Board of Douglas County, KS, Commissioners Meeting on July 8, 2026

The Douglas County, Kansas Board of Commissioners held a meeting on July 8, 2026, primarily focused on discussing a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) proposal related to KU Innovation Park. Representatives from KU Innovation Park presented the economic impact of the park, including job creation and outside funding leveraged through county investment. The discussion centered on a draft 10-year voluntary PILOT agreement designed to have mature, for-profit tenant companies contribute a portion of property taxes based on lease renewals, starting at $2.12 per square foot in 2027 and increasing to $2.77 by year 10. The agreement aims to support the park's financial sustainability while protecting startup incubation. Commissioners discussed administrative fees to cover county staff costs for managing the agreement and directed staff to finalize the PILOT agreement with provisions for an administrative fee to be brought back for further approval. No final vote on the PILOT agreement was taken at this meeting. Other agenda items included public comments and updates on community events and budget hearings.