Opens in a new tab
Get More Information
Five years. Four priorities. One shared vision.

Douglas County’s Next Chapter Starts Here

ALL IN is a five-year economic growth strategy (2027–2031) led collaboratively by the Lawrence Chamber and the Douglas County EDC to invest in jobs, talent, entrepreneurship, and community prosperity.

2027-2031

Projected Economic Impact

By the end of 2031, the plan is expected to create 1,500 jobs and to generate millions in spending.

  • $0M+

    Increased Annual Payroll

    Increased payroll strengthens the overall economic vitality and earning potential of area residents.

  • $0M+

    Annual Consumer Expenditures

    Increased household spending across the county will boost local businesses.

  • 0+

    New Jobs Created

    New direct jobs expand employment opportunities across supporting industries and service sectors.

Job Creation & Economic Prosperity

Attract investment. Grow opportunity. Strengthen our economic base.
We drive proactive growth by targeting high-impact industries that align with Douglas County's strengths while supporting existing local companies so they can expand and thrive.

strategies

  • Target Industry Attraction: Focus on IT, advanced manufacturing, scientific R&D, and engineering & design.
  • Business Retention & Expansion: Help local employers overcome growth barriers and reinvest locally.
  • Competitive Advantage: Position Douglas County as a premier location for high-wage employers.

Measures of Success

  • 1,500 new direct jobs created
  • 15%+ above county median wage for new direct jobs
  • $100 Million in total capital investment
  • Expanded support services for existing employers

budget

$800,000 (over 5 years)

 Workforce & Talent Development

Connect talent to opportunity.
A thriving economy demands a strong, prepared workforce. We build seamless connections between education and industry to keep local talent in Douglas County.

strategies

  • Work-Based Learning: Expand internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on career exploration.
  • Education Partnerships: Bridge connections between local businesses, schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Graduate Engagement: Give local students and graduates compelling reasons to launch and build careers locally.

Measures of Success

Ensure local employers find skilled talent while providing local graduates clear pathways to high-paying jobs.

budget

$450,000 (over 5 years)

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Give ideas a chance to grow
Startups and small businesses drive economic dynamism. We provide early-stage companies with the capital, mentorship, and networks needed to succeed.

strategies

  • Support Network: Provide access to specialized training, mentorship, seed financing, and industry expertise.
  • University Commercialization: Help graduates and researchers from local institutions launch startups in Douglas County.
  • Capital Access: Expand funding sources and financial resources for diverse entrepreneurs.

Measures of Success

  • >65% of loan program participants active and operating at their 3-year mark
  • 5 businesses assisted in launching from local university programs
  • 3 university startups successfully reaching full operational stage in Douglas County

budget

$400,000 (over 5 years)

Pro-Business Policy & Placemaking

Build a community where businesses can thrive.
Economic growth requires a competitive, supportive policy climate and a community where people want to live and work.

strategies

  • Proactive Advocacy: Advocate for business-friendly policies, infrastructure investments, and streamlined processes.
  • Collaborative Relationships: Build alignment between developers, elected officials, and community leaders.
  • Best-Practice Benchmarking: Learn from top-performing peer communities to enhance local quality of life and economic competitiveness.

Measures of Success

Create a transparent, collaborative, and competitive environment ready for future growth.

budget

$450,000 (over 5 years)
2021-2026

We Know What's Possible

For the past five years, Rising Together grew jobs, attracted investment and addressed the challenges that affect businesses in Douglas County. The results demonstrate what happens when our community works together.

  • 0

    New jobs created toward a goal of 1,500

  • $0M

    Capital investment toward a goal of $100 million

  • $0

    Median wage of new jobs, significantly above the county median

  • 0

    New childcare slots added toward a goal of 250

  • $0

    Revolving loan fund to support minority- and women-owned businesses


  • 0+

    Acres of new land pending approval to support future housing

And effective advocacy helped secure $80 million in new development in the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan.  The next five years are about taking that momentum further.

Investors

DIAMOND

Belcher Family Foundation

Platinum

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
  • Crown Toyota Volkswagon
  • LMH Health
  • Penny's Concrete

Gold

  • Black Hills Energy
  • KU Innovation Park
  • Truity Credit Union

Silver

  • Amarr
  • B.A. Green Construction
  • CEK Insurance
  • Central Bank
  • Commerce Bank
  • Envista Credit Union
  • Hallmark Cards
  • INTRUST Bank
  • Kindred CPA, LLC
  • Mar Lan Construction
  • McElroy’s Inc.
  • McGrew Real Estate
  • Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas
  • O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, Inc.
  • SSC CPAs + Advisors

Bronze

  • Barber Emerson
  • Bartlett & West
  • Central National Bank
  • Charter Equities, Inc.
  • Clayton Wealth Partners
  • Colliers International
  • Downing, Davey, Vokins & Mann, LLC
  • Foundations Commercial
  • Foxtail Real Estate Company
  • Great American Bank
  • Michele Hammann
  • Marilyn Heck
  • Steve Kelly
  • Kurt Goeser State Farm Insurance
  • Derek Kwan
  • Lawrence Emergency Medicine
  • Lawrence Board of REALTORS
  • Evie Lazzarino
  • Martin Moore & Durand Reiber Charitable Fund
  • McDonald’s Restaurants of Lawrence
  • O’Connell Children’s Shelter
  • Paul Davis Law Firm, LLC
  • Silver Lake Bank
  • Snap Promotions
  • Stephens Real Estate
  • Stevens & Brand L.L.P.
  • Superposition Stays
  • Terravest Custom Homes
  • Aaron & Kore Thakker
  • Yellowstone Properties, LLC
For more information about supporting ALL IN DOUGLAS COUNTY, submit the form below.