Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	Tom Markus, City Manager
FROM:	Casey Toomay, Assistant City Manager
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager; Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE:	May 2, 2019
RE:	Update on Lawrence Community Shelter Assessment by SS&G

Background

In December of 2018, the City Commission heard an update from the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) regarding a significant budget shortfall they would be facing in 2019.  In February of 2019, the City and County agreed to jointly fund hiring SS&G, a consultant, to provide an assessment of the current operations and financial conditions of the Lawrence Community Shelter, as well as recommend how to address current budget shortfalls, and develop a strategic plan for short term and long term operational and financial sustainability with a three (3) to five (5) year time frame. 

Progress Update

SS&G has been working closely with the LCS Board, as well as staff of LCS, the County, and the City and has provided several interim reports.  In March, they provided a summary of four areas (staff management, client management, volunteer management and program evaluation) with recommendations for improvements.  In addition, they reported on potential Revenue Sources.  Third, they provided a draft analysis of Board Governance & associated training.

SS&G’s work is expected to be complete with their work in May and a presentation to the City Commission is anticipated in June.