Carter Gaskins/Lawrence Times
Alex Kimball Williams played her baritone ukulele Saturday morning as she sang the protesting lyrics of “Strange Fruit.” Her performance set the scene for a conversation urging the Lawrence community to acknowledge that strides toward racial equity are far from over.
City leaders are set to revisit a proposed ordinance Tuesday that advocates say could significantly help people in need of housing. The Lawrence City Commission delayed approval last month to seek feedback from landlords about the proposed tenant protections.
Only about 10% of Lawrence landlords participate in housing voucher programs, and right now, people in 51 households with vouchers in hand are struggling to find housing, panelists told a crowd Thursday evening at the library.
More than 70 local households have been approved for housing vouchers but can’t find a rental unit that matches their needs. To help alleviate that shortfall, the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority will host a symposium July 28 to educate property owners about incentives and support available for those who partner with the agency.
The Lawrence City Commission voted Tuesday to delay action on changes to its sanctuary ordinance that city staff said were necessary to comply with state law. The commission will instead give activists more time to work with the city on changes to the ordinance.
The Douglas County Commission approved new funding toward addressing local homelessness and discussed federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act at Wednesday’s meeting.
