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Lawrence school board to consider increasing meal prices, some student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a 10-cent increase to lunch and breakfast prices in addition to some student fee increases for the 2024-25 year.
Latest – All local government news
Power imbalances contribute to homelessness, housing issues in Lawrence, strategic planners say
Wages have not kept pace with rising rent rates and utility costs, and that has contributed to Douglas County’s increase in homelessness, subject matter experts told commissioners during a special meeting Wednesday.
City of Lawrence suspends residential recycling service through Sunday
After canceling residential recycling pickup for Tuesday and Wednesday, the City of Lawrence has suspended the service through Sunday, Jan. 21.
Lawrence city commissioners express support for updates to land development code, hope to implement it this year
City commissioners on Tuesday received an update on the city’s new land development code, which aims to update zoning regulations to allow for more sustainability, affordable housing and equity.
Lawrence city Commission
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.
Parking, golf course among top concerns voiced in Lawrence City Commission’s discussion of new code
Lawrence community members voiced concerns about parking, floodplain development and the golf course in the Alvamar neighborhood Tuesday during city commissioners’ discussion of the draft revised land development code.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 2, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Douglas County Commission
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.
Douglas County Commission candidates discuss climate plan, race and equity, property taxes
Candidates running for Douglas County Commission seats largely agreed during a forum Saturday that housing inequality and increasing property taxes are pervasive but shared differing viewpoints on environmentalism and equity strides.
Forums set for Douglas County DA, commission candidates
The NAACP and League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County on Saturday will host forums for candidates running for key offices in Douglas County.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence police hoping for 6 school resource officers this year; some school board members hesitant
Although Lawrence school board members spoke highly about the Lawrence police officers serving as SROs, some have voiced concerns about the potential for students whose mental health may be struggling to interact with the criminal justice system — particularly at the middle school level.
Lawrence school board approves $120K for consultant to project future enrollment and facility usage
The Lawrence school board unanimously approved Monday a $120,000 partnership with a consulting firm to help guide the budget process and determine the future of the district’s schools.
Lawrence school board to consider hiring firm to help determine the future of neighborhood schools
The Lawrence school board will consider a proposal Monday to hire a consulting firm to assist in projecting future enrollment and use of school buildings.