Board of Douglas County, KS, Commissioners Work Session on Sept. 16, 2026

The Douglas County, Kansas Board of Commissioners held a work session on September 16, 2026, focused primarily on zoning and code updates following a recent diagnostic review conducted by the consultant Clarion. The discussion centered on implementing phase one of the zoning code revisions, which staff proposed to handle largely in-house to reduce consultant costs, with phase two involving broader policy changes and extensive public engagement. Key procurement-related topics included the potential use of approximately $10,000 remaining from the Clarion contract to support phase two work, including public engagement planning and future land use mapping. Commissioners discussed staff capacity to undertake phase one amendments, coordination with the City of Lawrence planning department, and the need for clear processes for stakeholder notifications and infrastructure-related reviews. The board agreed to initiate text amendments for phase one and to work with Clarion to develop a scope for phase two, with plans to return for further consideration and contract negotiation. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but clear action items were established for advancing the zoning code update project.