Latest
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence to ban camping effective in mid-August as shelter options expand; coalition forming in opposition
The City of Lawrence is planning to ban people from camping “anywhere in Lawrence” effective in mid-August, representing a change that has long been in the works.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
State court upholds Lawrence’s ordinance to protect against housing voucher discrimination
Kansas Court of Appeals judges have upheld Lawrence’s ordinance intended to ensure voucher recipients can secure housing, finding that “State and local governments have a legitimate interest in protecting the affordability and quality of housing.”
Historic Resources Commission advances plans for row houses near former Borders building
Plans to build 15 row houses next to the former Borders building in downtown Lawrence got a 3-2 nod of approval from the Historic Resources Commission Thursday evening, and the city is considering the former book store building for a City Hall annex.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission to consider resolution pledging compliance with federal executive orders
City staff members are asking the Lawrence City Commission to pass a resolution saying the city will indefinitely suspend enforcement of its equal rights ordinances in hopes of maintaining federal funding.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence to ban camping effective in mid-August as shelter options expand; coalition forming in opposition
The City of Lawrence is planning to ban people from camping “anywhere in Lawrence” effective in mid-August, representing a change that has long been in the works.
Latest – All local government news
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission to consider 5 sites for downtown transit station; some opposition forming
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will consider five possible locations for the Downtown Transit Station, and they may hear opposition from community members who have concerns about some of the potential sites.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
City of Lawrence’s downtown ambassadors aim to keep the district clean and current
The City of Lawrence started its Downtown Ambassador Program to get parking staff back to work during the pandemic. Since its return in July 2023, the program has aimed to keep the cultural hub of Lawrence clean, beautified and welcoming.
Grocery store, housing, hotel and parking garage part of proposed downtown Lawrence project
Developers have announced a massive new project aiming to bring a second Checkers grocery store, a hotel, housing and more to Vermont Street in downtown Lawrence.
Lawrence city Commission
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission to consider resolution pledging compliance with federal executive orders
City staff members are asking the Lawrence City Commission to pass a resolution saying the city will indefinitely suspend enforcement of its equal rights ordinances in hopes of maintaining federal funding.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence City Commission approves agreement as part of $130M municipal services campus
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved an updated agreement with contractors working on the Municipal Services and Operations campus on the eastern edge of town, altogether estimated to cost $130.2 million.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for May 13, 2025
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
Lawrence, Douglas County launch homelessness data dashboard
The City of Lawrence and Douglas County have published an online dashboard tracking data on how many people are experiencing homelessness in the community: close to 600, according to the latest data.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County events selected for first round of new grants
Five annual Lawrence and Douglas County events have been selected to receive a portion of $24,000 in funds from the Heritage Conservation Council.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence, Douglas County cultural events can seek up to $10K from new grant program
Annual events that “celebrate, honor and uplift the county’s diverse cultural heritage” could receive up to $10,000 in funding from a new Heritage Conservation Council grant program.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence school board accepts proposal to keep most library positions
After a failed motion, much discussion and multiple recesses, the Lawrence school board on Monday voted on a package of budget cuts that includes a much smaller cut to librarians than what administrators had recommended.
Lawrence school board to make final budget cut decisions; no new recommendations from staff
The Lawrence school board will meet Monday with plans to make final decisions on budget cuts to balance a multimillion-dollar shortfall. There are no new options on a list of administrators’ recommended cuts.
Lawrence school board members question proposed cuts to administration, other staffing
Cuts to administration that both did and did not make it into recommendations for the Lawrence school board to consider drew questions from board members Tuesday evening during their budget work session.
