The City Commission passes resolutions and ordinances, establishes policies for the City, approves the budget and hires the City Manager. Additionally, they elect a Mayor and Vice-Mayor annually—who assume their positions during the first Commission meeting in December.
The City Commission consists of five officials elected at large. Every two years three of the Commissioners are up for election and no term limits exist. The top two vote-getters win four-year terms and the third place finisher wins a two-year term. Allowing, for a majority of the commission to be replaced in any given election.
The city does not employ lobbyists to lobby specifically on the city's behalf. The city pays annual dues of approximately $24,000 to the League of Kansas Municipalities and $7,600 to the National League of Cities (dues based on population). The city's annual vendor payments can be found in the city budget.
For more information, contact the City Manager's Office.
Related Documents
History
- Images of Past Mayors - A pictorial history of past Lawrence Mayors
- Images of Past Commissioners
- View the City Commission Archives