City awaits decision on World Cup team base camp selection

Transit plan links Lawrence to Kansas City for 2026 tournament

Local businesses prep for international currency and culture

Police affirm non-enforcement of civil immigration during World Cup

City bolsters cybersecurity ahead of global media attention

Commission to review fines for short-term rental violations

City declines changes to RV ordinances for World Cup

Mental health teams deployed following local shooting

Commission hires consultant for Treatment and Recovery Center review

County prepares for potential state budget cuts

Lobbyist reports on potential property tax constitutional amendment

Transient guest tax legislation may impact World Cup preparations

State legislature focuses on housing and eviction reform

Bill proposed to allow use of expired naloxone

City awaits decision on World Cup team base camp selection

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence officials expect to receive notification by Jan. 31 regarding whether the city has been selected as a base camp for an international team during the 2026 World Cup. Ruth DeWitt, director of community relations for Explore Lawrence, informed commissioners that teams have submitted their location preferences to FIFA, noting that selection would bring approximately 15,000 visitors to the city and utilize facilities including Rock Chalk Park and the Oread Hotel.

Transit plan links Lawrence to Kansas City for 2026 tournament

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The ConnectKC26 regional transportation plan will link Lawrence to World Cup events in Kansas City, Mo., through a dedicated Region Direct bus service operating daily from June 11 through July 13, 2026. Transit officials indicated the buses will run every 30 minutes to transport visitors between Lawrence and Kansas City venues, while local bus operations will maintain their standard schedules throughout the tournament.

Local businesses prep for international currency and culture

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Economic development officials are implementing training initiatives to prepare Lawrence businesses for an estimated 650,000 regional visitors during the 2026 World Cup. The Lawrence 2026 group is advising merchants on accepting diverse international payment methods and providing cultural awareness training to help frontline workers effectively serve a global clientele.

Police affirm non-enforcement of civil immigration during World Cup

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Police Department reaffirmed its policy of non-involvement in civil immigration enforcement to address concerns about potential federal activity during the World Cup. Police representatives emphasized to commissioners that the department will maintain its separation from federal civil immigration matters, focusing instead on public safety and a welcoming environment for international visitors.

City bolsters cybersecurity ahead of global media attention

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Local emergency management and city officials are collaborating with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to strengthen digital defenses against potential threats during the upcoming tournament. Authorities have conducted assessments of municipal systems to prevent phishing, denial-of-service attacks and ticket scams, noting that the event's high visibility increases risks to public infrastructure.

Commission to review fines for short-term rental violations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission directed staff to prepare a report on potential fine increases for short-term rental violations under Chapter 6, Article 13A of the city code to better regulate properties during the World Cup. Commissioners expressed a desire for a detailed enforcement framework to prevent landlords from displacing long-term tenants in favor of short-term visitors following the recent passage of related text amendments.

City declines changes to RV ordinances for World Cup

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission declined to modify ordinances that would have permitted recreational vehicles or camping within city limits during the World Cup, citing sanitation and utility concerns. While city staff advised against allowing temporary mobile housing in residential driveways, unincorporated areas of Douglas County are currently exploring expanded camping options for visitors.

Mental health teams deployed following local shooting

LAWRENCE, Kan. — City leaders coordinated a mental health response for staff at The Jayhawk Cafe following a fatal shooting at the establishment over the weekend. A commissioner stated that the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center mobilized a crisis team by Sunday morning to support employees, while outreach was also made to the social services nonprofit DCCCA.

Commission hires consultant for Treatment and Recovery Center review

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners authorized a contract not to exceed $98,900 with Multipass Consulting to review the financial and operational structure of the Treatment and Recovery Center (TRC). Dr. Margie Balfour, a psychiatrist and founder of Multipass Consulting, will lead the evaluation, focusing on staffing models, data reporting, and financial sustainability. Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center Interim CEO Kirsten Watkins supported the review, noting that while the findings will guide the 2027 budget, immediate funding discussions for 2026 remain necessary.

County prepares for potential state budget cuts

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Stuart Little of Little Government Relations, the county's contracted legislative liaison, reported that state lawmakers are targeting approximately $200 million in budget reductions during the current legislative session. Little informed the commission that the legislature has assumed greater control over the budget process from the governor's office and is holding hearings to identify waste, fraud, and abuse. He warned that these cuts could reduce state funding for essential county services, specifically in behavioral health and corrections.

Lobbyist reports on potential property tax constitutional amendment

LAWRENCE, Kan. — During a legislative update, Stuart Little advised commissioners that the Kansas Senate is debating Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616, a constitutional amendment that would cap the annual growth of appraised property values at 3 percent. Little noted the measure has cleared committee and likely has sufficient support to pass the Senate, though he predicted it would face significant opposition in the House. He added that proponents of the amendment may lack the supermajority votes needed to override a potential veto by the governor.

Transient guest tax legislation may impact World Cup preparations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Little updated the commission on House Bill 2481, which would remove the minimum room requirement for the transient guest tax, potentially expanding the tax to smaller lodging establishments like short-term rentals. He explained that this legislation is driven by preparations for the 2026 World Cup and is a primary topic of discussion in Topeka. The change aims to increase tax revenue from the influx of visitors expected for the event, which could then fund tourism and event-related infrastructure.

State legislature focuses on housing and eviction reform

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Characterizing the current legislative session as the "year of housing," Little highlighted several bipartisan bills addressing tenancy, ownership, and eviction reform. He outlined proposals for a baseline property maintenance code and a property verification registry intended to identify corporate or foreign ownership of residential rentals. Additionally, Little pointed to legislation clarifying the tax status of community land trusts, a model used by local affordable housing organizations.

Bill proposed to allow use of expired naloxone

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Concluding his legislative report, Little briefed the commission on House Bill 2436, which would legalize the administration of expired naloxone for overdose reversal. The bipartisan proposal aims to reduce waste by extending liability protections under the Good Samaritan law to individuals administering the drug even after its manufacturer expiration date. Proponents argue the medication often remains effective for years, making the bill a practical measure for emergency response.

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