Leah Morris

Leah Morris serves as Engineering Program Manager for the City of Lawrence’s MSO - CMED, where she leads the planning, procurement, and oversight of critical infrastructure projects focused on transportation, stormwater, and sanitary systems. In this primary role, she is responsible for defining technical requirements, managing design-build and construction contracts, and ensuring compliance with state and federal engineering standards. Her procurement activities center on capital improvement initiatives, including roadway rehabilitation, sewer line replacements, and stormwater management upgrades, often involving complex civil engineering services and public works construction. She works closely with design firms, construction contractors, and inspection vendors to deliver resilient, long-term infrastructure solutions aligned with the city’s strategic resilience goals. Leah Morris collaborates with a diverse range of engineering and construction contractors, including regional civil engineering firms, specialty utility contractors, and local construction managers with proven experience in municipal infrastructure. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for partners with demonstrated expertise in aging system rehabilitation, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable drainage solutions. She fosters long-term vendor relationships built on technical competence, performance reliability, and adherence to public works protocols, often leveraging design-build and construction manager-at-risk delivery methods to streamline project timelines and enhance accountability. While specific set-aside data is not available, Leah Morris actively supports small business participation in accordance with municipal and state procurement equity goals. She encourages engagement from 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB firms, particularly in subcontracting roles for specialized services such as pipe rehabilitation, environmental remediation, and surveying. Her team prioritizes inclusive contracting practices that promote local economic development and workforce capacity building within the Lawrence community. Her technical focus lies in NAICS categories related to highway and street construction, sewer line installation, and engineering services for public infrastructure. She routinely procures services including pavement analysis, hydraulic modeling, utility coordination, and construction inspection, drawing on deep expertise in civil engineering standards, ADA compliance, and stormwater best management practices. Her work ensures that infrastructure investments deliver both functional reliability and community benefit.