Lawrence City Commission defers action on new comprehensive plan that includes controversial growth policy

City leaders have deferred action on the proposed Lawrence-Douglas County comprehensive plan in order to further discuss a new growth policy that some think could increase the cost of housing.

As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted unanimously to defer the adoption of Plan 2040 on second reading. The plan has a new growth policy that prioritizes infill development and adds requirements for developers who want to expand the city’s boundaries.

As currently proposed, the plan includes a requirement that developers provide some kind of community benefit if they want to annex land to expand the city.