About Us
Become a MemberDowntown Lawrence Inc. (DLI) is a not-for-profit membership organization created in 1972 to promote the interests of the Downtown business district. DLI has a broad membership base, including retailers, eateries, drinking establishments, entertainment venues, service and professional, non-profits, and individual community members.
Mission
The mission of DLI is to promote and enhance the welfare of the downtown community, furthering its role as the economic and social center of our community.
Leadership
Andrew Holt, Executive Director
2025 Board Members
Blaine Carver-Allmond, President– Kizer Cummings Jewelers
Jennifer McKnight, Vice President – Arizona Trading Company
J. Taylor, Treasurer – KU Endowment
Mike Logan, Past President – Abe & Jake’s Landing, The Bottleneck, The Granada Theater, Lucia, Rick’s Place
Shauna Swanson – Swanson’s Lawrence
David Hawley – Papa Keno’s
Kim Anspach – eXplore Lawrence (Ex Officio)
John Gascon – Edward Jones
Bob Schumm — Building Owner
Randy Piebes — Q39 BBQ
Membership Information
Downtown Lawrence, Inc. is a 501-c-6 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the downtown community and the businesses it features, while also supporting historic preservation. As a business association, DLI is bolstered by membership. If you are interested in becoming a member, click this link.
DLI strives to promote and market Downtown Lawrence through marquee events, promoting affiliated events, and all the vibrant activities downtown through its website, social media platforms, and traditional media.
DLI also acts as a resource for the downtown community, providing much needed information through monthly newsletters, timely emails, members meetings, and special events, such as candidate forums and town halls. In addition networking occurs at members meetings, the Fall Mixer, and Annual Breakfast
DLI is led by a board of volunteer directors. Director terms are 3 years in length with a staggered format.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Downtown Lawrence, Inc. (DLI) is a not-for-profit organization created in 1972 to promote the interests of the Downtown business district. We have more than 190 members including individually-owned specialty stores, national retail chains, restaurants, bars, cultural institutions and service businesses. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Downtown Lawrence as the retail, service, professional, governmental, entertainment and social center of our community.
Downtown Lawrence is the heart of the city, our community gathering place for everyone. As such, we believe the health, safety, support, equality and inclusion of all people is fundamental to our purpose. We value the differences of the myriad of businesses and their customers – it is this diversity that has created our vibrant business, entertainment, and arts & cultural district.
We are committed to ensuring that Downtown Lawrence continues to be a place that welcomes and celebrates all people.
