Mayor Brian A. de Pena delivered the 2025 State of the City address to the Lawrence City Council on Feb. 4, saying the city has strengthened its financial position and secured multiple state and federal grants to support infrastructure, housing, public safety and other projects.

"I am honored to deliver my Thursday of the city address, marking the conclusion of my full term," de Pena said. He told the council an independent audit showed improved financial management and that the city reduced its deficit from $27,400,000 to $8,500,000, and reported free-cash certification of $15,737,541 and reserve funds of $57,800,000.

De Pena listed grant and capital awards the administration has secured, including $27,200,000 in state and federal grants; nearly $5,000,000 for street and intersection repairs; $9,200,000 for infrastructure and environmental improvements; $7,730,000 for lead-hazard reduction; $16,000,000 in state funding for water and sewer initiatives; and $3,000,000 through the Merrimack Valley renewal fund program, the mayor said. He also announced awards for local projects including $700,000 for the Nicki Jam Music and Art Center, $1,500,000 for a library renovation, and $500,000 for city hall electrification.

The mayor highlighted public-safety investments, saying the city allocated more than $4,000,000 toward police staffing, crime prevention, opioid treatment and fire safety. He also announced the city has begun a search for a new police chief; the mayor said he has proposed a search committee that will evaluate candidates, interview finalists and submit a ranked list to his office, after which he will present a final candidate to the council for approval. De Pena said he would not intervene in the process.

On technology and security, the mayor credited the information-technology team with blocking three ransomware attacks in the past year and preventing compromise of city data. He also described public-works investments such as installation of solar-powered park lighting, drone and AI use for asset and sewer-line management, and replacement of more than 100 street lights.

De Pena spoke about education and local governance: he welcomed superintendent Ralph Carrero following a national search and said one formerly underperforming school has exited state underperformance status; he said the city is prepared to resume local control of its schools with a new governance structure and a five-year strategic plan.

Other initiatives mentioned in the address included the restoration of the Commission on Disability, an ADA municipality improvement grant for City Hall accessibility improvements, the Lauris partnership for transition to employment for youth with disabilities, the Prosperity Lawrence small-business grant program (a $500,000 fund that provides awards to small businesses), and plans for a Merrimack River trail. The mayor also recognized firefighters and said the city will add officers and academy attendees to the police force.

Ending: De Pena framed the address as an inventory of achievements and a roadmap for continued investment in infrastructure, public safety and economic development; he said continued grant-seeking and local projects will guide the citys near-term priorities.