Advisory Boards
For current openings, see final section of most recent City Commission agenda watch City Channel 25 on Sunflower Cablevision, or visit the vacancies page.
Aviation Advisory Board
Objectives of the Aviation Board are to promote general and commercial aviation activities and interests in Lawrence; seek means of more fully utilizing and improving aviation facilities in Lawrence; aid the City and users of the aviation facilities in Lawrence in obtaining and improving services subject to approval by the governing body and receive and evaluate reports of poor or improper services by the contractual base operator, unsafe conditions, or failure of parties to observe airport rules.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring May 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Various times, Airport conference room.
Board of Electrical Examiners
The function of the Board is to help in the administration of the City of Lawrence Electrical Code. Its work includes designating standards and qualifications for the certification and licensing of electricians; acting as an appeals board for persons aggrieved by a decision of the enforcing authority; and acting as a code committee recommending to the governing body changes necessary for the adoption of technical codes and ordinances.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring March 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of each month as needed, 7 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Board of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
The function of the Board is to help in the administration of the City's Plumbing Code. The Board hears appeals on the actions of the City's inspector and recommends changes in the City's Plumbing Code.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring April 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday every month, 6:30 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial body set up to provide interpretations and variances under City land use regulations. The Board hears appeals and makes a decision on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decisions from this board are final.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring September 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Community Commission on Homelessness
The Community Commission on Homelessness was established and appointed by the Mayor as recommended by the Task Force on Homeless Services in order to work with existing service providers and agencies to facilitate implementation of the Final Plan and Recommendations. With the support of City staff the Commission will make regular progress reports to the community and will develop a broad-based funding plan for homeless services.
Terms: Three year terms, and can only serve two full consecutive terms.
Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month from 8:30 - 10:00. City Commission Room, First Floor, City Hall.
Contact: Margene Swarts, Community Development Manager, 785-832-3117, e-mail: mswarts@ci.lawrence.ks.us, fax: 785-832-3110.
Community Development Grant Review Board
The Board's function is to review and take action on citizens requests for financial assistance for housing rehabilitation and to hear appeals from determinations made by the Neighborhood Resources staff regarding housing rehabilitation programs. The Board also reviews policies and procedures and makes recommendations to the City Commission concerning the Rehabilitation Grant Program.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: As needed, Neighborhood Resources Conference Room.
Contact: Larry Hamm, Rehab. Specialist, 785-832-3114, e-mail: lhamm@ci.lawrence.ks.us, fax: 785-832-3110.
Contractor Licensing Board
The function of the Contractor Licensing Board is to hear complaints regarding violations of the contractor licensing regulations. The board may take appropriate disciplinary actions.
Terms:4 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings:To be determined
Contact: Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager, 785-832-3101, e-mail: bwalthall@ci.lawrence.ks.us, fax: 785-832-3110.
Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
The charge of the Board is to act as an advisory board for CVB. The Board advises and suggests methods or practices that will help promote and continue tourism as a viable economy in Lawrence.
Terms: 4 year terms, expiring July 1 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 4th Tuesday of each month, 4pm, various locations.
Douglas County Community Corrections Advisory Board
This is a County Board with certain representatives appointed by the City Commission.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday, quarterly at 4:00 p.m., Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th.
Douglas County Emergency Management/Local Emergency Planning Committee
This is a County Committee that reviews the plans and programs affecting emergency preparedness and planning activities in Douglas County.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring July 1 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Full Committee, four times a year on 2nd Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Executive Committee, subject to call of the chair. Judicial Center, 111 East 11th.
Downtown Parking Advisory Board (temporary)
The function of the Board is to assist the City Commission in reviewing downtown parking issues, including the design of parking lots and the creation of benefit districts to finance parking improvement.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring September 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: As needed, various locations.
Eco2 Commission
The development of a long-term plan for the advancement of industrial/business parks and open-space preservation is a tribute to the people of Douglas County who sought consensus of the importance of economic development and open space and who found strength in divergent views. It is testimony to what is possible when we forge a common vision grounded in shared caring and enriched by respect and understanding of differences.
