Our Vision
We envision collaborative governance that empowers all stakeholders—residents, community organizations, businesses, and city government—to shape local policies, budgets, and outcomes.
Government Leadership Changes
Two new City Commissioners were elected last week - Mike Courtney and Kristine Polian. Both of them have been coalition supporters since before they ran for office, and they both believe in our coalition's goals of increased transparency, collaboration, accountability, financial responsibility, and responsiveness to the community. They won by a large margin, which may suggest that the community is interested in these goals too.
Two School Board incumbents, Shannon Kimball and Kelly Jones, were re-elected, and newcomer Matt Lancaster was also elected. Due to the resignation of a School Board member, the Board appointed the four-place finisher, incumbent Bob Byer, to fill that position.
The City Manager, Craig Owens, announced his future resignation, and he plans to continue serving the City until May.
To learn more about our new City Commissioners and School Board members, you can read their very thoughtful replies to our coalition’s questions about transparency and collaboration in our community: City Commission Candidate Answers and School Board Candidate Answers. You can also watch their answers at our candidate forum.
Budget Info!
How will Lawrence’s utility rate increases affect your household?
by Holly Krebs in The Lawrence Times, 10/13/25
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.
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
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Develop more collaborative relationships between our local government and its residents.
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Identify recurrent challenges and successful practices in local governmental processes.
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Promote solutions to make our local government’s cultures, policies, and practices more transparent, collaborative, and accountable.