Eastern Jackson County Shared Services is an initiative of five cities (Blue Springs, Grandview, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown) and Jackson County. The group works together with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) on a variety of collaborative efforts to improve information sharing and service delivery in their neighboring communities.
Recently, the group identified shared challenges that cross jurisdictional boundaries regarding the needs of the unhoused population in Eastern Jackson County. The group worked together to conduct research, evaluate best practices and draft an action plan to better address suburban homelessness.
On January 13, 2013 the shared services group participated in a collaborative discussion with to review the action plan and explore what resources and efforts can best be accomplished by working together to address homelessness. Each city was asked to identify 2-3 thought leaders from their communities with expertise in housing and homelessness to provide guidance on the next steps. The group quickly found that there is strong potential to create a shared services approach by which the partners pool funding and share governance and decision-making to jointly invest in homelessness solutions.
As the discussion progressed, two priorities emerged focused on response-oriented
services/programming including (1) increasing emergency shelters and (2) public messaging. There was discussion on how priorities could be communicated to governing body members. Ideas included an MOU or resolution of shared services document. This document could also incorporate an intention of how communities consistently respond and communicate about homelessness to provide continuity in how response and services will be handled.
The resolution that has been drafted represents the collective input of the City staff and the thought leaders who participated in the initial meeting. City staff seeks Council approval of the resolution in order to further collaborative with the other participating communities on this priority issue.
Approval of this resolution aligns with several items in the 2023-2025 Independence Action Plan, including:
- 1.3 (B): Continue the City's participation in the Eastern Jackson County shared services initiative and other regional collaborations through the Mid-America Regional Council.
- 1.4: Business and Institutional Partnerships - Explore opportunities for partnerships with key business groups and non-profit organizations.
- 3.2 (A): Strengthen Community Services Networks. Identify strategies to improve and expand resources for those with mental health, substance abuse and addiction, and housing challenges, including behavioral crisis and intervention centers.
- 3.2 (C): Facilitate the Development of a Drop-In Center and Single Persons Shelter in Eastern Jackson County.
- 4.3 (C): Research and Incorporate Best Practices into the UDO to Encourage Infill Housing Units in Neighborhoods, Public Transit Nodes, and Activity Centers.
- 4.3 (E): Collaborate with Community Partners on Various Methods to Stabilize Neighborhoods.
- 4.5 (A): Implement the strategies of the 2022 Master Housing Study to Address Various Community Housing Needs.