Lawrence local news summary

Commission approves $57.5 million contract for MSO campus phase 2

U.S. Engineering to expand in VenturePark with tax abatement

City to offer stormwater bill credits for property owners

Study: Recyclables and food scraps still fill too much of Lawrence’s trash

Jayhawk Watershed project progresses west of downtown

County approves $100,000 child care scholarship challenge grant

Commission acknowledges low wages as a core child care challenge

Veterans court to host public open house

Commission approves $57.5 million contract for MSO campus phase 2

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence City Commission unanimously approved a $57.5 million guaranteed maximum price contract Tuesday with McCownGordon Construction for the second and final phase of the new Municipal Services and Operations campus. The facility, at the former Farmland Industries site in Lawrence VenturePark, will house the city’s Central Maintenance Garage and Solid Waste divisions, relocating them from outdated, flood-prone facilities near 11th and Haskell streets. Officials said consolidating operations will improve safety and efficiency. The total two-phase project cost is now estimated at $130.1 million. Staff said accelerating the schedule for Phase 2 avoids cost escalations and saves roughly $3 million. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026 and be completed by late 2027.

U.S. Engineering to expand in VenturePark with tax abatement

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A major expansion for U.S. Engineering Metalworks received unanimous approval, as the city commission authorized an incentive package including a 10-year, 70 percent property tax abatement and a sales tax exemption on construction materials for a new 75,000-square-foot plant in Lawrence VenturePark. Company leaders reported that since opening their initial facility in 2022, they’ve exceeded job and wage projections, with average wages topping $112,000. The new facility is expected to create about 30 jobs in its first year, growing toward roughly 50 jobs as operations ramp up.

City to offer stormwater bill credits for property owners

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A new stormwater credit program, approved as part of the rate ordinance, will allow qualifying property owners to reduce stormwater utility bills by up to 50 percent if they construct and maintain approved best management practices (e.g., retention basins, rain gardens) that manage runoff on-site. Staff will finalize criteria as the new rate structure rolls out in 2026..

Study: Recyclables and food scraps still fill too much of Lawrence’s trash

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A new waste characterization study presented to the commission found that roughly 19 percent of sampled trash consisted of items acceptable in the city’s single-stream recycling program. Organic material—primarily food waste—made up about 40 percent of the trash stream. Staff said findings will guide Solid Waste Master Plan strategies, from education to potential composting programs. (Figures to be refined as the master plan process advances.)

Jayhawk Watershed project progresses west of downtown

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The commission received an update on the Jayhawk Watershed project to reduce flood risk in the Oread and Old West Lawrence neighborhoods. Work includes replacing an underground stone culvert built in 1911 with a higher-capacity storm tunnel. Traffic impacts along Eighth and Ninth streets are ongoing. Completion is currently projected for late 2026 to early 2027, with staff noting utility conflicts can affect schedule.

County approves $100,000 child care scholarship challenge grant

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday approved a plan to launch a $100,000 Douglas County Community Child Care Scholarship Challenge Fund in 2026. The county’s investment will match contributions from local businesses, foundations and private donors — with a goal of doubling the pool to $200,000. Positive Bright Start will help manage the program, connecting eligible families with participating child care providers, as part of the county’s broader anti-poverty strategy.

Commission acknowledges low wages as a core child care challenge

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — While discussing the scholarship fund, commissioners noted that low wages for early-childhood staff remain a critical challenge — with many workers qualifying for the very assistance programs the county funds. Commissioner Karen L. Willey said workforce pay must be addressed in parallel, balancing affordability for families with sustainable provider wages.

Veterans court to host public open house

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County District Court’s Veterans Treatment Court will host a public open house next week, County Administrator Sarah Plinsky noted. The specialty court — to be presided over by District Judge Amy Hanley — provides an alternative pathway for justice-involved veterans and is slated to come online in late 2025. A quorum notice was issued accordingly.

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