Policy Background
In 2024, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County adopted A Place for Everyone, a plan to end chronic homelessness throughout the county. The plan covers a spectrum of strategies from emergency homelessness services to permanent affordable housing.
The primary goal in the affordable housing component of the plan is to increase the supply of affordable rental and homeownership housing for those living at or under 80% of the Lawrence Area Median Income. Goals also include increasing affordable housing appropriate for families, people with disabilities, and seniors, who experience greater housing stress and insecurity and have fewer affordable housing options in Lawrence.
These goals additionally advance the City Strategic plan Strong Welcoming Neighborhoods key progress indicator of reducing housing insecurity for renters and homeowners in Lawrence. Housing insecurity is defined as spending more than 30% of household income on housing costs (rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, HOA fees, etc.).
The Affordable Housing Incentive Policy achieves a key objective in the A Place for Everyone Plan by providing incentives to foster the development of affordable housing in Lawrence that is needed the most. By providing subsidies in the form of grants, low-interest loans, tax incentives, fee waivers, and public land, we can partner with developers to encourage the development of housing that the market does not supply on it’s own, and keep that housing affordable in our community for generations to come.
Download a Policy Quick Guide.
Download the Policy Draft.
Community Engagement
Below are several opportunities to provide feedback:
Affordable Housing Incentives Policy Meeting
The City of Lawrence invites affordable housing developers and community stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed Affordable Housing Incentive Policy. Join staff for a brief presentation, discussion and Q&A session.
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room C at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont Street
Send in written comment to Lea Roselyn, Affordable Housing Administrator, at lroselyn@lawrenceks.gov
Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) meeting
Attend the AHAB meeting and provide public comment on the policy.
Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lawrence City Hall Commission room/Zoom
Live public comment can be made in person at Lawrence City Hall or via zoom.
To participate via zoom, please register at https://lawrenceks.zoom.us/meeting/register/0xAWBGdOQIGOcrqYw9CuTQ
Written public comment may be submitted to Lea Roselyn, Affordable Housing Administrator, by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 8th.
Lawrence City Commission meeting
Attend the City Commission meeting and provide public comment during the work session when the policy will be considered.
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: Meeting begins at 5:45 p.m.
Location: Lawrence City Hall Commission room/Zoom