Latest
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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
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City staff members explain plans to reduce campsites around Lawrence
Within two days of announcing a new online form to report people living outside to Lawrence’s homeless programs team, the city had received more than four dozen responses regarding approximately 20 camps.
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Lawrence election guide: Get to know the city commission and school board candidates
Here’s a roundup of our election coverage intended to help voters find what they need to know to choose their top candidates for Lawrence City Commission and the Lawrence school board.
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Lawrence High journalism students ask school board candidates about staff turnover, mental health during forum
Lawrence High School journalism leaders on Wednesday asked candidates running for school board about student bonds with teachers amid turnover and supporting students’ mental health needs.
Lawrence city Commission
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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With provisional ballots counted, Elizabeth Stephens takes 6th in Lawrence school board primary
Just seven votes separated Lawrence school board candidates Elizabeth Stephens and Melissa Clissold in the race for the final spot on the November general election ballot after provisional votes were counted Monday, but Stephens will advance.
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Lawrence school board approves tentative budget with tax rate decrease, sets public hearings
The Lawrence school board approved publication of a budget with a slight property tax decrease Monday night.
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Lawrence school board to review proposed budget; details unavailable Sunday
The district is facing ongoing challenges from rising costs, inflation and reductions in school funding due to an enrollment loss of almost 700 students last school year.