Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield discussed the city’s progress and future at her third State of the City Address on April 16.
She provided updates on public safety, infrastructure and city growth. She also shared how Senate Bill 1, the controversial property tax bill passed last year, will affect the city’s finances.
Here is some of what Whitfield discussed with Lawrence residents.
Lawrence is “in a strong and stable fiscal position”
Whitfield spent a lot of time talking about the impact Senate Bill 1 has on the city’s revenue. The bill reduces the amount of money local governments can receive from property taxes, which means Lawrence will need to find alternative ways to fund city costs.
She said the city’s budget is also impacted due to the end of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Expenses previously funded through ARPA were added back into the city’s budget.
“Future pressures will be placed on our reserve balance,” Whitifield said.“That means making thoughtful decisions, that means staying disciplined, and that means keeping our promises.”
Despite concerns over SB1, Whitfield said Lawrence is “in a strong and stable fiscal position.” She lifted the citywide hiring freeze implemented in September.
She also addressed the tension between her administration and the Lawrence Common Council during last year’s budget season.
Councilors were concerned that expenses in the 2026 budget were more than what the city had in its reserves and said Whitfield was not transparent or communicative during the budget planning process.
“Our council members were tasked with making difficult decisions, weighing competitive priorities and navigating complex challenges,” Whitfield said. “This administration remains committed to transparency and accountability.”
A decrease in crime
Whitefield shared significant crime reduction numbers, including a 77% decrease in homicides, 86% decrease in carjackings and a 38% decrease in criminal recklessness.
She also shared public safety initiatives from the Lawrence Fire Department.
Last year, the fire department implemented Crosswalk to Care, a program that connects non-emergency 911 callers to medical and social services, which aimed to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.
The fire department also offered free CPR classes to residents and partnered with the Lawrence Police Department on several community outreach events. The city also offered free cancer screenings for all fire department personnel.
Improving infrastructure
Whitfield also highlighted infrastructure work completed across the city.
In the past year, Lawrence filled over 1,000 potholes and maintained approximately 300 miles of roadway. Lawrence has continued progress on sewer and water system improvements, including adding 2,574 feet of new sanitary sewer main and replacing 1,246 water meters.
Lawrence passed a graffiti ordinance last year, which enforces property owners to remove graffiti within 30 days of notice.
“We’ve made it clear that we are not going to tolerate neglect, blight or anything that takes away from the beauty of our neighborhoods,” Whitifield said.
Live Longer in Lawrence continues
The city will also continue its Live Longer in Lawrence campaign, an effort to improve health outcomes for residents. Whitifield launched Live Longer in Lawrence at last year’s State of the City Address.
“Our long term goal is to ensure that every neighborhood offers stable, affordable quality housing, every neighborhood provides spaces that promote physical activities, every neighborhood offers easy connection to mental health services and all neighborhoods provide access to healthy food options,” Whitfield said.
The city was awarded a grant this year to launch a health ambassador program for each of the city’s eight neighborhoods.
Whitfield also announced a partnership with local restaurants to offer healthy meal options. Foster’s Cafe and Catering, the first business involved in the initiative, will begin offering meals and wraps for around 600 calories.
Whitfield said improving the city’s environmental sustainability is also part of Live Longer in Lawrence. The city created a plan to gradually transition some of the city’s vehicles to electric vehicles. Ten electric vehicle charging stations will be added across the city.
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Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
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