[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6217191,"mediaKeyId","3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7","parentId",3648245,"title","Commission renews Catalyst industrial incentive program for three years","audioSeconds",907,"startMs",5300000,"endMs",6207000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7&start=5300&end=6207","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7/thumbnail_5300000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217191/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-renews-Catalyst-industrial-incentive-program-for-three-years","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217191-25f3e54fad5eb1cb8161ea2bd78f8110/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139124&Signature=Y7FfQvap~Lxu2ScYZJ0~TToBc9rxy8wWCuk-8SUbVfcfmfgiBmcEB6akYVahWFrt20K-PdUy6KJl3fcgwyz2qlDy2pjWPPlbzkwU7~mwmxKQmxy-Rl262ppbPw~AnLCZIJOA51NexEGExOIJt9WFh8xaGrcABRj0fAi7Whsdcb5P8lWCirznOAus-DDu2seR9XTABpKcT0eZGNEnGrSJassrejVb8I2a0NOQfsgmkp~ZF47QKY7GH8AwaH83G8ZCIcRtg1NCdWb3OW~QtDhGYl4Tn1I1BMq7aYu40b8vF7iYwFrK6pvCRsH772gJlY5uOt~oeY9haUrRG1o9nt2Znw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lenexa , KS","date","2025-06-04T12:39:27Z","article","The Lawrence City Commission voted 4-0 on June 3 to authorize a three-year extension of the Catalyst industrial development incentive program, which offers a predictable package of development incentives for qualifying newbuild and expansion projects on industrially zoned land.

Brandon Maguire, who presented the item for city economic development staff, explained the program was first authorized in 2017 and that a recent authorization had lapsed. He said the program has helped activate publicly owned industrial properties including Lawrence Venture Park and East Hills Business Park and has incentivized expansions by local companies.

Maguire said the program’s structure has encouraged investment and that, as earlier projects complete their abatement periods, the city will see full property tax collections being added to the tax base. He noted that industrial property is taxed at a higher effective rate than residential, which amplifies the fiscal benefit when industrial parcels come onto the tax rolls.

John Martin, a resident, asked for more financial detail in the packet — implementation cost, opportunity cost and return on investment — and said those items should be provided when authorizing tax incentives. Steve Kelly, speaking for the Lawrence Chamber and EDC, supported renewal and said Catalyst has generated more than $70 million in capital investment tied to participating projects.

Commissioners said the program provides predictability that helps with business recruitment and expansions and agreed to the three‑year extension to July 1, 2028. Staff said they will return with additional reporting and that the expiration date can be revisited when the commission wishes to reconsider program parameters.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lenexa City Commission Meeting- 06/03/2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The commission authorized a three‑year extension of the Catalyst industrial development incentive program to expire July 1, 2028, citing success activating industrial land and near‑term tax roll benefits as projects complete construction.","taxTitle","Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas","taxId",3971,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217196,"Residents ask city to publish street‑closure maps after Barkers block party approval",639,4671000,5310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7&start=4671&end=5310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7/thumbnail_4671000.jpg","/articles/6217196/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Residents-ask-city-to-publish-streetclosure-maps-after-Barkers-block-party-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217196-8f5ed7fb9bb7b491598b07f4433e7a4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139124&Signature=RdAHD~jgBEovQ3nadapn7QfYOBGL3v-JtYFPmSrgrKxRRHvL~vV5flQ1ReCobCkxGJ09Q60Qdr00tgzpWVJjeLX1wYgG4KP0wAn2Dbxk1pMXClpNrlqkNno-rPzjIyppHRtu4GO6bOQmAqZ9ZgRr3gyXruEHlun5gx3CxRwx3KQjISKcg76Dhaa0In6rnbG7Uyrs9~VOPYBd43wNH8y2UlVZ7Hljzgo-fBbM7odq5fRvIbO1iX6WO3fY3YYJxC7dzAOu3e07DDAzlV44oayj7a8MXqcoUqOvAoDKLaTes5C1QaK0O3bOVpoHyUN6yfw6NCD0gWLZPmaA-58Cruf1xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission approved a repeal/replace motion on June 3 to allow alcohol sale and possession for the Barker anniversary block party while replacing the prior resolution with Resolution No. 7601; the motion passed 4-0. The item itself was uncontested, but multiple residents and one commissioner asked city staff to publicly post the maps that show the exact street and sidewalk closures so affected neighbors can know whether and how they will be impacted.

