Douglas County Awards More Than Seven Million to Disability Programs

On Tuesday, Dec. 9 the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved grant awards that will direct $500,710 toward services in 2026, bringing the cumulative total distributed under the 2001 voter approved Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy to more than $7.3 million. The awards, allocated to municipalities and community programs across Douglas County, prioritize projects that demonstrate innovative collaboration and best practices in serving residents with developmental disabilities.

Individual grants approved at the Business Meeting range from $54,000 down to $3,995. Awarded projects include therapeutic and team building activities, transportation services, and other local supports designed to increase access and participation for people with developmental disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Advisory Council reviewed applications for 2025 to 2026 and recommended the organizations selected to receive funding.

Funding structure for the levy remains focused on local delivery. The county distributes 93 percent of levy revenues to the county community centered board, Developmental Pathways. Treasurer fees account for 1.5 percent, while 5.5 percent is set aside specifically for the Grant Program that supports the awards approved this week.

For Douglas County residents and families, the grants are intended to fill gaps in services and to support programs that improve daily living, social engagement, and mobility. Transportation awards can reduce isolation by expanding options for medical visits, employment and recreational activities. Therapeutic and team building funding supports social skills, caregiver respite and inclusion opportunities, particularly in municipalities that lack larger service providers.

Local agencies and smaller municipal programs often rely on these grants to pilot new approaches, form partnerships and scale successful services. With the advisory council and county board continuing to review applications and outcomes, the investment reinforces a county level commitment to accessible, community based supports.

Residents seeking details about specific award recipients or program descriptions can visit the county webpage for the Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Grant Program or contact county offices for more information about funding and future application cycles.