Personnel  & Budget and Finance Committee June 22, 2026

The Lawrence City Council Personnel & Budget and Finance Committee met on June 22, 2026, to discuss several appointments and budget-related items. Key procurement-related discussions included the extension of Santiago Matias's temporary appointment as Director of Planning and Development for 90 days, with plans to post the position permanently. The committee also reviewed appointments to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (LRA), including Ronaldo De Castro and Robert J. Blackwell, both bringing relevant expertise in civil engineering, architecture, and real estate development. Additionally, the committee received updates on airport grants, including a $22,447.34 reimbursement for a drainage project funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Motions to send these appointments and budget items to the full council were passed without opposition. The meeting also addressed operational efficiencies such as relocating city offices to save costs on IT infrastructure and improve citizen access.