Terms:
ECO2 Public Meeting Schedule Sept. 21, 2006 (PDF, 15.7 KB)
Economic Development Board
The Board has the responsibility to make recommendations to the City and County as the Board may from time to time determine are in the best interests of the implementation of the Horizon 2020 Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Board shall have other responsibilities and duties as the governing bodies of the City and County may from time to time assign to the Board concerning the economic development of the City and County
Terms: Permanent positions based upon representation of stakeholders institutions
Meetings: As needed, at least quarterly, various locations.
Fire Code Board of Appeals
The Board makes recommendations concerning the adoption of the International Fire Code and hears appeals from administrative interpretations of the code.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring January 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: When business needs to be conducted, or when appeal hearing is requested. Fire/Medical Administration Building, Jayhawk Room, 1911 Stewart Avenue.
Historic Resources Commission
The Commission conducts hearings and reviews applications concerning proposed changes to historic landmarks or districts or properties within their environs, nominates properties for designation to historic registers, and advises the City Commission on historic conservation matters. The Commission also acts as Certified Local Government (CLG) Review Board, making determinations on projects which fall under State Historic Preservation Law as established by agreement with the State Historic Preservation office.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring March 1 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Housing Trust Fund Board
The function of the Board is to encourage and support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and development of affordable housing and/or emergency shelter and supportive services necessary to maintain independent living with dignity in our community. This purpose is consistent with all aspects of the "Step Up to Better Housing" strategy.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Various times and locations.
Human Relations Commission
This Commission consists of nine (9) members from diverse racial, ethnic, commercial, industrial, and other segments of the community who work to eliminate discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing by accepting, investigating, ruling upon, and resolving complaints within the City limits of Lawrence. Some of the activities include study of the problem of discrimination or any other matter which may have an adverse impact on community relations; promote good will and cooperation among diverse ethnic groups and other elements of the population of Lawrence; solicit, receive, and accept funding for programs and to advise and support the Director and City Commission.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring September 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Every 3rd Wednesday of February, May, August, and November.
Jayhawk Area Agency On Aging
The Area Agency serves Jefferson, Douglas, and Shawnee counties and allocates federal and state funds for nutrition, transportation, in-home services, legal services, information, and referral and other services to serve persons 60 years of age and older.
Terms: 2 year terms, expiring September 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month, 1:30 p.m. Location rotates among three counties.
Lawrence Alliance
The 12-member Lawrence Alliance includes representation from religious groups, schools, businesses, law enforcement, health and social services, media, City/County government, Haskell Indian Nations University, University of Kansas, Lawrence School District #497 and special focus groups. The majority of the membership consists of persons selected from racial minorities, gay men and lesbian women, women, people with disabilities, and religious minorities. An overall agenda guides the Alliance in carrying out the organization's mission - the creation of a discrimination-free environment in Lawrence - with the assistance of the sponsoring organizations: City of Lawrence, Haskell Indian Nations University, University of Kansas, and the Lawrence Unified School District #497.
Terms: 2 year terms, expiring November 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Second Wednesdays in January, March, May, July, September, and November at the Human Relations Department, 947 New Hampshire, Suite 200A.
Lawrence Arts Commission
The Arts Commission is charged to forward recommendations to the City Commission regarding construction or renovation of public buildings, purchase of artwork for the City and sponsorship of local art activities. This Commission has been involved in the Percent for Art program and the Downtown Sculpture Exhibition. In addition, the Arts Commission presents a Community Enhancement and Cultural Exchange Award to recognize outstanding artistic efforts on the part of individuals and/or organizations in the community.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring January 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Generally the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., various locations.
Lawrence Bicycle Advisory Committee
The Bicycle Advisory Committee provides a communication linkage between the City Commission and the community on bicycling related issues. The Committee works to improve bicycle safety and awareness through education of motorists and non-motorists; review, update, and oversee the distribution of the City’s Biking Map; seek information from multiple sources on current trends, programs, and facilities outside the local area; and promote bicycle awareness by coordinating activities with the City, County, the school district, universities, and the local bicycle clubs.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 5:15 p.m., Fire Station No. 5, 1911 Stewart Avenue.
Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging
This not-for-profit organization determines needs of citizens over 60 years of age and develops a comprehensive plan of services. In developing this plan, the Council examines aging programs of local, state and federal governments. Positions are filled with appointments selected by the Lawrence City Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 9 a.m., various locations.
Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission
The Commission's primary function is the preparation, adoption, and maintenance of long-term comprehensive land use plans to guide the future development of Lawrence and Douglas County. Another function of the Planning Commission is to study the appropriate zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. They make recommendations to the City Commission and Board of County Commissioners on amendments to both the text and districts. Kansas planning laws also authorize the Planning Commission to recommend development plans for public facilities, capital improvements, urban renewal, environmental sanitation, and area beautification. The Planning Commission also acts as the City's Metropolitan Planning Organization which allows the City to apply for transportation program monies.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring May 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 4th Wednesday of each month (occasionally the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday to accommodate winter holidays and spring vacations), 6:30 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room. An annual schedule of meeting dates is published in January.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Board
The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Board acts as the governing body for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. The purpose and function of the Health Department is to provide a public health program to protect and promote the health of local residents.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring March 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Health Department Conference Room.
Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority
The LDCHA is authorized to plan, develop, construct, maintain and operate low income housing for the City of Lawrence. It operates public housing and Section 8 assistance for low income, elderly, and disabled families and individuals under formal agreement with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County. The LDCHA Board of Commissioners is the policy making body for the public housing agency responsible for establishment and approval of major programs, policies, contracts and budgets.
Terms: 4 year terms, expiring June 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 4th Monday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Edgewood Homes or Babcock Place.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital Board
This Board has exclusive control of the management and operations of the hospital including any necessary rules and regulations, budgeting controls, building supervision and employment of an administrator.
Terms: 4 year terms, expiring September 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m., Lawrence Memorial Hospital
Library Board
This Board acts as the governing body for the Lawrence Public Library. Its responsibilities include developing relevant rules and regulations, control over library funds, property and equipment, and selection of a library director.
Terms: 4 year terms, expiring April 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month, 4 p.m., Library Board Room.
Mechanical Code Board of Appeals
The Board makes recommendations concerning the adoption of the Uniform Mechanical Code and hears appeals on administrative interpretations of the Code. The Board consists of four members qualified by training and experience and one at-large member.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring March 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: As needed, various times and locations.
Mental Health Board
This Board advises and directs the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. This entails working with the chief executive officer and staff on the direction of policy matters. The City makes three appointments to the 13 member board.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring April 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: Last Tuesday every month, 7:30 a.m., Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.
Neighborhood Resources Advisory Committee
The Board's function is to develop and propose Neighborhood Resources strategy and policy; recommend allocation of CDGB and HOME funds; and review Housing Code and Environmental Code appeals.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 1 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 5:30 to 7 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Contact: Margene Swarts, Community Development Manager, 785-832-3117, e-mail: mswarts@ci.lawrence.ks.us, fax: 785-832-3110.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
This Board advises on all matters regarding the construction, reconstruction and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities including the acquisition of land and major equipment and facilities. The Board works very closely with the Parks & Recreation Department to ensure that the citizens of Lawrence have recreational opportunities and the park system is available for various activities.
Terms: 4 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: The Advisory Board meets at varying locations, call for schedule, (785) 832-3450.
Practitioners Panel
Practitioners Panel members are organizational memberships appointed by the Neighborhood Resources Director from organizations which provide housing or housing services, receive CDBG, HOME, or Emergency Shelter Grant funds, or have an interest in homeless concerns. Organizational memberships continue as long as the organization qualifies. The organizational representative may change over time without the need of an official action by the Neighborhood Resources Director. The Panel works with affordable housing issues based upon the Step Up To Better Housing Strategy. Currently, the Panel is focusing on homelessness issues.
Meetings: The Panel is divided into subcommittees which meet monthly. The complete Panel meets quarterly on the first Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 1st Floor, City Hall. For information regarding subcommittee topics and meeting dates, contact Margene Swarts.
Contact: Margene Swarts, Community Development Manager, 785-832-3117, e-mail: mswarts@ci.lawrence.ks.us, fax: 785-832-3110.
