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
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
Panel to discuss proposed changes to Lawrence city government
A major change to the structure of Lawrence’s city government is on the upcoming general election ballot, and voters will have a chance Thursday to learn more about the potential impact.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Committee suggests 5 sites for downtown Lawrence Transit station
The Downtown Transit Station Steering Committee has narrowed its focus to five locations for the new station, including the current bus transfer area on Vermont Street.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County DA candidates weigh prosecutorial experience, downplay politics
One candidate for Douglas County district attorney touted his career in prosecution, and the other said his community ties help compensate for less experience. But both agreed during a forum Monday evening that the office needs revitalization.
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 district staff members working on budget cuts; report projects decline in enrollment statewide
Lawrence school district staff members are working to find budget cut solutions, according to the superintendent’s Monday update to the school board, and a report indicates that budget woes likely won’t be offset by enrollment increases in the next few years.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district has high ratio of administrators to students, study finds
A study from the Kansas Association of School Boards shows that of Kansas’ 18 largest districts by enrollment, Lawrence — with a K-12 enrollment of 11,150 and 20 central office administrators — has the third highest ratio, at 557.5 students per administrator.
Lawrence school board blasts state board member for handling of top educator’s racist statements
Several Lawrence school board members expressed anger during their meeting Monday after Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson retained his job despite video showing him making racist comments about Native Americans.
