Latest
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
Lawrence City Commission faces criticism after proclamation on crisis in Gaza
Mayor Bart Littlejohn on Tuesday proclaimed “Advocating for Peace Month,” a response to months of community pressure for the city to take action on the conflict in Gaza. Many of those same community members, though, said the measure fell short.
Lawrence City Commission to consider plan for downtown bus station site selection
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will hear an update on transit staff members’ process to pick a spot for a downtown bus station and vote on a draft resolution to create a steering committee.
Looking ahead in Lawrence: Big changes coming in 2024
From major updates to Lawrence’s public transportation system to the election of every seat in the legislature, 2024 is going to be a big year for Lawrence and for Kansas as a whole. Here’s a roundup of big changes to know about, dates to mark and more.
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
Student device fees proposed to Lawrence school board would apply to everyone, regardless of income, administrator says
Lawrence school board members asked district staff several questions Monday about distinguishing between damage to devices that is intentional or part of normal wear and tear. Proposed device damage charges would apply to everyone, regardless of their family income status.
Lawrence school board to discuss adding new student fee, hear capital outlay fund report
The Lawrence school board on Monday will discuss the possibility of altering student fees owed every year and adding a device fee for the use of school technology.
Lawrence Public Schools cut 72 teaching jobs; will add third Montessori classroom
The Lawrence school district has cut six dozen education positions, 11.5 classified staff positions and 6.5 district-level administrator positions, according to a staff presentation Monday evening.