Latest
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240722-Lawrence-school-board-4.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Outgoing Lawrence superintendent shares parting words with community
At his final school board meeting, outgoing Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis said his hope for the district and greater community is “collaboration over conflict.”
Latest – All local government news
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20221019-Downtown-and-City-Hall-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C769&ssl=1)
City budget would hike property taxes, seek to double .05% sales tax to support homelessness solutions
The Lawrence city manager’s proposed budget for 2025 would increase the property tax rate, and it proposes asking voters to double the .05% affordable housing sales tax to support homelessness initiatives. It would also cut some of Parks & Rec’s budget.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240703-Summerfest-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C687&ssl=1)
Better luck next year? City of Lawrence will have $30K credit for drone show in 2025
The City of Lawrence has a $30,000 credit for a drone show set for July 3, 2025, following technical difficulties that prevented the drones from functioning Wednesday evening.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240701-DgCo-Op-budget-2017-2025-2.png?resize=1300%2C740&ssl=1)
Proposed Douglas County budget would increase property taxes for most residents
Douglas County’s proposed budget for 2025 would keep property tax rates flat but increase taxes for most residents because valuations have increased. Commissioners also could still add $20 million in expenditures.
Lawrence city Commission
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240524-Busker-festival-8.jpg?resize=1100%2C687&ssl=1)
Lawrence city commissioners have mixed feelings about on-the-go drinking downtown
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday showed a range of interest in creating a “common consumption area,” which would allow folks to drink alcoholic beverages as they move through downtown.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240716-Lawrence-city-comm-3.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 16, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240516-Lawrence-City-Comm-2.jpg?resize=1100%2C653&ssl=1)
Lawrence city commissioners set maximum budget with property tax rate increase
Following some confusion, Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved their maximum budget for 2025 with a 3.6-mill increase to property tax rates.
Douglas County Commission
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm2-primary24.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 2
Incumbent Shannon Reid and current Lawrence City Commissioner Lisa Larsen are running as Democrats to represent Douglas County Commission District 2. The candidates shared their thoughts on how wind and solar energy should be handled, property tax reductions and more.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm4-primary24-4.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 4
Two Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to represent Eudora, parts of eastern Lawrence, and east-central Douglas County as the commissioner for new District 4. Candidates shared the personal experiences they believe qualify them, views on solar and wind energy and more.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DgCoComm3-primary24.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 3
The incumbent Democrat faces two Republican challengers to represent Douglas County Commission District 3, which includes much of west Lawrence and most of the western side of the county. We asked their positions on wind and solar energy, what issues drove them to run and more.
Lawrence School Board
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240325-Lawrence-school-board-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board president, superintendent say reinstated administrative positions are necessary to support principals
The Lawrence school district’s superintendent and school board president on Monday defended the reinstatement of two administrative positions that had previously been cut from the district’s budget.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230724-School-Board-Meeting-19.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to hear budget update with data on declining enrollment, ideas to cut costs
As enrollment continues to decline, the Lawrence school district is considering ways to cut costs, such as hiring employees rather than outside contractors and using solar energy, according to a budget update the school board will receive Monday.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20230325-Pinckney-hrg-file-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C670&ssl=1)
After school closures, Lawrence families grapple with fractured communities, future of school district
After the Lawrence school board voted to close two elementary schools last year, some local families now wrestling with doubts about their future in the district and the community.