Concerns have been voiced about this merger of two committees into the new HAND Advisory Committee. Concern has also been expressed that the smaller proportion of target neighborhood representatives will negatively affect funding for target neighborhoods, and that the shifts may reflect a lessened HAND commitment to meeting target neighborhood needs. In addition, some previous committee members feel that Goodell, displeased with 1998 CDBG funding recommendations, pushed through the changes to the Citizen Participation Plan in an attempt to gain more control over committee actions. Many opportunities exist for Lawrence citizens to take part in Lawrence's CDBG and HOME programs and in the community development process. Attend a meeting of the HAND Advisory Committee, the Grant Review Board, or the Practitioner's Panel.
All meetings are open to the public.
The HAND Department can provide information on meeting times and locations and, on request, will place your name on their mailing list. Attend the public hearing. One public hearing is generally scheduled every fall and every spring. In addition, the City Commission usually receives comment on proposed CDBG and HOME funding in the Spring. Other public hearings are scheduled as the need arises.