Parks and Recreation staff and the city’s right‑of‑way permitting staff explained that event applicants submit maps through an online portal and that staff reviews closures with police, fire, transit and other stakeholders before finalizing approvals. Roger (parks/right‑of‑way staff) said some events come in late and that staff tries to coordinate with applicants and public safety to protect safety and circulation.

Commissioner Larson (speaking to roles) and commissioner Lawson asked staff to evaluate whether the right‑of‑way permit maps or application summary can be made more accessible in the agenda packet or by link, without conflating city sponsorship of privately organized events. Staff said they will review processes and consider posting permit maps or links where appropriate, but emphasized they want to avoid posting inaccurate or outdated information for events that change at short notice.

The commission approved the replacement resolution to accommodate scheduling changes for a related Bridal event; staff said applicants obtained required neighborhood signatures. The commission asked staff to propose a practical, accurate method to publish maps or application materials to improve notice to neighbors and reduce the need for citizens to call staff or file public‑records requests.","The commission approved alcohol sale and possession for a Barker anniversary block party (resolution repeal/replace to No. 7601), but residents and some commissioners pressed staff to make street‑closure maps and right‑of‑way permit details publicly available so neighbors know which sidewalks and streets will be closed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217201,"Commission approves new live‑streaming approach, drawing broad public opposition",2801,1859000,4660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7&start=1859&end=4660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7/thumbnail_1859000.jpg","/articles/6217201/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-new-livestreaming-approach-drawing-broad-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217201-fa85ae399172b8bf68ff95eb06df1de4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139124&Signature=MpaYpRpGpb6BJqj6e55HOWMG2BykVcRZELsG~564LloMCUwwvqRM52RbTfyWQ76q8tk8I2nrWwRvC-4PWmdAKI9IIjLmfdQovKaOhij3IVxdKg1B5uVdztEzfwaeCR8FAo7C9IjM8vUmB0AylIP7nNZn4ek1keXlXFcBPXsl5ejYGN-wjUTj4cYWdCQUxQf~mqyZHg2nIl58mFdYZGifagK8XSFA-ZsTvC79DwKjpDShW-r6rBpi6-XxfXuedmtYPFlpXZ2Oc9aWQor0MzITH6oJlJFt4-yngAvfCqTEFcvmI3rJnAO~-awFK5BLXJTJTOcU0l6lzLRmpwVv5NdD4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1 on June 3 to adopt Resolution No. 7600, changing the city’s live-streaming practice so that real‑time public participation will be via Zoom webinar rather than a YouTube live stream. The commission said the change responds to a new state law and that Zoom is necessary for participants to join and speak during meetings.

Mayor Dever said the change is intended to encourage Zoom participation: “If you're watching on YouTube, you can't participate in the meeting. You have to be on the Zoom feed to participate in the meeting.” The vote followed weeks of public debate and a substantial turnout at the meeting urging that the city retain YouTube live streaming and that general public comment remain fully available in live broadcasts.

Public commenters voiced strong objections to the change, arguing it reduces transparency and accessibility. John Martin, a resident, said removing the YouTube livestream “removes trust in your local government.” David Baston and other speakers raised legal and public‑access concerns; several asked that the city ensure full recordings — including public comment — are posted promptly. One public commenter said the change appeared designed to “curate the record.”

Members of the commission defended the change as compliance and practicality. Mayor Dever, responding to questions, said the city is following a new state statute and noted other jurisdictions use the Zoom-only model. Staff explained Zoom is required for interactive participation and that the new statute imposes constraints on how meetings are streamed and recorded.

