Capital Improvement Plan

Guide to the CIP(PDF, 1MB)

CIP Portal & form

Capital Improvement Plan

Each year, the City of Lawrence prepares a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This five-year CIP allows the City to identify the needs of the community and to prepare a long-term funding strategy to meet those needs. It includes any projects that involve needed repairs or improvements to our existing infrastructure (streets, parks, city facilities, sewers, etc.) and the acquisition or construction of new infrastructure (fire stations, traffic signals, roundabouts, etc.) with an estimated cost of $100,000 or more and a useful life of more than 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every CIP project follow a five-year timeline?

No. While many CIP visuals show annual "buckets," the actual timeline for a project can vary widely based on factors like complexity, funding type, and project scope. It's more accurate to think of the CIP process in steps, not fixed years.

What are the typical steps in the CIP process?

While the process can vary, most projects generally follow these steps:

  1. Planning and Prioritization
  2. Design and Engineering
  3. Procurement and Bidding
  4. Construction
  5. Closeout and Evaluation

These steps may overlap or repeat depending on the project, and some may occur concurrently.

When does the City Commission review projects?

The City Commission typically reviews:

  • The CIP plan as a whole during the annual budget process.
  • Contracts or contract amendments over $100,000 (which includes many CIP-related expenses). However, not every design update or procurement activity is presented to the Commission—many internal steps occur under administrative authority based on established policy.

Do all CIP projects have a formal design presentation or update to the Commission?

No. While large or high-impact projects (like City Hall renovations) may include public design updates, many routine projects do not. Design work often progresses within the scope originally approved, without needing additional Commission review.

How are CIP projects funded?

CIP projects may be funded in different ways:

  • Cash-funded projects (e.g., from sales tax revenues) can typically proceed once budgeted and approved.
  • Bond-funded projects require the issuance of temporary notes before any spending can begin—even for early studies or design work. Bonds may be issued in phases and are subject to state statutes requiring funds to be obligated before contracts are executed.

Are the CIP and procurement processes the same?

Not exactly. The CIP process determines which projects are prioritized and funded. The procurement process manages how goods and services (like engineering or construction) are acquired. These processes run concurrently but are not strictly linear. For example, procurement tasks such as issuing RFPs occur internally and are not always visible to the public or the City Commission.

Is there a resource that explains the CIP process in more detail?

Yes! The City has developed a CIP summary resource that includes:

  • A revised process graphic based on actual project flow
  • A guide on how to read the CIP document
  • Plain-language explanations of key terms and funding methods

This resource will beavailable for download starting May 29 on the City’s CIP project webpage and can be shared freely with community members.

Back to top