Although e-scooter and e-bike crashes have led some to advocate for statewide regulations, most regulations are decided on the local level. Ten-year-old Duke Ommert died after an electric scooter crash in Leawood last year when a car struck him as he crossed the street mid-block. Duke’s death, other e-scooter and electric bike injuries (a nearly 300% increase in emergency room visits from 2017 to 2024) and warnings from doctors have led to local authorities passing regulations — but Duke’s parents wanted statewide rules. The deaths and injuries are rising as electric mobility becomes more common and the vehicles are easily available from online retailers. But the issue [...]

The City of Lawrence paid an executive search firm and brought four city manager candidates to town this spring. Here’s what it all cost. Following the search by Strategic Government Resources, four finalists — Majed Al-Ghafry, Joe Fivas, Michael Kovacs and Joseph (Joe) Lessard — visited Lawrence in late May. Lawrence city commissioners on June 9 announced Al-Ghafry as the next city manager. He started working at City Hall in late July, and joined his first city commission meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. The total cost for all four candidates to stay at downtown’s Eldridge Hotel was $1,448. Here’s the breakdown of how [...]

Three Wichita suburbs have passed regulations on at least some electric or motorized vehicles within the past year. Rose Hill was the first to implement restrictions, and Cheney and Garden Plain have since followed suit. Valley Center is expected to consider its own ordinance in the next 30 to 45 days, and the topic was discussed at an Andover City Council workshop earlier this week. Read more: Wichita Eagle

Regulations would address quiet hours, parking requirements, number of short-term rentals allowed per owner, density requirements, permit requirements and more. Read more: Wichita Eagle

Majed Al-Ghafry thinks the city where he started his municipal government career – Chula Vista, California – has some lessons for Lawrence about growing smart. Read more: LJWorld

The ruling follows a hearing on temporary orders tied to the petition, which was launched after city commissioners approved zoning changes this summer that could allow data centers to be built in the community. Read more: KSN-TV

State law allows residents to propose ordinances through petitions. Cities argue the petitions are legally flawed and would cause harm if enacted into law. Read more: CJonline

"It's a super big day for Iola," said Iola Mayor Steve French. "What a wonderful thing to have right here in our backyard. It's been here for years. A lot of people that live here don't know this is out here." Read more: CJonline

Manufactured homes are gaining traction in suburban neighborhoods as policymakers and developers look for more affordable, faster-to-build housing options amid soaring home prices. Although long stigmatized and restricted by zoning rules, new laws and improved construction quality are opening the door for factory-built homes to compete with traditional site-built housing. Read more: Washington Post

Shawnee County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications citing transparency. Read more: Topeka Capital-Journal Press Releases