MAYOR'S TASKFORCE ON HOMELESSNESSS

The Mayor's Taskforce on Homelessness meeting held on June 18, 2026, focused extensively on developing and prioritizing recommendations for addressing homelessness in Lexington. Key procurement-related discussions included plans to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for a centralized homeless service campus on Versailles Road, incorporating emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services. The task force reviewed funding strategies involving $2.8 million in prior funds, $2.2 million from opioid settlement funds, potential Section 108 loans, and the need for additional private and state funding. A significant action item was the recommendation to issue a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an external operator for the shelter campus to ensure sustainable operations and programming input. The task force emphasized phased implementation, prioritizing emergency shelter services first, and highlighted the importance of partnerships with public safety and community organizations. Discussions also covered expanding existing shelter capacities, accountability measures for residents, and the need for ongoing community engagement and fundraising efforts. The meeting concluded with scheduling future meetings and encouraging attendance at a public forum in August.