A program initiated by Mayor Deb Whitfield in her first year in office, the City of Lawrence will welcome families to their annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 19^th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Road.

The free community event is open to all students and their families and will feature free backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials. In addition, free hot dogs and chips will be offered, as well as face painting. Opportunities to connect with community organizations before the new school year begins will be afforded.

Approximately 400 backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

For the past two years, the City of Lawrence has partnered with the Indiana American Legion to help local veterans access the benefits they have earned through military service.

As the home of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison Army base, Lawrence has a larger-than-average veteran population. Recognizing that need, Indiana American Legion Adjutant Chad Woodburn approached City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield about hosting a Department Service Officer for the American Legion at the Lawrence Government Center. Mayor Whitfield, whose late husband was a career Army officer who trained at Fort Benjamin Harrison, immediately embraced the opportunity.

Still Time. Still Delivering.

Standing on a record of measurable accomplishments and a vision for Lawrence’s future, Mayor Deb Whitfield today announced her campaign for re-election, inviting residents to continue building on the momentum that has transformed the city over the past four years.

Whitfield’s campaign will be guided by the theme “Still Time. Still Delivering.” – a message that reflects both the progress already achieved and her commitment to continuing the work of making Lawrence one of Indiana’s premier places to live, work, and raise a family.

MAYOR WHITFIELD, CITY OF LAWRENCE NAMED AMONG NATION’S TOP 12 AFRICAN AMERICAN CITIES TO WATCH
 
Mayor Deb Whitfield and the City of Lawrence have been selected by the Community Data Health Initiative (CDHI) as one of the 2026 Top 12 African American Mayors Association (AAMA) Cities to Watch, a national recognition honoring cities that are advancing environmental health, public health, and equity through innovative leadership and measurable action.
 
In notifying the City of its selection, CDHI praised Lawrence for its “outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing environmental outcomes in communities across the country.”

Lawrence's eight officially recognized neighborhoods—Oaklandon, Fort Ben, Indian Lake, Lanesville, The Pike, Sunnyside, Geist’s Edge, and The Ridge—are now proudly represented with new banners at Lawrence Civic Plaza and the Fort Ben Cultural Campus.
 

Watch as Mayor Deb Whitfield unveils the banners and celebrates the neighborhoods that make Lawrence such a special place to call home.

VIDEO!

Do you want to help make Lawrence a healthier place to live?

We're looking for volunteers to serve as Live Longer in Lawrence Ambassadors and help bring health and wellness programs to neighborhoods across our city.

During the 5 month program, ambassadors will work with residents, share resources, promote healthy living, and help strengthen community connections in Lawrence's eight neighborhoods.

The Lawrence Clean Team held its inaugural meeting today at the Government Center!
The team is made up of community leaders, residents, and City staff. They will help advance environmental initiatives and support Lawrence's new designation as an Indiana Clean Community. 

Today, members received updates on the City's urban forest, brownfields redevelopment efforts, and future community garden plans before gathering for a photo with the City's new Clean Community signage.

Thank you to everyone serving on the Lawrence Clean Team!

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, Indiana — The City of Lawrence is touting progress in public safety and development, while acknowledging growing financial pressure tied to state policy changes.

During her annual State of the City address Thursday, April 16, Mayor Deb Whitfield highlighted declining crime, new investments and long-term planning. She also warned that changes tied to Senate Bill 1 are forcing difficult budget decisions.

Lawrence will continue its efforts to improve the health of residents with a new health ambassador program. 

Mayor Deb Whitfield announced the Live Longer in Lawrence initiative last year at Lawrence’s State of the City address. 

To help with the initiative, Whitfield announced this month the city received funding for a new program that will create community health ambassadors for each of the city’s eight neighborhoods. 

Whitfield said the ambassadors will act as health advocates for the community.

Deborah Whitfield wants Lawrence to have a seat at the table.

Why it matters: The city of 49,000 is known as an extension of Indy's northeast side with crime challenges and poor sidewalks. But Whitfield wants to revamp its reputation into an inviting destination with a state park and unique neighborhoods.

"There are things that we have in Lawrence that we can build upon," she said. "So I think the hindrance is learning how I can do that. It's not going to happen overnight."

Driving the news: Whitfield, a Lawrence resident since 1995, was elected mayor in November, becoming the first Black mayor in Marion County, where nearly one-third of residents are Black.