The Board of County Commissioners opened a public hearing Oct. 23 and then voted 7-0 to adopt the proposed 2026 Action Plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, authorizing estimated funding of $2,485,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds and related actions.

Rita Carr, director of community planning at United Community Services in Overland Park, told commissioners that the local Continuum of Care (CoC) counted 253 people experiencing homelessness in Johnson County on Jan. 22, 2025, including 72 people staying outdoors or in vehicles. Carr said underlying causes reported by people in the CoC’s surveys included fleeing domestic violence, recent eviction, physical or mental health disabilities and chronic health conditions; she urged support for prevention and emergency assistance programs in the action plan.

Janelle Bowers, CEO of Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports, said CDBG funding has enabled accessible, affordable housing modifications that allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently. Bowers said the funding supports ramps, wider doorways and other adjustments and described CDBG-funded projects as important to safety and community health.

Staff told the board that the federal public-service cap (15 percent of CDBG) limits how much the action plan can devote to direct supportive services such as case management and emergency assistance; staff estimated public-service funding provides roughly $80,000 in the current plan and said the funds can be expected to help perhaps a hundred individuals with stabilization needs, though permanent placements remain challenging given local housing costs.

Commissioners discussed the role of these federal funds within a broader county approach to housing and homelessness. Commissioner Hanslick noted the county has invested multiple millions since 2022 to address housing needs and stressed that federal, state and local funding must be combined. Commissioner Ashcraft said he supports the plan but reiterated concerns that some CDBG-eligible activities (streetlights and sidewalks) are municipal responsibilities; he suggested the county use resources more boldly to prioritize housing. Other commissioners emphasized protection of existing housing stock, partnerships with cities and continued advocacy for federal funding levels.

Commissioner Brewer moved approval of Resolution 116-25 to adopt the 2026 action plan and authorize submission to HUD; Commissioner Hanslick seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote of 7-0. The resolution authorizes the county manager or the director of planning, housing and community development to execute and submit the plan and related documents to HUD and to execute agreements with subrecipients.