The problem with the Housing First approach to homelessness is that it’s a one-size-fits-all policy that ignores human nature. Houston, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah, made eye-popping headlines for their self-claimed success in addressing homelessness using the Housing First approach. Both jurisdictions had all but declared victory over homelessness.Salt...
Audit of Kansas TIF districts reveals delays in returns, increased crime rates
Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, wants the Kansas Department of Commerce to track the success of economic initiatives like tax increment financing districts to evaluate the full burden on taxpayers. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — Some of Kansas’ largest cities are struggling to gain full returns on tax increment...
Conservative candidates hope to undo Johnson County Commission’s liberal policies, misadventures on Nov. 5
A county commission that spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a homeless shelter without gauging the city’s support for it – while rejecting a motion to require its residents to be U.S. citizens? A county commission that is still going all-in on divisive and discredited DEI ideology, as other entities across the...
The Price of Poor Leadership: $500,000 Wasted on a Flawed Homeless Initiative
Stand Up for Johnson County: It's Time to Vote for Real Change! The recent decision by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners shows the irresponsible behavior of Mike Kelly and his supporters, highlighting the urgent need for better leadership. In a surprising 5 to 2 vote, the Commission voted...
Johnson County audit shows lax purchasing controls
The first page of a recent audit of purchasing controls in Johnson County government shows a startling lack of oversight. According to the report — presented at the Sept. 5, 2024, Johnson County Commission Meeting — new purchasing guidelines designed to reduce costs, speed purchases, and simplify purchase procedures have resulted in a process...