Our Vision

We envision collaborative governance that empowers all stakeholders—residents, community organizations, businesses, and city government—to shape local policies, budgets, and outcomes.

Please Join Us!

The Coalition for Collaborate Governance is hosting a conversation with Lawrence City Commission and School Board candidates on Wednesday, Oct 1 from 6:00 - 7:30pm at the Lawrence Public Library auditorium.

Candidates will answer questions about

  • Engagement and collaboration with the public

  • Collaboration amongst governmental entities

  • Transparency 

Learn more about the event format and questions here, and submit a question on these topics here. We are excited to bring Commission and School Board candidates together to discuss increased collaboration between elected officials and their constituents, as well as increased collaboration between these two governing bodies.

News!

See interactive chart of yearly changes in average City utility fees below and the Lawrence Times article about this issue. Research provided by Holly Krebs, 9/14/25

Lawrence City Commission Considering Debt that Might Not Be Sustainable,

by Holly Krebs in The Lawrence Times, 8/31/25

Coalition Comments on Debt, City Commission 2026 Budget Public Hearing

City of Lawrence Budget

Budget Analysis, Engagement, and Advocacy

To facilitate greater understanding and transparency regarding the City’s 2026 Budget, our coalition:

  • Conducted an independent analysis of the City’s current and proposed budgets.

  • Published reports and articles to educate the community about the City budget.

  • Asked the City for increased transparency and public engagement regarding their budget.

  • Hosted A Community Conversation about the City Budget.

  • Produced our own community engagement survey to capture the public’s opinions about the City budget.

  • Presented before the Commission about their proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, budget, and Parks & Rec fees.

Illustration of budget planning with colorful charts, graphs, and a paper labeled “Budget” in large text. Includes pie and bar charts, flow diagrams, and a pen, symbolizing financial analysis and organization.

Learn More!

Petition to Empower Lawrence Voices

The Coalition for Collaborative Governance requests that the City of Lawrence:

  • Collaboratively engage with our community to drive their decision-making.

  • Transparently provide complete and easy-to-access information.

  • Be accountable to our community in their actions and practices.

Our Goals

  • Develop more collaborative relationships between our local government and its residents.

  • Identify recurrent challenges and successful practices in local governmental processes.

  • Promote solutions to make our local government’s cultures, policies, and practices more transparent, collaborative, and accountable.

Learn More!