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BRIAN'S POLITICAL AGENDA 2026-2030

Keep Lawrence Rising

​RE-ELECT BRIAN A. DEPEÑA FOR MAYOR

​Building on Progress. Driving Change. Together.

 

Lawrence: A City on the Rise
Lawrence is moving forward, and the results are clear.

 

Strong Finances: Four years of independent audits confirm our fiscal health. Millions in reserves, no tax increases.

 

Major Investments: 224 projects completed. $463 million in city, state, and $140 million in federal funding invested in streets, sidewalks, energy programs, and city services

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Economic Growth: $1.1 billion in new developments creating jobs and generating $10 million in projected tax revenue by 2035. Private-sector investment at record levels.

 

Community & Seniors: 8,195 seniors supported, 78,000 meals delivered to homebound elders, millions invested in childcare, housing, small businesses, and the Merrimack River Trail.

 

Public Safety & Infrastructure: Stronger police presence, major crime reductions, $1.4 million in new emergency vehicles, and upgraded streets, sidewalks, and lighting.

 

Education, Airport & Libraries: $10.9 million invested in the airport and aviation training; $400,000 in library grants serving 70,000 patrons.

 

Environment & Accessibility: $16 million for cleaner water, flood control, parks revitalization, and accessibility upgrades. Fare-free transit and new bus shelters for all residents.

 

These achievements show what we can do when we act with purpose and work together.

 

 

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I’m running for re-election because our work is not finished. Together, we will keep Lawrence rising—stronger, safer, and prouder than ever.

 

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the City of Lawrence!

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MY VISION AND POLITICAL PLATFORM FOR LAWRENCE

 

“The people of Lawrence will always be at the center of my government, where the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

 

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CITIZEN-CENTERED GOVERNMENT
A Responsive Government

“A man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity.” – African Proverb

 

As Mayor, I will lead a systematic, collaborative process with both public and private sectors to define a clear vision and roadmap for prosperity and stability in Lawrence.

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Integrity, Transparency, and Equality in Municipal Conduct

Sustained progress requires integrity and accountability. Public funds belong to the citizens, and their oversight is essential. My administration will prioritize good governance, ensuring that every decision serves the best interests of all Lawrencians, with full transparency in how city resources are allocated.

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Creating a Shared Vision for Prosperity

I will immediately establish a Joint Strategic Planning Task Force to develop the Lawrence 2021–2025 Strategic Plan. This task force will bring together business leaders, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community activists, and semi-public agencies to craft a practical vision, identify strategic priorities, and implement solutions that minimize polarization and maximize community input.

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Maintaining Good Business Practices

Efficiency and fiscal responsibility will guide all city operations. Best practices will be applied across payroll, budgeting, procurement, transportation, and maintenance services to reduce costs and improve performance.

 

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ECONOMIC VIBRANCY & SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

“Nothing gets transformed in your life until your mind is transformed.” – Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha

 

Smart Growth and Sustainable Development

I propose a “Smart Growth” city model that concentrates development, integrates residential and commercial uses, and prioritizes public spaces, transportation, and environmental sustainability. This approach fosters social cohesion, economic growth, and a thriving community life.

 

Community Capacity Building

Partnerships with the private sector will provide competency and leadership training across multiple disciplines, enabling residents to participate actively in community development and accelerate prosperity.

 

Stimulating Reinvestment and Attracting New Partners.

I will immediately address Lawrence’s infrastructure challenges and undesirable city image. By collaborating with anchor firms, we will create a strategic marketing plan to attract new investors and companies. Economic attractiveness comes from modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and profitable opportunities—not just subsidies.

 

Small Business Innovation

Through partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and other expert organizations, I will provide entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, and innovation resources to advance their businesses from start-up to growth stages. This will create jobs, expand tax revenue, and strengthen the local economy.

 

Housing Development

A balanced housing strategy will prioritize both homeownership and affordable rental options for low- and moderate-income families, ensuring safe, accessible, and inclusive housing opportunities for all residents.

 

Workforce Development

I will close skills gaps for both college-educated and non-college-educated residents. Initiatives include job-market analysis, sector-focused training, school-to-work programs, and collaboration with employers to prepare residents for high-demand jobs.

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Infrastructure & Capital Projects

Lawrence’s aging infrastructure needs urgent attention. I will streamline project management, modernize procurement, encourage design-build contracts, and accelerate project timelines while minimizing costs and scope changes.

 

Inspectional Services

Expanding code enforcement through a “Good Neighborhood Program”, we will address blighted properties efficiently, improve public safety, and enhance housing and commercial opportunities for residents and investors.

 

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PUBLIC SAFETY

 

“But the chief problem in any community afflicted with crime is not punishment of the criminals, but the preventing of the young from being trained to crime.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

 

Public safety is paramount. Citizens must feel secure to foster economic growth and community development. My administration will strengthen the Lawrence Police Department, implement effective crime prevention strategies, and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community.

 

Crime Reduction

I will address crime as a public health crisis, focusing on prevention, intervention, and reducing exposure to violence among children and youth. Priority areas include drug-related crimes, domestic violence, theft, robbery, assault, and homicide.

 

Drug Trafficking & Gangs

Strengthened partnerships with state and federal agencies will target drug trafficking networks and organized crime, ensuring coordinated and effective enforcement.

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH

 

“The hallmark of a healthy society has always been measured by how it cares for the disadvantaged.” – Joni Eareckson Tada

 

Drug Use & Opioid Crisis

A four-pronged approach:

  1. End stigma through prevention.

  2. Expand education programs for students, families, and the community.

  3. Mobilize faith-based and nonprofit agencies for intervention.

  4. Provide professional support services to those affected.

 

Homelessness

I will implement strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness, including shelter improvements, public-private partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and community awareness initiatives.

 

Community Resilience

A resilience plan will allow neighborhoods to recover and grow after adverse events, ensuring physical, emotional, and economic recovery through collaboration and support.

 

 

 

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
 
“Every person deserves the equal opportunity to reach his or her potential.”

 

Youth Development

Youth will be empowered through leadership programs, service-learning, and civic engagement initiatives that combine education with meaningful community service, fostering responsibility, skills, and civic pride.

 

Elder Services

I will partner with providers to enhance elderly health through preventive care, structured activities, social engagement, and therapeutic programs in art, music, and fitness.

 

Parks & Recreation

Expanding parks and recreation services will improve community health and well-being, support active lifestyles, and provide safe, inclusive spaces for all residents.

 

 

 

INCLUSION, EQUALITY & CULTURAL HERITAGE
 
“A people without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey

 

Arts, Culture & Tourism

Lawrence’s cultural heritage is a catalyst for social inclusion, civic engagement, and economic growth. I will leverage our diversity to promote the city as a tourist destination, highlighting its history, artistic talents, culinary offerings, and multicultural traditions.

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EDUCATION

 

Lawrence Public Schools – Receivership

I will work to accelerate LPS’s exit from receivership, ensuring measurable improvement in attendance, MCAS proficiency, graduation rates, class sizes, and parent engagement. Partnership with the Superintendent and the Lawrence Alliance for Education Board will guide continuous evaluation and improvement.

 

Encouraging Innovation in Schools

Education must evolve to meet students’ needs and prepare them for the future. I will advance STEM programs and other initiatives that develop critical skills, aligning education with workforce and community demands.

KEEP PROGRESS GOING

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Brian DePeña

- FOR MAYOR -

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© 2025 by for CTE BrianForLawrence

272 Broadway, first floor
Lawrence, MA 01840

 

Carmen Garcia King
PR Director

CarmenGarciaKing@gmail.com

Phone: 978-971-6442

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