Rising Together will focus on creating a vibrant, diverse and progressive economy in Lawrence and Douglas County. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming five year plan.
Want more information? Email Steve Kelly here.
Recent Accomplishments
Job Creation and Economic Prosperity
Goals:
- Create 1,500 new jobs.
- Increase Capital Investment by $100,000,000.
- EOY 2024 – Net job gain of 744 (Average of 124 jobs per quarter).
- Project opportunities from RFIs and other sources: 48 (2023) and 35 to-date (2024)
- Over $81.5 million invested in 2023; increase expected for 2024. (survey-generated information)
Workforce and Talent Development
Goals:
- Connect students with local employers.
- Creating 50 quality childcare slots.
- Supported establishment of Tech Guild in 2022. Monthly meet-ups, socials, and the 1st Annual Tech Conference in Lawrence (April 2024).
- Support USD 497 connection to local businesses in work-based learning and “Portrait of a Graduate” programs.
- Regular sponsorship of Manufacturers Forum with Peaslee Tech.
- Community Children’s Center project: 138 infant / childcare spots wtih 24/7 availability (late 2024).
- The Hilltop West (The Crossing / KU-IP) childcare project: 138 infant / toddler spots (Mid-2024).
- Working with and assisting home-based care providers.
- Advocacy at state level for more funding and greater support for childcare-friendly policies.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Goals:
- Grow new start-up companies.
- Establish revolving loan funds (RLF) for minority and women-owned businesses: DDC (Diversify Douglas County) and E-Community loans
- 2023 – 100+ entrepreneur clients served in Douglas County.
- 2024 – 100+ Small Business Series / E-Community / DDC increasing those served.
- EMPOWER Grant Minority pitch competition awarded 3 entrepreneurs $5,000 each.
- KU-IP – 25% of new 2023 businesses are woman-owned.
- 20 minority entrepreneurs provided scholarships and successfully completed Fall ’22 and Spring ’23 Entrepreneur Business Basics.
- Diversify Douglas County loans (DDC) – three $15,000 loans approved and closed.
- E-Community – two loans approved in Q4 of 2023.
Housing and Land Development
Goals:
- Annexation for 800 housing units.
- 100 shovel-ready acres for industrial development.
- Recent City of Lawrence annexations provide opportunity for 764 single-family and attached units, and 300 apartments.
- KU Crossings will also add much needed housing in mid-Lawrence.
- Chamber proposed CIP increases in City’s 2024 approved budget, adding $60-$70 million in growth-related infrastructure for community expansion.
- The Chamber & EDC will continue to convene community partners to identify potential new industrial sites. Currently, working with development group on spec building in Lawrence Venture Park.
“It is a recognition that economic development needs to be about more than just marketing to companies that may want to locate here. It also must be about removing barriers to help people who already live here become better employed and have brighter futures. In that same vein, the campaign includes initiatives related to financing for women and minority-owned businesses, and workforce training assistance for people who would be good candidates to fill highly needed jobs.”
Want to join the campaign? You can download a Rising Together pledge form here.