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Thursday, September 02, 2010 

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This page contains information on the ECO2 Commission of Douglas County, Kansas.

ECO2 Commission - Aerial Photo

What is ECO2?


A long-term plan for the advancement of industrial/business parks and open-space preservation. It is a tribute to the people of Douglas County who sought consensus of the importance of economic development and open space preservation and who found strength in divergent views. It is testimony to what is possible when we forge a common vision grounded in shared caring and enriched by respect and understanding of differences. The plan was formally adopted by the Douglas County and Lawrence City Commission in the Spring of 2007.


Guiding Principals


  • Landowner participation in the industrial/business park and open space development program would be voluntary. No funds generated through ECO2 would be used for condemnation of property.
  • Partnerships with developers, land trusts, and other parties positioned to advance the dual goals of open space preservation and economic development would be emphasized to maximally leverage available funds.
  • The dual goals of open-space preservation and economic development are inextricably linked and would be pursued concurrently without favoring one over the other.

Community Involvement


The ECO2 Commission convened work groups to complete the several components of the plan. The work groups included diverse representation from the citizens of Douglas County and were pivotal in the consensus building required to complete the plan. ECO2 Commissioners provided leadership for the work groups and presented each work group's draft of a plan component to the ECO2 Commission for final approval and incorporation into the completed plan. We currently have two committees active in the implementation phase.


Meeting Schedule


We meet the first Thursday of every month at 7:30am at the Douglas County Courthouse (Commission Room), 1100 Massachusetts, Lawrence, Kansas.


ECO2 Commissioners


  • Larry McElwain, Chairman
  • Robert Rhoton, Vice Chairman
  • Roger Boyd
  • Rex Buchanan
  • Bruce Liese
  • Frank Male
  • Trudy Rice
  • Joyce Wolf

ECO2 Commission - Open Space

Contact Information


  • Larry McElwain, ECO2 Chairman
  • Business Representative
  • 1508 Foxfire Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047
  • (785) 843-1120
  • larry@warrenmcelwain.com

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