The City of Lawrence will soon host a public debate for residents to contemplate and discuss the prompt “Lawrence is doing enough to be a place where there is housing for all.”
The event, called “A Better Debate,” will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at Lawrence school district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.
In May 2024, the city signed onto a collaborative plan with the county to end chronic homelessness by 2028 called “A Place for Everyone.” The plan includes five focus areas: equity and inclusion, affordable housing, supportive housing, systems and emergency shelter. The city and county adopted the plan with an estimated cost of about $267.77 million to implement over five years, but neither is obligated to fund it.
Partners on this housing plan are working with the Kansas Leadership Center Journal to host “A Better Debate,” which they said is a “highly structured” approach to civic discourse. The city also said the format will help folks to see the validity of different views.
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“This event is an opportunity to hear directly from neighbors with a range of perspectives and lived experiences — and to better understand the complexities and values that shape our shared path forward,” according to a city news release.
The debate is open to all community members, who can opt to listen silently, give a prepared remark or ask questions through the “Debate Chair.”
The statement “Lawrence is doing enough to be a place where there is housing for all” will serve as a jumping-off point for conversation, according to the release. Participants can choose to agree or disagree with the statement.
Folks are encouraged to register in advance. The registration form collects demographic information, including where a person works, race and ethnicity, gender identity, income, age and more.
This information will “help the Debate Chair create a balanced, respectful environment. Responses are confidential and used exclusively for event planning,” according to the release.
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