Lawrence local news summary
Week of August 16 2025
City Commission Greenlights Massive KU Gateway Project
Commission to Scrutinize City’s Growing Debt
County Approves $6.6 Million for Public Safety Building Expansion
County Expands Medical Capabilities for All EMS Providers
Haskell Improvement Act Gains Traction with Senator’s Office
City Commission Greenlights Massive KU Gateway Project
LAWRENCE - The Lawrence City Commission unanimously approved a development agreement for the University of Kansas Gateway project, a nearly $800 million venture that includes renovations to the football stadium, a new conference center, hotel, apartments, and retail space. Billed as the largest development project in the city’s history, the agreement relies on a complex public-private partnership. The city’s contribution, capped at approximately $95 million, will be generated through several economic development tools, including STAR bonds, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and a new Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax. University officials stated the project is a critical recruiting tool and will generate nearly $2 billion in economic benefit over 20 years.
In a narrow 3-2 vote, the Lawrence City Commission approved the creation of a Community Improvement District (CID) at the KU Gateway project site, which will levy an additional 2% sales tax within its boundaries. The revenue from this new tax, which will not affect existing city sales taxes, is intended to help fund the development. Commissioners Amber Sellers and Lisa Larsen voted against the measure, while Mayor Mike Dever, Brad Finkeldei, and Bart Littlejohn voted in favor.
The commission approved the STAR bond financing plan for the KU Gateway project on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Amber Sellers dissenting. This financing tool will capture the majority of state sales tax, as well as some city and county sales tax revenue generated within the district, to repay bonds issued for the project. Officials estimate that about two-thirds of the funds used to repay the STAR bonds will come from state revenue. Certain local special sales taxes, such as those for infrastructure, transit, and affordable housing, are shielded and will not be captured.
Commission to Scrutinize City’s Growing Debt
LAWRENCE - Lawrence City Commission plans to hold a future public discussion on the city’s overall debt load. The topic was raised as a commission item for a future agenda, stemming from questions and concerns raised by community members about the amount of debt the city has accumulated in recent years. The discussion is intended to provide commissioners and the public with a clearer understanding of the city’s financial position and how the debt is being managed to ensure long-term solvency.
County Approves $6.6 Million for Public Safety Building Expansion
DOUGLAS COUNTY - The Douglas County Commission unanimously approved a $6.6 million project budget to finish the main level of the new Douglas County Public Safety Building. The action includes a $5.1 million contract amendment with J.E. Dunn Construction to complete the shelled-out upper level, which will house the Sheriff’s Office operations. This second phase of the project also funds an expanded parking lot and a larger generator capable of powering the entire facility. Completing the space now will allow Sheriff’s staff to relocate, clearing the way for renovations at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) to begin on schedule.
County Expands Medical Capabilities for All EMS Providers
DOUGLAS COUNTY - In a significant policy change, Douglas County is now allowing all licensed EMS providers to dispense a wider range of medications and medical supplies, a practice previously restricted by the county despite being permitted under state law. This will enable emergency medical technicians (EMTs) across the county to administer lifesaving treatments for conditions like heart attacks and respiratory distress, including providing aspirin and Narcan, which they were previously barred from using. The change is expected to improve emergency outcomes, especially in rural areas where response times for advanced life support can be longer.
Haskell Improvement Act Gains Traction with Senator’s Office
DOUGLAS COUNTY - Efforts to advance the Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act are moving forward after a Douglas County Commissioner helped facilitate a meeting between Haskell Indian Nations University stakeholders and staff from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s office. The virtual meeting allowed Haskell faculty, students, and community advocates to provide direct feedback to the senator’s policy advisor who is a key drafter of the federal legislation. The act is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure and operational needs at the university, and a follow-up conversation is anticipated in the coming weeks.
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