Former Johnson County MED-ACT station to provide accessible and affordable housing for adults with an intellectual or developmental disability

Less than three months after adopting a policy to evaluate opportunities for incorporating housing into county-controlled sites, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners is implementing that policy for the first time for the creation of new affordable and accessible housing.

Today, the BOCC voted to transfer a former MED-ACT station located at 8500 Grandview Lane in Overland Park to Friends of JCDS. Friends of JCDS is a local non-profit that provides affordable and accessible housing, basic need assistance and other support programs for adults with disabilities, focusing on those who receive services from Johnson County Developmental Supports.

"Just three months after passing the Leveraging Assets for New Development policy, we are already delivering results. Johnson County has property, and we are turning it into opportunity to address the housing crisis," said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. "This partnership with Friends of JCDS identifies real housing solutions for people served by JCDS. I'm proud to work with Friends, a proven partner with a track record of 14 residential rehabs in the last 10 years. When you combine county resources with that kind of proven expertise, you get meaningful outcomes for the people that the county serves."

Friends of JCDS proposes converting the existing structure into two or three units of affordable and accessible residential housing, each with two bedrooms and one bath. The units would be income restricted and subject to HOME rent maximums for 15 years enforced with a deed restriction. The total cost estimated to convert the property into residential housing is $970,000. Friends is pursuing a combination of several sources of funding including the federal HOME funds, local sources and tax credits.

"We applaud the county for taking a visionary idea of looking for housing solutions within its own properties, and quickly implementing it towards helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in our community," said Friends of JCDS Chief Executive Officer Janel Bowers. "As a longtime partner of Johnson County Government, we are excited to be the first partner on this innovative policy."

More on the former MED-ACT station

MED-ACT vacated the former Grandview Lane station in 2024 after opening the Lenexa station and transferring services there. The county determined the property no longer aligns with current or anticipated needs due to the parcel size and location, size, placement within a residential area and age.

"When it was determined this location would no longer serve as a MED-ACT station, we resolved to find a purposeful use with strong binds to the community for this property. This initiative meets that purpose. I fully support transitioning this former MED-ACT station into future housing for those served by our county partner, JCDS," said Department of Emergency Services Director Paul Davis. "I am pleased to see the county collaborate with Friends of JCDS to repurpose the property into safe and affordable housing."

Background/timeline on the Leveraging Assets for New Development policy

• In 2021, the BOCC established its first Housing Subcommittee that developed the housing continuum, which has since served as the foundational document for county-led housing initiatives.
• In 2025, the county formed the Ad Hoc Housing Work Group to recommend areas of the housing continuum to prioritize, develop scope for the next few years of work, review and recommend projects and develop measurable goals to advance its Housing Focus Area.
• On Jan. 29, 2026, the work group met to review the housing continuum and directed staff to explore additional opportunities for county involvement in producing new housing units.
• On Feb. 5, the BOCC held a study session where it was reported that expanding housing options for residents earning 60% of Area Median Income or below is a critical need because the market often does not produce these units.
• On March 12, staff presented the new Leveraging Assets for New Development (LAND) policy, which directs county staff to evaluate incorporating housing into county-controlled sites, especially during redevelopment or major capital investments. The focus is on evaluating and planning to ensure that housing considerations align with operational needs and priorities. The resolution also prioritizes engaging the community and developing non-exclusive partnerships.

Learn more about the LAND policy.