Latest
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20221019-Downtown-and-City-Hall-1.jpg?fit=683%2C438&ssl=1)
City budget would hike property taxes, seek to double 0.5% 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.
Latest – All local government news
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Passerine_097-3.jpg?resize=1200%2C799&ssl=1)
Douglas County to hold meeting on open space plan
Members of the Lawrence and Douglas County community are invited to learn about the county’s open space planning progress and share their feedback during an open house this week.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231022-19th-and-Massachusetts-Streets-2.jpg?resize=1100%2C653&ssl=1)
City eyes changes to Mass Street from 14th to 23rd; community meeting coming up
The City of Lawrence is studying options to change a stretch of Massachusetts Street with a goal of better accommodating drivers, people on foot, wheelchair users, bicyclists and transit riders.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/USD497_2_04052021.jpg?resize=1200%2C689&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to consider partnerships on truancy, restorative justice
The Lawrence school board on Monday will look to solidify an MOU with county agencies to prevent truancy, as well as a new partnership for a third party to facilitate restorative justice agreements.
Lawrence city Commission
![](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 0.5% 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/2024/07/20240702-Lawrence-city-comm-6.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240702-Lawrence-city-comm-5.jpg?resize=1055%2C593&ssl=1)
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
![](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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240629-Douglas-County-Commission-candidate-forum-1.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240629-forums2.jpg?resize=1100%2C619&ssl=1)
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
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/USD497_1_04052021.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to conduct final budget hearings, consider retention bonuses for staff
The Lawrence school board at its meeting Monday will hold budget hearings, consider retention bonuses for most staff and more.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Janine.png?resize=1340%2C894&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board recognizes winners of Juneteenth essay contest and more
The Lawrence school board congratulated winners of the Juneteenth essay contest, approved a permaculture garden for Free State and more at its meeting Monday.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/outdoor_classroom_no._1_1500x1119.jpg?resize=1340%2C894&ssl=1)
Free State High permaculture garden, 7th grade sports on school board agenda
The Lawrence school board will consider approving a permaculture garden for Free State High School, sports for 7th graders and more at its meeting Monday.