New IDD housing trant approved in Douglas County

Douglas County is preparing a new supportive housing funding opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as part of its 2026–2028 Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy (DDML) cycle.

The DDML is a voter-approved property tax initiative established in 2001. Douglas County administers the levy to support services and supports for individuals with IDD. For the 2026–2028 funding cycle, the county plans to retain an additional $2.5 million from DDML revenues to fund a new IDD Supportive Housing Grant opportunity.

2026–2028 supportive housing investment

The retained $2.5 million is intended to expand access to safe, stable housing paired with supportive services. The county’s stated goal for this grant opportunity is to promote independence and community integration through housing linked with ongoing supports. This housing-focused grant is positioned as a strategic investment by Douglas County to address long-standing housing challenges faced by individuals with IDD and to strengthen long-term community-based support infrastructure.

Typical grant cycle and key timing

Douglas County has outlined a typical grant cycle for this competitive opportunity:

• Summer: Competitive grant applications open.

• Fall: Applications are reviewed by the DDML Advisory Council. 

• Late Q4: Funding awards are announced, with contracting and project implementation beginning the following year.

This schedule establishes a clear sequence from application release through review, award decisions, and then contracting and project implementation in the next year.

Oversight and current DDML funding pattern

DDML funds are overseen by the DDML Advisory Council, which makes funding recommendations to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners. Historically, the majority of DDML revenues are allocated to Developmental Pathways for direct service delivery. A portion is reserved for targeted grant initiatives, including this supportive housing opportunity for the 2026–2028 cycle.