Lawrence Joins Charging Smart Program
August 31, 2026
For Immediate Release
August 31, 2026
Lawrence Selected for National Electric Vehicle Readiness Cohort
City to Receive Expert Guidance on EV Infrastructure, Fleet Electrification and Future Economic Development
LAWRENCE, Ind. — Mayor Deb Whitfield announced today that the City of Lawrence has been selected by the Great Plains Institute to participate in its Charging Smart Cohort, which will provide the city with free technical assistance on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and fleet electrification.
“We are excited and honored to be selected for the Charging Smart Cohort by such a prestigious organization,” Whitfield said. “Over the next several months, Lawrence will have access to experts who can help us evaluate EV charging opportunities and explore strategies for fleet electrification.”
Lawrence is one of 11 communities selected to participate in the cohort. Other members include Lucas County, Ohio (Toledo); Richmond, Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Morris, Minnesota; Bemidji, Minnesota; Evansville, Indiana; Traverse City, Michigan; and Berkeley, Michigan.
The cohort will run through May 2027. Whitfield has designated Jim Perron, a member of her staff, as the city’s representative.
Charging Smart is a national EV-readiness designation program that provides free technical assistance to local governments working to adopt recognized best practices in policies, procedures and incentives that support efficient EV deployment and adoption.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Charging Smart provides communities with a framework for advancing EV readiness and offers national recognition to local governments that demonstrate progress toward becoming EV-friendly communities.
Media Contact
Denise Herd, Herd Strategies
317-796-0514
denise@herdstrategies.com
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About the City of Lawrence, Indiana
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under the leadership of Mayor Deb Whitfield, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.
About the Great Plains Institute
A non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on transforming the energy system to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, benefit the economy, and improve the environment. It was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
About Charging Smart
Charging Smart is a national EV-readiness designation program that provides free technical assistance to local governments working to adopt recognized best practices in policies, procedures and incentives that support efficient EV deployment and adoption.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Charging Smart provides communities with a framework to assess their readiness for EV infrastructure and pursue strategies that make it easier to deploy charging technology. Communities that earn a Charging Smart designation receive national recognition for their progress toward becoming EV-friendly communities.
