Last week, the City of Lawrence showed what a great partner we are to KU, by supporting the Gateway Project with upwards of 94.5 million dollars. This project will be a win for KU and the State of Kansas.
But we also have to talk about the other side of the coin.
Less than 12 hours later it was announced that KU had the financial backing of 300M for athletics and 75 million specifically for this project.
In the LJWorld, it was said that for “KU to try to carry out the rest of its project “on an island” without municipal support would have been quite difficult”
Difficult, but not impossible.
Let’s talk about what is impossible.
On that same day, Lawrencians received letters stating that our property taxes would be going up by 10% once again.
These property taxes, and a reduction of critical safety services, will be used to fill the 2026 budget shortfall of 6.5 million dollars.
The University is now on much better financial footing than a week ago and that’s why I am calling on the City Commission and the City Manager to request that KU returns the favor in OUR time of need. In the upcoming 2026 budget, there is a 1.5 million dollar cut for fire, medical, and ambulance services; there is a 1.3 million dollar cut for police and safety. Part of this negotiation should now require a payment in lieu of taxes from KU to keep Lawrence’s fire trucks manned, our ambulances staffed, and police and first responders in the community. This will ensure the safety of first responders by avoiding staff reductions that puts their lives in further danger. We depend on them to protect our lives, and it is utterly unconscionable to put their lives at further risk.
KU has looked for the City to be their great partner, and we have delivered time and time again. It is now time to recognize that in this financial climate, that the City is also need of a great partner and KU can help to make sure that our citizens, their staff and students, will remain safe.