Our Vision
We envision collaborative governance that empowers all stakeholders—residents, community organizations, businesses, and city government—to shape local policies, budgets, and outcomes.
Lawrence Recreation Facilities
Fees and Community Opposition
The City implemented fees at our rec centers starting in January. They were planning on closing open access to our downtown Community Building as well, but they decided to keep it open for a trial three-month period.
Our community has shown strong opposition to these decisions.
Over 3,600 residents have signed the No Fees for Lawrence Rec Center petition.
Over 2,000 survey respondents (82% of all respondents) opposed these fees.
Commissioner Mike Courtney developed a proposal to maintain free access to Lawrence recreation facilities, and the majority of the Commission decided not to pursue that proposal.
Other City News
On Jan 12, the Lawrence Farmer's Market presented a proposal for a permanent location to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board.
You can see their presentation and read community members’ feedback about this proposal here.
Community Town Hall
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30pm, Lawrence Public Library’s Auditorium
Join the Farmer’s Market for our final Community Town Hall to present on the findings of their feasibility study and Community Engagement sessions before they present to the City Commission with their site recommendation.
More Info on Parks & Rec Fees!
Lawrence residents to start paying for rec center access as city faces budget deficit, KSHB 41
What to know about Lawrence rec center access fees
by Mackenzie Clark, The Lawrence Times
Lawrence city commissioners voted to implement rec center fees. Some believe they broke a promise.
by Cuyler Dunn, The Lawrence Times
82% of Survey Respondents Oppose Rec Center Fees
by Carol Kummer in The Lawrence Times
No Fees for Lawrence Rec Centers petition - 3,667 signatures and counting!
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.