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Timeline to release point-in-time count of people experiencing homelessness is unclear
The timeline for processing this year’s final point-in-time count data — the annual count of people experiencing homelessness — is unclear because of chaos at the federal level, and the work may fall on local agencies to complete.
Latest – All local government news

Lawrence City Commission general public comment for April 8, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.

Kansas Court of Appeals judges hear arguments in Landlords of Lawrence lawsuit against city
A group of Lawrence landlords have taken their argument against the city’s ordinance meant to ensure voucher recipients can find housing to a higher court.

City of Lawrence not accepting new crossing guard requests for 2025-26
The City of Lawrence will not take requests for new crossing guard locations during the 2025-26 school year as working group members continue to evaluate 2024-25 requests.
Lawrence city Commission

Lawrence City Commission general public comment for April 8, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.

New Lawrence advocacy group aims to increase involvement in local government decisions
Some Lawrence residents are forming a new advocacy group urging the city to increase community engagement and transparency.

Lawrence city commissioners generally agree with staff plans for budget cuts
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday gave city staff members largely positive feedback on their preliminary plans to correct a projected $6.6 million deficit in the 2026 budget.
Douglas County Commission

Lawrence, Douglas County cultural events can seek up to $10K from new grant program
Annual events that “celebrate, honor and uplift the county’s diverse cultural heritage” could receive up to $10,000 in funding from a new Heritage Conservation Council grant program.

Douglas County commissioners approve plan for Franklin Cemetery, final letter to feds
Cemeteries in Lawrence are nearing capacity, but Franklin Cemetery will someday soon start accepting burials — more than 100 years after the last person was buried there.

Douglas County commissioners to ask federal delegation to ‘show the fortitude’ to defend democracy
Douglas County commissioners have penned a letter to the four congresspeople who represent the county, asking them to “prevent a single branch of government from becoming too powerful.”
Lawrence School Board

Cell phones less visible in high school classes under new Lawrence school district policy
Lawrence school district administrators say visible cell phone use in class has gone down in both high schools since the new policy took effect, but engagement with younger students requires continued attention.

Lawrence school district facing underfunded special education, enrollment decrease
The Lawrence school district is bracing for another year of underfunded special education from the state while the federal government picks systems apart.

Lawrence school district looking to add preschool classes at neighborhood schools
Preschool classrooms will be added to two Lawrence elementary schools next year, with the district’s vision to make enough seats for 3- and 4-year-olds accessible. The district also has plans to expand other programming.