Lawrence – Week of June 1 2025
Apartment Complex Approved; Affordable Housing Crisis; Preservation Boosts Economy; Bert Nash Turmoil; LK UBI
City Commission Greenlights 24-Unit Apartment Complex in 3-2 Vote, Overruling Neighborhood Opposition
Coalition Calls for Bold Action on Affordable Housing, Highlighting Rent Burden
Historic Preservation Projects Pumped $73 Million into Kansas Economy in 2024
Employees Decry "Culture of Fear" at Bert Nash Amid Layoffs and Financial Meltdown
Lawrence, Douglas County on White House List of Sanctuary Cities Targeted for Immigration Enforcement
City Commission Greenlights 24-Unit Apartment Complex in 3-2 Vote, Overruling Neighborhood Opposition
The Lawrence City Commission narrowly approved a contentious rezoning request at the corner of West Third and Michigan streets paving the way for a 24-unit apartment complex in a neighborhood of predominantly single-family homes and duplexes. The 3-2 vote followed over an hour of passionate public comment, with dozens of Pinkney neighborhood residents arguing the higher-density R4 zoning would irrevocably harm the area's character, increase traffic, and reduce safety for children. Proponents, including local developers and housing advocates, countered that the project provides needed infill housing close to major employers like LMH Health and aligns with the city's goals for increased density. The developer noted the L-shaped, two-story building design internalizes parking and preserves nearly 40% of the lot as green space. The property was previously split-zoned, a situation staff described as a hardship for development. The tie vote at the Planning Commission level meant the City Commission's simple majority decision was final.
City of Lawrence
Coalition Calls for Bold Action on Affordable Housing, Highlighting Rent Burden
In a powerful presentation accompanying the proclamation of May as Affordable Housing Month, a coalition of community leaders underscored the depth of the local housing crisis. Representatives from the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority, Tenants to Homeowners, and Family Promise of Lawrence spoke of the inextricable link between stable housing and public health, economic mobility, and community well-being. Speakers highlighted that over half of Lawrence renters are housing cost-burdened and pointed to the disproportionate impact on seniors, people of color, and single mothers. Advocates called for bold local policies and creative solutions, emphasizing a growing need to rely on community-driven efforts as federal support wavers.
City of Lawrence
Historic Preservation Projects Pumped $73 Million into Kansas Economy in 2024
The city’s proclamation of Historic Preservation Month came with a compelling economic case for protecting Lawrence's heritage. Lynne Zollner, the city's historic resources administrator, presented new data showing historic preservation is a significant financial engine. In 2024 alone, private investment in historic preservation projects using tax credits generated over $73 million for the Kansas economy, creating 1,009 jobs and contributing $41 million to the gross state product. The presentation highlighted that beyond its cultural value, preservation work revitalizes neighborhoods and strengthens the local economy, a point echoed by the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, which announced several community events to celebrate the month.
City of Lawrence
Employees Decry "Culture of Fear" at Bert Nash Amid Layoffs and Financial Meltdown
The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is facing a severe crisis marked by abrupt layoffs, financial mismanagement, and plummeting staff morale, according to emotional testimony from more than a dozen current and former employees at Tuesday's Douglas County Commission meeting. Workers described a "crumbling" institution where recent terminations have left hundreds of clients—including children—without their therapists and case managers, while the newly formed Bert Nash Employees Union (IBEW Local 304) cited "worrying financial and ethical decisions" by senior leadership who allegedly fostered a culture of fear, ignored warnings about the center's finances, and rejected alternative solutions such as voluntary pay cuts. The crisis has prompted calls for county intervention, with resident Matthew Herbert pointedly asking commissioners how the county can hold $15 million in behavioral health sales tax funds with "no identifiable plan" while its largest mental health provider faces a financial meltdown, and union representatives expressing complete loss of confidence in the executive team's ability to navigate the center out of what they call a self-created crisis.
Douglas County
County to Explore Guaranteed Income with Grant-Funded Study
Douglas County will begin studying the feasibility of an economic mobility program, potentially including a guaranteed income pilot, after the commission voted unanimously to accept a $24,000 grant from the International City/County Management Association. The funds, originating from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will allow the county to join a "Community of Practice" cohort to research solutions for poverty, with a focus on single female-headed households. Staff clarified the grant is strictly for planning and research, not for direct cash payments to residents. The initiative sparked discussion about a new state law, HB 2101, which restricts the use of taxpayer funds for such programs. Staff assured the commission that the study would rely on private foundation support for any future pilot, thereby avoiding conflict with the state law.
Douglas County
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
GET THE CITIZEN JOURNAL APP - FREE!
Contact: greg@loql.ai
Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl3JiJC_xk4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl3JiJC_xk4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl3JiJC_xk4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j74H27sC1hc