SEDGWICK COUNTY COMMISSIONER
DISTRICT 4
YOU MATTER
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & ADDICTION RECOVERY
Leading behavioral health and addiction recovery efforts for the county, Lacey Cruse is working with partners to transform the way crisis services, addiction treatment, and emergency mental health care is available and delivered.
Lacey joins a panel of experts on Engage ICT aired KMUW 2.17.22
LACEY HAS:
Played a key role in securing the transformation of the 316 hotel on North Broadway into The Studios by HumanKind. This permanent supportive housing option has 54 studio apartments for those experiencing homelessness. The Studios is now open and is one of the only permanent supportive housing options in Sedgwick County. This model has a 90% success rate, and Lacey has plans to work with partners to develop more opportunities for supportive housing options in Sedgwick County.
LACEY BELIEVES THAT:
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Every resident — no matter their situation — should have access to behavioral and mental health care, addiction treatment, and affordable housing options.
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Our county jail should not be a de facto mental health crisis center.
LACEY IS COMMITTED TO:
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Putting an end to the criminalization of mental illness, substance misuse, and homelessness based on models and best practices from places like Haven for Hope and the Restoration center in Bexar County, Texas, among many others.
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Providing a safer and superior alternative for our most vulnerable residents.
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Supporting the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition's plan to replicate best practices here in Sedgwick County.
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Continuous engagement with the community in this effort.
Check out the full plan that, if followed, will transform our community:
Read Document >
TRANSPARENCY & HONEST GOVERNMENT
Lacey Cruse is committed to ensuring that Sedgwick County is truly working for its residents and spending their tax dollars as equitably as possible. Transparency and honesty are hallmarks of her first term in office.
Since earning a seat on the commission, Lacey has worked to:
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Make sure no resident feels left out.
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Communicate clearly to help residents understand what the county does, what public services are offered, how budgets impact their lives, and how decisions are made among its leaders.
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Shine a light on the importance of open government by engaging the public where they are, having an open-door policy, remaining active on social channels, participating in news interviews, writing newsletters and organizing monthly Citizens Advisory Board meetings.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
From building and maintaining roads and bridges to providing efficient transit options for both humans and motor vehicles, Lacey Cruse is committed to supporting infrastructure efforts to ensure our community has the best opportunities for growth.
LACEY HAS:
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Helped secure resources to improve the interaction at 77th and Broadway in Park City. This project, in collaboration with Park City, Valley Center, KDOT, and Sedgwick County, has now transformed a once-dangerous intersection into a place where residents can navigate with ease.
Ark Valley News in Valley Center covered the story:
Read Article >
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She believes that creating access for rural residents is necessary to ensure economic opportunity and is working with partners on a connected county strategy.
COVID RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Navigating what could be the greatest global test to health leadership in our lifetime, Lacey Cruse has not shied away from making difficult decisions. From the beginning, she took proactive steps to identify public health leaders who guided county leaders to make decisions based on the best available evidence, always putting the health and wellness of people and our community at the forefront.
THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC:
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Asked questions of multiple public health officials.
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Encouraged respectful discourse.
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Monitored multiple data sets to determine the least restrictive measures to keep our community safe, our children in school, and our economy open for business.
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Fought for $100 million in CARES funds to be allocated to businesses, social service providers and increased pay for first responders and public health professionals who were on the front lines of the pandemic.
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Currently working on the disbursement of $100 million in American Rescue Plan funds that focuses on employees, small business owners and social service providers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
A safe and secure community is a top priority for Lacey Cruse. County government is responsible for 911 services, Mental Health Professionals, Emergency Medical Professionals, Fire Protection and the County jail.
LACEY HAS:
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Deeply focused on funding systems proven to produce best outcomes saving taxpayer dollars and lives.
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Committed and taking the lead to shift public safety to a prevention-first mindset.
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Pushing to fully funding a 24/7 co-responder ICT-1 crisis team.
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Fighting to retain employees by showing them how valued they are with appropriate compensation.
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Actively working with community members to ensure people at the table work together to help those in need before they end up in the criminal justice system, which costs taxpayers far more over the long run.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Lacey Cruse is committed to building an inclusive community that values diversity and equity among all members.
DURING HER 1ST YEAR IN OFFICE, LACEY HAS:
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Lobbied bipartisan support for policy change for selection of At-Large Commission appointments. This policy eliminated backroom appointments and has created more opportunity for the community to participate on county boards.
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Secured a seat at the county table for a Lead for America young professional who is now working with diversity and inclusion experts to ensure county government staff and policies and working for and reflecting the community they serve.
