August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved 555 Stoneridge Drive for the location of the next fire station, and Douglas County commissioners could follow suit on Wednesday.
In addition to helping private landowners conserve and protect natural havens for the public’s benefit, a Douglas County program could potentially branch into protecting urban agricultural land in perpetuity.
Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
People with housing advocacy organizations urged the Douglas County Commission to schedule a vote and adopt tenant right to counsel next month.
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday approved their 2026 budget, which lowers the property tax rate but will still increase property taxes for most residents.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
As Douglas County commissioners reviewed eviction prevention methods, presenters identified a need for greater public education on tenant-landlord issues, while representatives from Lawrence Tenants called for tenant right to counsel.
Douglas County commissioners — following about 21 hours of budget hearings and deliberations over the past week and a half — set their maximum property tax rate for 2026.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County commissioners will kick off their annual budget process with a series of public hearings set to begin Monday, July 7.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
A local renter-led advocacy group plans to present the Douglas County Commission an ordinance to guarantee tenants legal representation in eviction cases within the next few months.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
A lack of answers to key questions is one example of a frustrating relationship with executives at Bert Nash, according to a dozen current and previous employees who spoke at Wednesday’s Douglas County Commission meeting.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
In the wake of impending staff cuts at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, a Douglas County commissioner is pushing for the county to reduce the center’s rent and potentially boost its funding to ensure its doors don’t close.
