# 11/03/26 City Commission

The November 3, 2026 Lawrence City Commission meeting approved on first reading, by 5–0 votes, two ordinances authorizing financing for the KU Gateway project: up to $75 million in STAR sales-tax special obligation bonds (Ordinance 10250) and up to $25 million in community improvement district sales-tax revenue bonds (Ordinance 10251). Staff said hotel-related bond proceeds would remain in escrow until specified conditions are met, and clarified that the bonds do not pledge the city’s full faith and credit. Commissioners and public commenters discussed the project’s financial transparency, the diversion of sales-tax revenue based on a period when stadium operations were reduced, and the fact that the hotel’s guaranteed maximum price was not yet available. No vendor or construction contract award was made at this meeting.

The commission also approved a call for a November 24 special meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the Wakarusa Valley vision plan and the city’s form of government. Commissioners discussed making the meeting’s purpose clearer on the agenda and whether to allow public comment; staff said it would be a work session with no binding action planned. The discussion noted that the county’s plan was not finalized and that the commission would be briefed on potential impacts to Lawrence.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Sources
- [11/03/26 City Commission](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRC-jrMAWhE) - lawrenceksvideo