Latest
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Single-family home construction in Lawrence continues to decline as home prices rise
Construction of single-family homes in Lawrence continued to decline in 2024, reaching a new low with only 57 permits granted by the city. At the same time, sale prices have continued to rise.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district committee wants to look at changing all schools’ boundaries – not just high schools’
Lawrence high school boundary lines will not change next year after a district committee decided Wednesday it wants to do a longer-term analysis of elementary, middle and high school boundaries altogether.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Communication, honest transparency top traits focus groups desired in next Lawrence superintendent
Focus group members said they’d most like the new permanent Lawrence Public Schools superintendent to be effective in communication and honest with transparency, according to a search firm.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission favors parks and rec fees in early budget talks; much still unclear
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday gave city staff some guidance for how they might want to address a $6.5 million budget deficit projected for 2026, possibly to include fees for recreational facilities and a property tax rate increase.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Single-family home construction in Lawrence continues to decline as home prices rise
Construction of single-family homes in Lawrence continued to decline in 2024, reaching a new low with only 57 permits granted by the city. At the same time, sale prices have continued to rise.
Latest – All local government news
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Oct. 15, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
August Rudisell / Lawrence Times
Lawrence city commissioners vote to keep City Hall downtown
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday said it’s important to keep City Hall downtown before voting 3-2 against the purchase of a building near Sixth and Iowa to become the city’s new home.
Native American Student Services works to extend reach as federal grant shifts; board president calls for increased staffing of program
Eligibility requirements for a federal grant the Lawrence school district’s Native American Student Services utilizes has changed to allow more students to be served, the program coordinator told the Lawrence school board Tuesday.
Lawrence city Commission
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission favors parks and rec fees in early budget talks; much still unclear
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday gave city staff some guidance for how they might want to address a $6.5 million budget deficit projected for 2026, possibly to include fees for recreational facilities and a property tax rate increase.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Jan. 21, 2025
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission to hear early presentation on 2026 budget, projected $6.5M deficit
In an effort to begin difficult budget conversations and grapple with an anticipated $6.5 million deficit, city finance staff will present to Lawrence city commissioners Tuesday, several months earlier than the budget is typically discussed.
Douglas County Commission
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Renovations complete in the Douglas County Commission meeting room
The renovated Douglas County Commission meeting room in the historic courthouse was completed just in time for new elected officials to be sworn in Monday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County elected officials sworn in
Several Douglas County elected officials — including two who will expand the county commission to five members and a new district attorney — took their oaths of office during a ceremony Monday morning at the historic county courthouse.
Douglas County Commission meeting room renovations are nearing completion
The Douglas County Commission’s meeting room will have space at the dais for the two new commissioners joining in the new year. The room has also undergone restoration, renovation, reconfiguration and more.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence school board to explore potential for solar energy use, hear equity update
Lawrence school board members on Monday will meet early to learn about adopting solar energy technology. They will also hear an equity update report on chronic absenteeism, behavioral issues and academic achievement among students.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Justice Matters to hold its annual assembly seeking action from city, county and school board leaders
Members of Justice Matters, a local coalition of faith-based organizations, on Sunday will ask people in power to commit to creating a more just Lawrence and Douglas County.
Lawrence school board opposed to 4-day week in the near future
Switching to a four-day student/five-day staff school week could save the Lawrence school district money and provide more plan time for teachers, according to some staff members, but it raises equity concerns for families and students. School board members said Monday they don’t believe the district in the near future will be ready to consider the switch.
