City manager Craig Owens bids farewell after seven years

City sets timeline for new city manager search, names acting manager

Commission considers adding dedicated 5 p.m. public comment session

City reviews $1.15 million in federal grant allocations for 2026

Commissioners to lobby for Haskell University funding in Washington

Community survey reveals demographic divides in resident satisfaction

City celebrates 48th year as a Tree City USA, proclaims Arbor Day

New playground opens at Prairie Park Nature Center

Lawrence honors longtime pastor Leo Barbee Jr. with dedicated day

City manager Craig Owens bids farewell after seven years

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence City Manager Craig Owens attended his final meeting Tuesday, delivering a heartfelt farewell speech reflecting on his seven-year tenure. Owens, who is leaving the public sector to become a consultant, highlighted the city's progress on infrastructure repair, employee wages, strategic planning and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission praised Owens for his leadership on major local projects, including a major street reconstruction project, the Downtown Master Plan and the creation of the city's Homeless Solutions Division. Owens will use accumulated leave through July before officially departing his post.

City sets timeline for new city manager search, names acting manager

LAWRENCE, Kan. - As City Manager Craig Owens steps down, the Lawrence City Commission announced its transition plan, naming Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay as the acting city manager. The commission hopes to select a new permanent city manager by the end of May, with a target start date sometime in the summer. Toomay will lead the city's executive team during the interim period to ensure the continuity of local government operations.

Commission considers adding dedicated 5 p.m. public comment session

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence City Commission debated changes to its meeting structure Tuesday in an effort to balance public engagement with efficient government operations. Under a tentative consensus reached by the commission, the city would hold a dedicated 45-minute open public comment period at 5 p.m. on the second meeting of each month, replacing the late-night public comment session for that specific date. The proposal, which also moves city manager and commission reports to the beginning of meetings with a three-minute speaking limit, will be drafted into a formal resolution for a final vote in June.

City reviews $1.15 million in federal grant allocations for 2026

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence is set to receive approximately $1.15 million in federal funding for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, representing a slight decrease from the previous year. City staff held a public hearing Tuesday detailing proposed allocations, which include $276,000 for homeowner repair programs and substantial funding for local affordable housing and public service agencies. The Lawrence City Commission will take final action on the annual action plan on June 2, following a mandatory 30-day public comment period.

Commissioners to lobby for Haskell University funding in Washington

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence city commissioners will advocate for federal investment in local Indigenous education during an upcoming delegation trip to Washington, D.C. During Tuesday's meeting, the commission confirmed that pushing for the Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act is on its legislative priority list. The effort aims to secure necessary federal support and infrastructure improvements for the historic university.

Community survey reveals demographic divides in resident satisfaction

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Results from a recent City of Lawrence Community Survey indicate disparities in resident satisfaction based on local demographics. Survey results presented to the commission noted that younger residents and lower-income individuals generally reported lower satisfaction levels compared to older and wealthier residents. The survey also revealed a significant gender divide regarding safety perceptions, with 80 percent of male respondents reporting feeling safe downtown, compared to just 66 percent of female respondents.

City celebrates 48th year as a Tree City USA, proclaims Arbor Day

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence reaffirmed its commitment to its urban forest Tuesday, with the Lawrence City Commission proclaiming the week of April 20-24 as Tree City USA Week and April 24 as Arbor Day. Levi Parkin, the city's horticulture and forestry manager, said the city planted 1,078 trees and pruned 1,144 over the past year. This marks Lawrence's 48th consecutive year receiving the Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

New playground opens at Prairie Park Nature Center

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Families have a new outdoor recreation option following the completion of a new playground at Prairie Park Nature Center. The project was highlighted during Tuesday's commission items, with the commission praising the Parks and Recreation Department for the installation. The upgraded facility, which successfully preserved the area's popular turtle feature, is now officially open to the public.

Lawrence honors longtime pastor Leo Barbee Jr. with dedicated day

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence City Commission proclaimed April 25, 2026, as Pastor Leo Barbee Jr. Day, honoring the Victory Bible Church leader for more than four decades of service to the Lawrence community as he prepares for his retirement. Barbee was recognized for his preaching, community mentorship and his longtime role as a chaplain for the University of Kansas football and basketball programs. Surprised by his congregation at the meeting, Barbee thanked the city and expressed his continued commitment to serving the people of Lawrence.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us