Public Incentives Review Committee
Resolution No. 6343 adopted on November 13, 2001 describes the Public Incentives Review Committee. The committee is composed of 1) the Mayor, or the Mayor's designee who shall serve as chair, 2) another member of the City Commission appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Commission, 3) a member of the Douglas County Commission appointed by the County Commission, 4) a member of the Lawrence Public Schools U.S.D. 497 School Board or a School Board representative appointed by the School Board , 5) a professional financial analyst appointed by the Mayor and City Commission for a three year term; 6) the Chair of the Lawrence/Douglas County Economic Development Board, and 7) a resident of Lawrence appointed for a three year term by the Mayor and the City Commission. City, County, and School District staff shall provide technical and policy advice to the Committee. The Committee shall meet on call of the Mayor. The purpose of the Public Incentives Review Committee is to: 1) receive and review requests and applications for tax exemptions, 2) to gather and review such additional information as may be deemed necessary to determine if the company meets the target objectives of Section 3, 3) to conduct preliminary negotiations with the applicant business, 4) to review the City's yearly tax abatement report and compliance with performance agreements and 5) to make such recommendations to the City Commission. Public Incentives Review Committee records, including applications for tax exemptions, may be withheld from public disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act as provided for under subsections (20) and (31) and other subsections of K.S.A. 45-221, but shall be available for public inspection when otherwise required by law. The Committee is authorized to issue administrative letters of finding which shall not be binding on the City Commission, and may be superseded by any action by the City Commission.
Meetings:As needed, at least yearly to review the annual reporting of tax abatement recipients
Public Incentives Review Committee - Annual Report (PDF, 303 KB) and Draft PIRC 04/17/08 Minutes were received by the City Commission at its April 9 meeting.
Public Transit Advisory Committee
This Board advises on all matters regarding on the City public transit system, such as proposed routes, service changes, ridership policies, fare structures, funding and budgets.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at 4:10 p.m., Lawrence Transit System Administrative Office, 933 New Hampshire.
Sister Cities Advisory Board
This Board advises the City Commission on Sister City activities and programs. The City has two sister cities: Eutin, Germany and Hiratsuka, Japan.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31.
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m., Max Kade Center
Hiratsuka, Japan
Web site
Eutin, Germany
Web site
Special Alcohol Fund Advisory Board
This Board reviews requests and makes recommendations to the City Commission on the use of funds in the City Special Alcohol and Drug Abuse Fund, including recommendations on the use of funds by City departments and activities. The Board shall recommend to the City Commission such reporting requirements on the use of the Special Alcohol and Drug Abuse Funds as the Board determines appropriate. The Board may evaluate the use of Special Alcohol and Drug Abuse Funds by recipients and report to the City Commission on such findings and determinations as the Board determines appropriate. The Board may study, review and make recommendations on other matters related to alcohol and drug abuse as may be referred to it from the City Commission from time to time.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring April 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: As needed, various times and locations.
Sustainability Advisory Board
This board promotes environmental protection, and advocate for policies which support sustainability, including environmental protection, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and natural resource conservation within the City of Lawrence; improves the quality of life by enhancing our efforts in these areas; advises the City Commission on ways to improve in these areas; and, establishes mutually beneficial working relationships with city staff, other city advisory boards, local environmental and sustainability organizations and local businesses.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring December 31 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., SWAN Building (Solid Waste Annex North), 320 NE Industrial Lane.
More Information:http://www.lawrencerecycles.org/envadvisoryboard.shtml
Traffic Safety Commission
The function of the Commission is to act as a liaison group between the citizens of the City and the City Commission in matters concerning traffic safety of all types and to study traffic problems and recommend solutions and actions to the City Commission to enhance traffic safety. At each meeting, the Commission evaluates citizen inquiries and needs regarding traffic.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring April 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: 1st Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting Room, City Hall.
Uniform Building Code of Appeals
The Board makes recommendations concerning the adoption of the Uniform Building Code and hears appeals from administrative interpretations of the Code. This includes the use of an alternate material. Each board member is a licensed professional engineer or architect, building contractor, or a building superintendent of building construction.
Terms: 3 year terms, expiring November 30 of corresponding year.
Meetings: As needed, various times and locations.
University Student Issues Advisory Board
This Lawrence Advisory Board on University Student Issues reviews, discusses and forwards recommendations as appropriate, on issues, concerns, and initiatives of the students of Haskell Indian Nations University, the University of Kansas, and the City of Lawrence. Membership is the mayor, vice mayor, city manager or his designee, the student body president and vice president of the University of Kansas Student Senate, the community affairs director of the University of Kansas Student Senate and three members of the Student Senate of Haskell Indian Nations University including the president and vice president.
Meetings: Quarterly at various locations.
