Hello From Mayor Deborah Whitfield

Hello from Lawrence! 

I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey to serve our city as Mayor. Our first month has been off to an exciting start, with new hires and appointments, as well as the welcoming back of many familiar faces that have served our city for years. 

During the last year, many of you may have heard me say “It’s time!” To me, that turn of phrase has meant so many things in so many contexts. It means it’s time to bring new, forward-looking leadership to our city. It’s time to take the momentum of the past administrations and move forward to achieve our goals. And of course, it’s time to unite our city and make sure we are connected on a deeper level than ever before. 

It's time to offer an example of leadership that understands that the power of elected office, put to its highest and best use, brings more and different people in, instead of keeping them out. 

It’s time to demonstrate that power, put to its greatest purpose, empowers others—even, and sometimes especially, when those “others” don’t look like we do, or love like we do, or think or worship or even vote like we do. It’s time to live out the promise of being a welcoming, inclusive community. 

With the challenges we face as a city and community, we know one thing for sure¬—it’s time we come together and work hard to make Lawrence a better place to live, work, and raise our families. 

I accept that charge as a humble, servant leader, and I promise you I won’t let you down. 

Here’s to the beginning of a new work in progress—one that will strive to serve all and welcome everyone. I know we can achieve great things when we work together. 

It’s time. 

All the best,

Deborah Whitfield

Mayor, City of Lawrence