Lakewood advisory board recommends full 2026 funding for 28 human‑service programs; opioid settlement options under review

Denise Nicole Franklin, vice chair of Lakewood’s Community Service Advisory Board, told the City Council on Oct. 13 that the board unanimously recommends fully funding all 28 human‑service programs for 2026.

The recommendation, delivered alongside board member Michael Lakaday and human‑service coordinator Shannon Bennett, asks the council to continue current contract funding levels — typically from $12,000 to $25,000 per program — and to approve an additional $14,000 to expand Lakewood’s Promise youth programming. “For 2026, the Community Service Advisory Board recommends continuing all the funding levels at the current range from $12,000 to $25,000. In addition, we’re recommending an increase of $14,000 to support Lakewood’s Promise youth programming,” Franklin said.

The board summarized its 2025 work plan and performance review before presenting the 2026 recommendations. Bennett told council staff had reviewed contract outcomes, spending and site‑visit results and found…