Douglas County declares proactive state of local disaster for FIFA World Cup preparedness
May 14, 2026 | Douglas County, Kansas
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Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved a state of local disaster emergency on May 13 to support preparedness and coordination for FIFA World Cup base-camp operations expected to begin June 7, 2026.
Robert Panekki, director of Douglas County Emergency Management, described the declaration as a proactive operational tool to ensure the county can "act quickly in conditions" and to stand up the county’s emergency operations center (EOC) as needed. "The declaration is not requested because we have an emergency or a crisis occurring. It's a preparedness tool and operational coordination measure," Panekki said.
What it does: The declaration allows the county to streamline resource requests, improve financial documentation for event operations, formally coordinate under state-recognized emergency management structures and activate the EOC at varying levels depending on conditions. Panekki said the action does not suspend constitutional rights or impose restrictions on residents.
Operational planning: Deputy Director John Stepich briefed commissioners on multiagency coordination, liaison work with FIFA and the Algerian team, planned security at Rock Chalk Park and the team hotel, human-trafficking awareness training for public-facing staff, and outreach to lodging and hospitality industries. Stepich said the county is preparing scalable staffing plans, has been meeting with regional and federal partners, and will ramp the EOC posture as needed.
Timing and oversight: Panekki said the Kansas statute allows a chair to declare for up to seven days, after which board approval is required to extend; staff asked the commission to approve a longer declaration tonight and said they will return after a week if an extension is needed. The county will publicize the declaration as a proactive preparedness action and maintain regular communications with partners. The motion to approve was moved, seconded and passed unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will continue readiness activities, finalize liaison details with FIFA and team representatives, and monitor activity throughout the tournament, rescinding the declaration when conditions permit.
Robert Panekki, director of Douglas County Emergency Management, described the declaration as a proactive operational tool to ensure the county can "act quickly in conditions" and to stand up the county’s emergency operations center (EOC) as needed. "The declaration is not requested because we have an emergency or a crisis occurring. It's a preparedness tool and operational coordination measure," Panekki said.
What it does: The declaration allows the county to streamline resource requests, improve financial documentation for event operations, formally coordinate under state-recognized emergency management structures and activate the EOC at varying levels depending on conditions. Panekki said the action does not suspend constitutional rights or impose restrictions on residents.
Operational planning: Deputy Director John Stepich briefed commissioners on multiagency coordination, liaison work with FIFA and the Algerian team, planned security at Rock Chalk Park and the team hotel, human-trafficking awareness training for public-facing staff, and outreach to lodging and hospitality industries. Stepich said the county is preparing scalable staffing plans, has been meeting with regional and federal partners, and will ramp the EOC posture as needed.
Timing and oversight: Panekki said the Kansas statute allows a chair to declare for up to seven days, after which board approval is required to extend; staff asked the commission to approve a longer declaration tonight and said they will return after a week if an extension is needed. The county will publicize the declaration as a proactive preparedness action and maintain regular communications with partners. The motion to approve was moved, seconded and passed unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will continue readiness activities, finalize liaison details with FIFA and team representatives, and monitor activity throughout the tournament, rescinding the declaration when conditions permit.
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