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Newspaper
Lawrence Journal World
Location
Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Jul 14, 2013
Page
8
Lawrence leaders from growth and development circles and residents with lobbying history weigh in on whether the local economy has lost momentum since the Great Recession. They speak for themselves, not their organizations, with perspectives on growth, policy, and leadership impacts.
Boog Highberger, attorney and former Lawrence mayor, notes need to blunt state cutbacks and slow growth perceptions. He argues Lawrence’s economy suffers from heavy reliance on housing construction and university impacts, warning residential construction may not rebound to previous levels.
Doug Gaumer president of Intrust Bank says Lawrence’s economic rebound is hindered by a lack of shovel ready sites and ongoing incentives disagreements. He notes the 80s and 90s momentum faded and public negativity about growth has at times hindered improvement, though efforts are underway to fix these issues.
Chuck Magerl, president of Free State Brewing Co., cites Lawrence pride but warns complacency may threaten the city’s vibrancy as nearby Kansas City strengthens as a regional magnet. He notes KU’s historic economic pull but urges continued effort to stay competitive and prove worthiness.
Laura Routh, chairwoman of the Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods, says Lawrence has lost a step due to Kansas politics. She cites extreme state administration positions and local incentives that favor a few developers, arguing true free market competition is lacking and taxpayers bear the cost.
Doug Brown discusses a years long fast pace from the early 1990s to 2003 or 2004, and a City Hall push to curb growth. He says limits slowed momentum for five to six years, that the city’s stance hurt growth, and that a restart is now occurring with hopeful signs ahead.
Tim Caboni, KU vice chancellor for public affairs, notes 2008’s economic drop but says recovery is underway and slower than desired. He highlights a West Campus bioscience incubator as a success with Phase II underway and growing company interest. He credits Chancellor Gray-Little for stronger ties with business and government, stressing a united effort with City Hall, the chamber, and Douglas County.
John McGrew, a residential real estate developer, says Lawrence’s future looks bright as Rock Chalk Park fosters public private cooperation. He cites Farmland industrial park redevelopment and the South Lawrence Trafficway as fueling new industry, noting a renewed community leadership willingness to welcome growth.
The article highlights greenshoots in Lawrence economy with strong 2012 retail sales rising home sales and construction rebounding. The South Lawrence Trafficway final leg construction starts later this year, Rock Chalk Park spurring northwest activity, and Farmland plant conversion to a business park underway. Lawrence ranked sixth nationally for venture capital per capita.
Greg Williams, president and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, says the group has not matched their past capability in a decade but remains hopeful. He cites upcoming development and optimistic signals from architects and engineers as forward-looking indicators, noting that current data largely reflects prior years while front windshield indicators show life.
Gene Meyer, president and CEO of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, warns that many residents must leave the city for work, amplifying pressures. He notes unstable chamber leadership and divergent growth messages from city officials, stressing the need for a consistent long-term stance to project stability nationally.
Leslie Soden, East Lawrence advocate and Joint Economic Development Council member, urges stronger public private collaboration to leverage regional strengths. She notes the need for coordinated efforts among city, county, Eudora, Baldwin, the business community, and the university to drive innovation and economic growth.
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