photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

The Lawrence school district offices building, located at 110 McDonald Dr., is pictured in May 2025.

The community is invited to participate in a debate on the future of housing in Lawrence.

The City of Lawrence will host the debate alongside the Kansas Leadership Center Journal, a civic issues magazine, to prompt discussion on housing from multiple viewpoints, according to a release from the city. The event will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Lawrence school district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.

Called “A Better Debate,” the evening’s conversation will center on a formal debate resolution, namely “Lawrence is doing enough to be a place where there is housing for all.” Participants may speak for or against the resolution or just choose to listen.

“This event is an opportunity to hear directly from neighbors with a range of perspectives and lived experiences — and to better understand the complexities and values that shape our shared path forward,” the city’s news release said.

The event is related to “A Place for Everyone,” the city-county joint plan to end chronic homelessness.

The debate resolution does not represent the position of the Kansas Leadership Center, the journal or the “A Place for Everyone” coalition, the release said.

People interested in attending the debate are encouraged to register in advance by filling out the journal’s registration form. The registration form has brief questions about perspectives and participation to help the debate chair prepare for the event. The responses will remain confidential and will be used exclusively for event planning.