for homeless supportive housing services

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Douglas County approved a two-year service agreement (late 2025 through 2026) with Mental Health America of the Heartland to provide supportive housing services for the county’s Flexible Housing Pool Program, replacing Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in this specific role. County staff cited the need for greater staffing capacity to support people with chronic homelessness and complex needs. Mental Health America of the Heartland's Heartland Housing Initiative operates supportive housing sites in Leavenworth, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, and will provide case management to help tenants maintain housing stability; the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority will administer financial assistance.

Flexible housing pool program targets county’s most vulnerable

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - The Mental Health America of the Heartland agreement centers on the county’s Flexible Housing Pool Program, designed to house people with chronic homelessness histories and significant vulnerabilities, including disabilities, survivors of domestic violence and individuals recently incarcerated or hospitalized. Unlike traditional vouchers, the program requires intensive supportive services to help participants remain stably housed.

Report on heritage groups highlights need for collaboration, fears of lost autonomy

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - A new assessment presented to the commission found that Douglas County’s county-supported heritage organizations share challenges such as volunteer burnout, aging audiences and limited funding, and identified opportunities for collaboration such as shared marketing, digital resources and joint programming. Partners expressed interest in working together, while some smaller groups worry about losing autonomy. Next steps include a mini-strategic plan for the partnership and formalizing the coalition to leverage collective strengths, especially around heritage tourism promotion.

Heritage tourism identified as major economic driver for region

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - The heritage needs assessment and related discussions highlighted that heritage and historic attractions remain a significant economic opportunity for Douglas County. Commissioners and partners discussed leveraging the county’s rich history — from Bleeding Kansas sites to local museums — through coordinated marketing to draw more visitors across the county, from Lecompton to Eudora and Baldwin City.

Youth apprenticeship grant tabled amid calls for school district investment

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners delayed action on creating a $62,500 challenge grant for youth apprenticeships, requesting that local school districts first be brought to the table to discuss their financial contributions. The proposed one-time grant would help fund pre-apprenticeship and technical education opportunities for high school students through the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. Commissioner Patrick Kelly said the county should confirm what districts already fund through state Career and Technical Education pathways. Staff will convene a meeting with superintendents to explore a collaborative funding model before the commission revisits the proposal.

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