Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield used her second State of the City address to discuss a wide range of topics from infrastructure to finances. But she gave particular attention to a new citywide health initiative called Live Longer in Lawrence.
Whitfield, a Democrat, said the main components of the initiative are health in all policies, eliminating health inequities and “creating a collective impact to empower communities.”
Whitfield said Lawrence is home to many community organizations already working toward better health outcomes, including schools and faith-based groups.
“By fostering a citywide collaboration, Live Longer in Lawrence can amplify these efforts and drive meaningful change,” she said.
Whitfield also introduced the city’s new chief medical officer, Dr. John Kunzer. A pediatrician, he is the president of the Community Physician Network. His position with Lawrence is unpaid.
“By addressing the root causes of health disparities, expanding access to care, promoting mental wellness, and encouraging active, connected lifestyles, we’re building a healthier future for every resident,” Kunzer said in a news release.
Whitfield said Lawrence will host its first communitywide health fair from noon to 4 p.m. April 27 at Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Road. The health fair will feature resources, free health screenings and youth sports clinics.
Police updates, road construction and new amphitheater
Whitfield gave several other updates and announcements:
- She highlighted the city’s finances, including ending 2024 with $6.2 million in unspent funds and passing a balanced budget of $28 million for 2025.
- The implementation of a critical response team to increase transparency during critical incidents. The effort will be a collaboration between residents and the Lawrence Police Department. Whitfield said the team will be activated this summer.
- Whitfield said her administration created a five-year strategic plan for the Lawrence Police Department. In the past year, the city added 25 merit and reserve officers. Whitfield said the city is three officers away from its goal of increasing the department to 68 officers.
- A $3 million matching grant with the Indiana Department of Transportation will fund infrastructure work on 52nd Street to the German Church Road roundabout and on Carroll Road from Pendleton Pike to 79th Street.
- The city also will build a roundabout at 75th Street and Oaklandon Road. The construction is funded through $2.2 million from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization and $800,000 from the city.
- Whitfield said her administration is working on a master plan for Lawrence Community Park. That includes updating amenities and creating an amphitheater for festivals and events. “One key feature of my administration is making Lawrence a destination for recreational sports and outdoor entertainment,” Whitfield said.
- Whitfield highlighted a partnership between the city and local skaters to refresh a skate park.
- The city is working with Indianapolis to finalize a zoning overlay and plan to improve properties along Pendleton Pike. Whitfield said the goal is to have greater autonomy in Lawrence’s zoning “that will track the businesses that reflect our community.” She said this work will be done through an interlocal agreement between Lawrence and Indianapolis.
- She also highlighted community achievements, such as recognizing the Lawrence North girl’s basketball team as the 2025 Indiana High School Sports Association class 4A champions.