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# Lawrence City Commission Summary
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/lawrence-city-commission-summary-12/
- Published: 2026-06-09T17:37:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-04T02:41:27.000Z
- Description: Week of June 9, 2026
- Author: Cronkite
- Tags: lcj, #summary, dnn

# City commission unanimously approves new city manager

# Nationwide search yields 60 applicants for city manager role

# Public input plays key role in city manager selection

# Tackling long-term debt cited as top priority for new manager

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### City commission unanimously approves new city manager

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to authorize Mayor Brad Finkeldei to execute an employment contract with Majed Al-Ghafry, officially naming him the city's next city manager. The vote concludes a nationwide search that began in mid-December to fill the city's top administrative post. Al-Ghafry, who attended the meeting virtually, will officially step into the role within the next 60 days.

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### Nationwide search yields 60 applicants for city manager role

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The selection of Majed Al-Ghafry capped a six-month recruitment process facilitated by the executive search firm Strategic Government Resources. The city received 60 applications from 23 states — with no internal candidates applying for the position. The commission narrowed the field through extensive questionnaires, video responses and multi-day interviews before selecting four final candidates for in-person evaluations.

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### Public input plays key role in city manager selection

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Community members directly influenced the hiring of Majed Al-Ghafry following a two-hour public meet-and-greet session at the Carnegie Building in May. Commissioners noted that the citizen panel strongly recommended Al-Ghafry after a rigorous session where residents posed questions on local issues ranging from homelessness and street lighting to police and fire services.

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### Tackling long-term debt cited as top priority for new manager

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Majed Al-Ghafry will prioritize stabilizing Lawrence's long-term finances and revamping debt forecasting during his first year. Vice Mayor Mike Courtney highlighted Al-Ghafry's track record in Dallas, San Antonio, and El Cajon, where he served in assistant city manager and public works director roles managing infrastructure and public works initiatives, addressing a primary concern raised by Lawrence taxpayers.

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