On July 1, 2014 the City Council approved Mayor’s initiative to reorganize Community Development, Economic Development, Inspectional Services and Planning functions under the umbrella of Office of Planning and Development. The reorganization is part of a bigger effort to nurture a more cohesive work culture which will result in better inter- and intradepartmental problem-solving, as well as to offer the public a continuum of service and collaboration that’s customer friendly, effective, and one where the regulatory requirements are transparent and clearly enforced. The expected net result is a more strategic approach to addressing real property problems to ensure day-to-day actions are working towards sustainable solutions.

The City of Lawrence Office of Planning & Development administers federal, state, and private grants in support of community development, housing, health, zoning, planning, and economic development.