Lawrence City Commission Summary
Week of June 9, 2026
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
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.
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.
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.
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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