Lawrence City Commission Summary
Week of August 13, 2026
Commission approves zoning amendment for downtown self-storage
Additional grant funding approved for Mass Street multimodal project
Annual audit reveals clean opinion alongside material weaknesses
New airport manager hired to address operational and compliance issues
Joe Hardy officially named fire chief
Lindsay Hart appointed Parks and Recreation director
Public-private partnership to add 125 beds at Lawrence Community Shelter
Commission approves zoning amendment for downtown self-storage
LAWRENCE, Kan. — In a 3-1 vote, the Lawrence City Commission approved a text amendment allowing self-storage facilities as a special use in the downtown commercial district. The amendment, prompted by developers seeking to utilize the long-vacant former Borders bookstore building on New Hampshire Street, sparked debate over downtown aesthetics and economic priorities. One commissioner voted against the measure, arguing that self-storage does not align with the city's tourism goals or the downtown master plan. Supporters on the commission noted that any specific self-storage project will still require a special use permit and site plan approval before moving forward.
Additional grant funding approved for Mass Street multimodal project
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence City Commission unanimously approved an additional $36,858 in state grant funding for the Massachusetts Street Multimodal Improvements Project, which spans from 14th Street to 23rd Street. The project, estimated to cost roughly $7 million, will feature Lawrence's first parking-protected bike lanes and add much-needed stormwater infrastructure to address street flooding. City staff noted that state and federal grants will cover roughly 60 percent of the total project cost, creating a safer transportation corridor connecting the University of Kansas to downtown.
Annual audit reveals clean opinion alongside material weaknesses
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city's annual comprehensive financial report returned an unmodified, or "clean," opinion on its financial statements, though independent auditors from RSM flagged two material weaknesses and two significant deficiencies. The findings were primarily linked to a $7.7 million software configuration error regarding a debt refunding transaction and compliance reporting issues for federal airport grants. Finance Director Rachelle Mathews noted that the software-related accounting error was a non-cash journal entry issue that was quickly corrected, and a comprehensive action plan is underway to prevent future internal control lapses.
New airport manager hired to address operational and compliance issues
LAWRENCE, Kan. — During discussions surrounding the city's annual financial audit, staff highlighted the recent hiring of a dedicated airport manager, Shaun Cookson, to oversee daily operations and federal compliance at the Lawrence Regional Airport. Previous staffing shortages contributed to audit findings regarding reporting deadlines and a Federal Aviation Administration investigation into whether certain apron tie-down fees constituted regulatory revenue diversion under federal grant rules. City leaders expressed confidence that having a full-time, dedicated professional at the helm will resolve ongoing lease negotiations and ensure strict regulatory compliance.
Joe Hardy officially named fire chief
LAWRENCE, Kan. — City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry announced the official appointment of Joe Hardy as chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical. Hardy, who had been serving the department in an interim capacity, was formally recognized during the city manager's report. Lawrence city commissioners congratulated Hardy on the promotion, praising his leadership during the transition period and his recent participation in the department's community truck-push event.
Lindsay Hart appointed Parks and Recreation director
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Alongside the fire chief announcement, City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry also appointed Lindsay Hart as the new director of Parks, Recreation and Culture. Hart previously served in an interim role for the department. Lawrence city commissioners expressed their support for the promotion, noting the unique difficulties of serving in extended interim roles and expressing optimism for the department under her permanent leadership.
Public-private partnership to add 125 beds at Lawrence Community Shelter
LAWRENCE, Kan. — During commission reports, a new public-private partnership between the Lawrence Community Shelter and Peaslee Tech aimed at addressing local homelessness was highlighted. The collaboration will result in the construction of 125 new beds at the shelter. While the shelter is directly building 52 of the beds, Peaslee Tech is donating the time and materials to construct the remaining 73, drawing praise from the commission for innovative community collaboration.
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