Lawrence – Week of July 12 2025
Police & Fire Cuts; Downtown Development Boom; Homeless Shelter Budget; Lawrence Loop v Streets Debate; Parks & Rec Fees
City Faces Cuts to Police and Fire in 2026 “Less for Less” Budget
Downtown Lawrence Development Boom Highlighted in City Budget Presentation
Homeless Solutions Budget Shrinks But Family Shelter Remains Unfunded
Funding Debate Pits Lawrence Loop Trail Against Street Maintenance
Parks and Recreation to Propose New Fees to Offset Cuts
1. City Faces Cuts to Police and Fire in 2026 “Less for Less” budget
The Lawrence City Manager’s proposed 2026 budget, presented as a “less for less” plan to achieve structural balance, includes significant cuts to public safety. The proposal eliminates nine full-time positions from the police department, eight of which are currently vacant. For the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical department, the plan would remove one fire apparatus from daily service to meet its reduction target, a move that would lower minimum staffing levels. During public comment, leaders from both the police and firefighters’ unions urged the commission to reconsider the cuts, warning of devastating impacts on officer and community safety, response times, and the city’s ability to handle a growing volume of calls.
2. Downtown Lawrence Development Boom Highlighted in City Budget Presentation
A video presentation during the city’s budget work session highlighted a boom in downtown development as a key component of Lawrence’s economic future. The video showcased several major projects, including the Press Yards project on the east side of Massachusetts Street, the renovation of the historic Turnhalle building at 9th and Rhode Island, and the redevelopment of multiple city-owned parking lots on New Hampshire and Vermont Streets. The presentation framed these developments as crucial for expanding the city’s economic base, which is necessary for achieving long-term financial sustainability.
3. Homeless Solutions Budget Shrinks But Family Shelter Remains Unfunded
The proposed 2026 budget for the Homeless Solutions department reflects a reduction in funding, which the director attributed to “system success, increased efficiency, and a shift from crisis management to long-term recovery.” Director Misty Bosch-Hastings reported a 70 % reduction in chronic and unsheltered homelessness, allowing for cuts to resources for encampment cleanups and transportation assistance. However, Bosch-Hastings delivered a stark warning that the city still has no emergency shelter for families. While the county has committed funds to purchase and repair a facility, she stated there is “no clear path” for the city to fund its operations, leaving families in crisis without adequate shelter.
4. Funding Debate Pits Lawrence Loop Trail Against Street Maintenance
A key decision point in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is how to allocate limited sales-tax funds between street maintenance and the popular Lawrence Loop trail project. The proposed budget prioritizes street maintenance after commissioners expressed concern that the city was on a “downward trajectory” of improving its Pavement Condition Index (PCI). However, commissioners questioned if a compromise could be reached. Discussion arose about whether the city could lose $564,000 in KDOT grant funds for a segment of the loop if the city removes its matching funds from the CIP. Some commissioners asked staff to explore options for funding a smaller portion of the loop to keep the project moving forward without taking too much away from street repairs.
5. Parks and Recreation to Propose New Fees to Offset Cuts
Faced with a proposed $1.8 million budget reduction, the Lawrence Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is planning to ask the City Commission to approve a series of new and increased fees. Parks Director Luis Ruiz stated that without new revenue sources, the department will see increasingly common cuts to the maintenance of parks, trails, and fields. The fee proposal, which will be detailed at the next commission meeting, could include new spectator fees and membership charges, potentially generating more than $1.1 million. This revenue would be used to minimize the service-level impacts of the budget cuts, which are also slated to include reduced hours at recreation centers and the elimination of three full-time positions.
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