CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending October 8, 2010

September building permits

There were 194 permits issued in September 2010, compared to 167 permits issued in September 2009.  Permit valuation was $17,423,379 compared to $2,774,787 last year.  Fees were $96,995.96 for September versus $26,037.30 a year ago. Permits were issued for 30 new single-family dwellings and one duplex last month.  This compares to four permits issued for new single-family dwellings and three duplexes in September last year. This is the most permits issued for new single-family dwellings in a one-month period since 31 permits were issued in June 2006. Please see the attached memo, full report, and summary report for more information. 

Second Quarter Barometer Report released

The second quarter Barometer Report was released on October 1^st. Overall, the Lawrence economy heading into this summer was fairly strong. Almost 4,000 people have been hired in the last nine months, a record increase this decade that erased almost all the jobs lost in 2009.  Home sales were increasing, as were sales taxes.  However, home prices were still declining a little, and retail is below its average from earlier this decade. This suggests that residents and guests are probably not spending as much as they used to, even if they have jobs.  The Focus On section looked at sales and property taxes in Lawrence and the 15 largest cities in Kansas.  Compared to our peers, we have lower-than-average property tax rates, and receive more revenue from sales taxes than average as well.

Festival of Cultures held in South Park

Hundreds came out to attend the 2nd Annual Festival of Cultures, which was held Sunday, September 26, 2010 in South Park. The festival is an annual community event that celebrates a wide variety of cultures in Lawrence. The festival featured music, dance, activities, food, games, and crafts in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Lawrence Alliance, Centro Hispano Resource Center, and City of Lawrence sponsor the Annual Festival of Cultures in Lawrence, Kansas.

 The Lawrence Alliance is an Advisory Board to the Lawrence City Commission, advocating for Lawrence citizens and working with the Commission to create a discrimination-free environment in Lawrence. Cynthia Colbert of the Human Resources Division and Mike Monroe of the Lawrence Police Department are members of the Lawrence Alliance. Toni Wheeler, Legal Services Director, is the city liaison for the Alliance.  

Bicycle rideability map completed

The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) are excited to present the recently completed Bicycle Rideability Map.  The BAC and MPO began developing this map in the fall of 2009 in response to a growing desire to improve bicycle education throughout Lawrence and make the community even more bicycle friendly. This map is fundamentally different than maps previously developed for planning purposes. It is designed as a tool for new and seasoned riders, directing riders to the area’s best routes based on their skill level. It also provides resources to the bicyclist making them more confident on the road - identifying safety tips, difficult intersections, transit connections and locations for over 300 bicycle parking spaces in Downtown Lawrence. Please see the attached memo, as well as the front and back of the map for more information.