Lawrence local news summary

Commission initiates search for new city manager

City approves first traffic fine increase in 12 years

Court defends fine hike with data on collections and alternatives

City touts 63 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness

Commission seeks update on World Cup 2026 preparations

County faces $4.6 million potential liability from pending tax appeals

County appraiser reports high success rate in defending valuations

Commissioners voice strong opposition to state-imposed tax lids

Redistricting debate surfaces as potential legislative priority

Homeless encampment issues persist at Burcham Park

Commission initiates search for new city manager

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday directed city staff to begin the process of hiring a new city manager. The move follows last week’s announcement that City Manager Craig Owens will conclude his tenure with the city in May 2026. Staff will bring options for engaging an executive-search firm for the commission’s review in early December, with the option to use cooperative purchasing or issue a formal request for proposals if needed.

City approves first traffic fine increase in 12 years

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The City Commission voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance increasing fines for some traffic infractions for the first time in 12 years. The changes set a $100 minimum fine for most traffic offenses, up from $80, and adjust speeding fines, for example, $90 at 10 mph over and $290 at 30 mph over, while leaving parking fines and court costs unchanged. Staff noted Lawrence’s fines will remain lower than in some peer communities.

Court defends fine hike with data on collections and alternatives

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Ahead of the vote to increase fines, municipal court staff presented data showing high compliance and alternatives for those unable to pay. The court reported a 96 percent collection rate on traffic infractions before cases are sent to collections and about 92 percent so far in 2025. Community service remains widely used, averaging roughly 43 participants and nearly 400 hours per month at a credit of $10 an hour, with payment plans and fine-reduction motions available for hardship.

City touts 63 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence has seen a 63 percent decrease in unsheltered homelessness year over year, according to the city’s Homeless Solutions Division, using 2025 Point-in-Time data verified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The figure was highlighted during a proclamation recognizing November as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Leaders from the Lawrence Community Shelter and Just Food also thanked the commission for its partnership.

Commission seeks update on World Cup 2026 preparations

LAWRENCE, Kan. - As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the commission requested more regular updates on Lawrence’s role in the regional event. Commissioner Amber Sellers asked staff to schedule a report from the community’s World Cup Unified Command—a joint effort among the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, eXplore Lawrence and the University of Kansas—for a December meeting, with monthly or bimonthly updates thereafter.

County faces $4.6 million potential liability from pending tax appeals

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County faces a potential tax liability of $4.6 million from 116 unresolved property tax appeals currently before the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, County Appraiser Brad Eldridge reported Wednesday. The figure represents the total potential refund, including interest, owed to property owners across all local taxing jurisdictions if every appeal is successful. Eldridge noted that large corporations, including Walmart, routinely appeal their property valuations, with some cases dating back to 2019. These delays at the state level can result in significant compounded interest payments from the county and other entities like the city and school district if the appeals are granted.

County appraiser reports high success rate in defending valuations

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County has successfully defended its property valuations in more than 80 percent of cases that have reached the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals and district court in recent years, County Appraiser Brad Eldridge said Wednesday. Eldridge attributed the high success rate to strong market data and thorough preparation by his staff and the county’s legal team. He noted that while many peer counties stipulate or “meet in the middle” on appeals due to a lack of resources, Douglas County’s approach has affirmed its methodology and protected the local tax base, including a recent seven-day court case involving all four Dillons grocery store properties where the county’s values were upheld.

Commissioners voice strong opposition to state-imposed tax lids

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County Commissioners expressed firm opposition to potential state legislation that would impose a constitutional or statutory cap on local property tax revenue. During a discussion of the county’s 2026 legislative statement, commissioners requested stronger language opposing tax lids, arguing such measures would erode “home rule” authority and directly impact the county’s ability to fund essential local services. Lobbyist Stuart Little of Little Government Relations noted that while a constitutional amendment to cap taxes is unlikely to pass, statutory limits on revenue collection and appraisal reform remain active topics in Topeka.

Redistricting debate surfaces as potential legislative priority

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Douglas County Commission is considering whether to formally oppose any off-cycle attempts by the state legislature to redraw political maps. The issue was raised during Wednesday’s discussion of the county’s legislative priorities following a recent failed effort by some state lawmakers to call a special session for redistricting. Commissioner Patrick Kelly voiced concern over current maps that split the county, while others noted the political difficulty of the topic. The commission directed its lobbyist to provide potential language for the statement, which could be used to respond if a specific redistricting plan emerges during the 2026 session.

Homeless encampment issues persist at Burcham Park

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Issues with homeless encampments are resurfacing at Burcham Park and adjacent private property, Commissioner Gene Dorsey reported at Wednesday’s meeting. Dorsey said that despite a clearing of the area weeks ago, many individuals have returned, with some moving back into concealed locations in the brush. Dorsey stated he had spoken with Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart, who confirmed the situation. The report highlights the ongoing challenge for local officials in addressing unsanctioned camping as they work to coordinate a response between city and county services.

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

citizen journal offers three flagship products: a daily national news summary, a daily Kansas news summary, and local news and school board summaries from 15 cities across Kansas. Each issue contains 5 paragraph-length stories that are made to be read in 5 minutes. Use the links in the header to navigate to national, kansas, and local coverage. Subscribe to each, some, or all to get an email when new issues are published for FREE!