The motion to adopt Resolution No. 7600 carried after a roll call vote (tally recorded 3–1). The resolution states the city will provide live access via Zoom webinar and that recordings will be posted afterward; staff said they will work to ensure Zoom access and improve recording reliability.

The commission did not change the weekly inclusion of general public comment; several commissioners and the mayor said they intend to continue offering public comment every week. Citizens and advocacy groups said they plan follow‑up by asking for changes to posting practices and clearer timelines for when recordings will be available online.","The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1 to adopt Resolution No. 7600, moving live, real‑time public participation to Zoom webinars and ending YouTube live streaming of meetings (including live public comment); the change responded to recent state law changes and drew extensive public comment and objections about transparency.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217206,"Lawrence adopts Vision Zero transportation safety action plan",311,1535000,1846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7&start=1535&end=1846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3648245-1b867de66fbb1160b5ce093d143b42f7/thumbnail_1535000.jpg","/articles/6217206/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Lawrence-adopts-Vision-Zero-transportation-safety-action-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217206-92a3a604f24b222092d7c0cbd6d744d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139124&Signature=jtmE3M6cHCsNvPPHPUL8bfN5Xq-abunDvH5idxV-ZwGT1mdGTnIZJwGVeOD2Gj-VYPlrMkLpQPWUauJ5O291pxnFbifoY6PxE049JW2eJCWs1VXfz5XuXuc83qKXifRD00vJYPojzyjNxu~CiOmKvVZPqbiKu12emibnQEC3aTI-SA5o7Xugdfk3BinJ7FWQ2-X6~WAdZm-0IC6iuxLiMFc7PRWBUjz5WUMwlwct8CJf9N2edJm1UnR4iDEu8XKk~dVk6IqdDCCISiwGxSvJFQ0b-rk9cPpk0m55mGaJe0ptdQc17bPFcoB9x40VmSEGCh6QPmsC-xP7qlrtZcAtbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Commission voted 4-0 on June 3 to adopt the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Action Plan and Resolution No. 7598, approving a long-range strategy the city says is intended to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero over coming decades.

The plan, which staff described as extending to 2050, lays out measures the city will pursue to improve traffic safety through engineering, education, enforcement and policy changes, and commissioners approved the resolution after a public comment period and staff presentation.

Supporters said the plan balances multiple goals. Commissioner Lawson moved to approve the plan, and the motion passed 4-0. In discussion, Lawson urged residents to read the plan, saying, “It talks about a lot of those things, and trying to find that right balance.” The commission noted the plan included public participation and called it “ambitious.”

Public commenters raised questions about trade-offs between safety and mobility. Chris Flowers, a resident, said if Vision Zero means approaching zero traffic deaths by lowering speeds, the community should be asked how much slower travel they are willing to accept: “I’m not willing to go 0 car crashes if it means we have to go 20 miles all the time.” David Baston, who addressed the commission during public comment, urged commissioners to consider potential funding or legal risks mentioned in his written submission.

Staff said the plan is intended to be iterative and to guide work over decades. The plan is available in the agenda materials for detailed measures, performance targets and the public outreach summary, which leaders cited in explaining the commission’s decision to adopt the resolution.

The commission’s adoption sends the plan to implementation steps led by city transportation staff and partners; no new expenditures or binding regulatory changes were voted on as part of this resolution.

The commission will track implementation and return to the public with project‑level proposals and funding requests as specific actions are advanced.","The Lawrence City Commission adopted the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Action Plan and resolution No. 7598, a long‑range plan aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2050; supporters praised its public engagement while some speakers asked for clearer trade‑off analysis on travel time and speeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission renews Catalyst industrial incentive program for three years

Residents ask city to publish street‑closure maps after Barkers block party approval

Commission approves new live‑streaming approach, drawing broad public opposition

Lawrence adopts Vision Zero transportation safety action plan