Under the umbrella of the Office of Planning & Development, the Community Development Department (CDD) aims to enhance the physical environment and improve the quality of life for the diverse community of Lawrence.   

The CDD administers a robust Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, one of the largest sources of funds to help the community, as well as a HOME Investment Partnership Program grant, and an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).  These programs are funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Understanding that health inequalities are deeply rooted in socioeconomic factors and are therefore intricately connected to community and economic development, the City of Lawrence assumes a Health in All Policies approach in our work to create a healthy community.  With that in mind, for many years, the CDD was home to the Mayor’s Health Task Force (MHTF), a multi-sector coalition that promotes health equity for all, through advocacy, education, capacity-building, and networking, whose vision is creating a healthy, safe, and thriving community for all.  

However, effective July 1, 2021, the MHTF transitioned under the umbrella of the newly established Health & Human Services Department, extending its vast membership’s assistance to support the important services that this and other City departments provide, as we strive to improve our city's public health.

 We invite you to learn more about our programs by visiting the program’s individual pages on this website.