named programs · 5 · from sources
what they call their work
City Budget Engagement
Provides information and encourages community participation in the City of Lawrence's budget process, including surveys and budget balancing exercises.
KU Graduate Student Research on Recent Lawrence City Issues
Compiles and presents research conducted by KU graduate students on various local issues such as affordable housing, brick streets, city hall relocation, homelessness, and tax abatements.
Lawrence Budget Research
Conducts independent analyses of the City's current and proposed budgets, including utility fees, debt, capital investment, and community engagement practices.
Outdoor Swimming Pool Advocacy
Led a campaign to retain the size of the Lawrence outdoor swimming pool, gathering signatures and lobbying the City Commission to reverse a decision to shrink the pool.
Parks and Rec Fees Advocacy
Organizes opposition to the City of Lawrence charging access fees for community recreation facilities, including petition campaigns and proposals for alternative funding strategies.
activities · 1 group
what they do
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Grassroots Advocacy & Civic Engagement 3 activities
- Community Advocacy CampaignsOrganizes local advocacy campaigns in Lawrence-Douglas County to influence city decisions, including petition drives, public lobbying, coordinated public comments, and direct engagement with city officials. Examples include efforts to preserve the size of the outdoor swimming pool and oppose recreation facility access fees, resulting in policy reversals.
- Community Collaboration and Capacity BuildingBuilds collaborative networks among residents, organizations, officials, and government entities to improve local governance. Serves as an educational resource on city issues, facilitates dialogue, and supports collective problem-solving to strengthen civic engagement and institutional responsiveness.
- Local Government Research and AnalysisConducts research on governance, fiscal policies, and community engagement challenges in Lawrence, including analyses of utility fee increases, city employee compensation trends, and budget processes. Publishes findings, submits questions to city staff, and presents results to the City Commission to inform policy and improve transparency.
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relationships · 11
who they work with
- City of Lawrence Government — Primary governmental entity the coalition advocates for improved collaboration with and accountability from.
- City of Lawrence Government — Primary governmental entity the organization is petitioning for policy and practice changes in governance.
- City of Lawrence Partner — Engaged in advocacy and public dialogue with the City of Lawrence on budget, parks and recreation policies, and community engagement practices.
- City of Lawrence Partner — The organization believes the City of Lawrence needs to improve its community engagement practices to meet its strategic plan commitment.
- Douglas County Commission Partner — Target of advocacy efforts to improve city-county collaboration.
- KU Graduate Students Partner — Collaborates with KU graduate students to conduct research on local governance issues in Lawrence, KS.
- Lawrence City Commission Partner — Target of advocacy efforts to promote collaborative governance.
- Lawrence School Board, USD 497 Partner — Target of advocacy efforts to include school governance in collaborative initiatives.
- The Arc of Justice Partner — Named supporter and member of the coalition.
- The Lawrence Journal World Partner — Media outlet through which community members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor and news.
- The Lawrence Times Partner — Media outlet through which community members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor.