WRITER: Rochelle Valverde

City of Lawrence reveals new logo as part of brand update process

The City of Lawrence has revealed its new logo as part of an ongoing update to the city’s brand and marketing strategies. The logo continues to use a symbol that represents both a flame and a phoenix, a reference to the city’s abolitionist roots and struggles against pro-slavery factions leading up to the Civil War, but with some updates. City spokesperson Maureen Brady said that public input sessions ...

Lawrence Parks and Recreation begins reviewing its budget, prepares for discussion on $1.2M in fee increases

Lawrence Parks and Recreation officials have begun a review of the department’s budget as they prepare to draft possible scenarios for fee increases, including the possibility of creating new fees. In September, the Lawrence City Commission approved a $1.2 million increase in parks and recreation fees as part of its budget for 2023. Finance Director Jeremy Willmoth said at the time that the details of those ...

Family Promise of Lawrence purchases two homes as part of new supportive housing program

A nonprofit that helps local families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless is expanding its services with the purchase of two houses, which the organization will use to launch a supportive housing program. With the help of donations, Family Promise of Lawrence recently purchased two houses that it will use to provide supportive housing for two families at a time, allowing them to lease the ...

With as many as 200 people living outside, Lawrence shelter options remain limited as temperatures fall; winter shelter won't open for weeks

As overnight temperatures drop into the teens, there is still no place for the up to 200 people who are living unsheltered in Lawrence to sleep that is fully protected from the elements. While the city is working to set up its emergency winter shelter, it is still in the process of hiring staff, and there are no plans to open the shelter ahead of the previously scheduled date of Dec. 1. Lawrence Community ...

City leaders say code change request from John Brown’s Underground should be part of larger conversation about downtown’s future

A request for a change to city code from a business that has struggled to comply with the city’s limit on downtown alcohol sales sparked a larger conversation at City Hall on Tuesday. John Brown’s Underground, which since its opening in 2014 at 7 E. Seventh St. has on multiple occasions failed to meet the city’s requirement that it derive no more than 45% of its sales from alcohol, requested an amendment ...

Lawrence city leaders take first step in considering multimillion-dollar economic incentives request for West Campus project

City leaders have taken the first step in the potential creation of special taxing districts for a mixed-use development on the University of Kansas’ West Campus that will include research-related buildings, retail businesses, affordable and market-rate housing and a child care center. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to establish a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district ...