Latest
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
Lawrence city commissioners split on mayor’s Lawrence Community Shelter board appointments
One Lawrence city commissioner on Tuesday voiced concerns about a person the mayor appointed to serve on the new Lawrence Community Shelter Board of Directors, and another spoke critically of the process that led to three appointees.
New Lawrence bus station aims to facilitate community connections
Lawrence Transit’s Central Station is nearing completion. The new facility will serve as the central hub for bus transfers, a departure from the longtime downtown transfer point.
Lawrence Public Library board approves agreement to have control over lawn
The Lawrence Public Library will likely soon be able to extend its behavior policy to the library lawn, which staff members hope will make the whole campus safer and more welcoming for everyone.
Lawrence city Commission
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.
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
Parents, coaches call for equitable sports choices for 7th grade girls in Lawrence
As Lawrence school district leaders struggle to deal with current budget problems, challenges related to a nearly two-decades-old shortfall persist. Citing inequities, parents and coaches are voicing frustrations about limited athletic options for 7th grade girls this fall.
Still unofficial but updated election results separate tied Lawrence school board candidates by 6 votes
After counting 69 ballots received in the mail Wednesday, a race between two candidates for Lawrence school board is still too close to call.
Lawrence school board candidates sound off on district’s mask mandate
We asked the Lawrence school board candidates what they think of the district’s now-universal mask mandate and, if elected, would they encourage district administrators to lift the mask mandate or keep it in place?