View the Lawrence Handbook
Essex County
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in Lawrence — the people who run the city, the schools, who represents you on Beacon Hill and in Washington, and how to get involved. Lawrence is a strong-mayor city of about 89,000 people on the Merrimack River, long known as the “Immigrant City.”
Lawrence at a Glance
- County: Essex — in the Merrimack Valley, at the confluence of the Merrimack, Spicket, and Shawsheen rivers.
- Government: Mayor–council (strong mayor) — Mayor Brian A. De Peña, in office since 2021 and re-elected in 2025.
- Schools: Lawrence Public Schools — about 12,955 students across 26 schools, operating under state receivership.
The Lawrence Civics Handbook
The 2026 Lawrence Civics Handbook is a plain-language guide to how your city works — the mayor and council, the schools, your state and federal representatives, and the practical steps for showing up and being heard.
How Lawrence’s Government Works
Lawrence has a strong-mayor form of government. Voters elect a mayor and a nine-member City Council; the mayor runs the city day to day and the council makes the laws and approves the budget.
The Mayor
Elected citywide to a four-year term. Runs city departments, prepares the budget, can veto ordinances, and chairs the School Committee.
City Council
Nine members — three at-large and six by district. Passes ordinances, sets the budget, and can override a mayoral veto.
School Committee
Elected board chaired by the mayor. Because the district is in state receivership, the committee currently advises while preparing for a return to local control.
- Residents elect the mayor and council in municipal elections held in odd-numbered years.
- The council legislates — ordinances, orders, and the annual budget — in public meetings at City Hall.
- The mayor administers the city’s departments and services and can veto council actions.
- You participate by voting, attending meetings, speaking during public comment, and contacting your officials.
Civic Calendar
- City elections: Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years (mayor, City Council, School Committee). The most recent was November 2025.
- City Council: Meets regularly at City Hall, 200 Common Street. Agendas and the meeting calendar are posted on the city website.
- School Committee: Meets monthly; agendas are posted at lawrence.k12.ma.us.
- State & federal elections: Held in even-numbered years — register or check your status at the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s site.
City Government
- Mayor’s OfficeThe city’s elected executive — Mayor Brian A. De Peña.
- City CouncilNine members, three at-large and six by district.
- School CommitteeThe elected board and the superintendent.
- City DepartmentsWho to call for city services.
- Boards & CommissionsAppointed bodies that shape local policy.
- LegislatorsYour state and federal representatives.
Community & Data
Lawrence works best when residents show up. Find your representatives, attend a meeting, and make your voice heard.