City Leadership
Mayor’s Office
The Mayor
Brian A. De Peña
Brian A. De Peña came to Lawrence from the Dominican Republic and built his life as a businessman on Broadway, the city’s main commercial spine. He won an at-large seat on the City Council and served from 2016 to 2021, then won the mayor’s office in November 2021 and took it over that same month. In November 2025 the city returned him to office for a second four-year term. As mayor he runs the city’s administration and chairs the Lawrence School Committee. He is the 60th person to hold the office.
| In office | Since November 2021 (re-elected 2025) |
|---|---|
| Phone | (978) 620-3010 |
| Office | Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 200 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 |
| Website | cityoflawrence.com |
What the Mayor Does
The mayor is the most powerful single office in Lawrence, elected by the whole city to a four-year term under the city charter. Here is what that power actually covers.
- Runs the city: oversees all departments and the delivery of city services.
- Prepares the budget: proposes the annual city budget for the City Council to review and adopt.
- Veto power: can veto ordinances and orders passed by the council, which the council may override.
- Appointments: appoints department heads and members of many boards and commissions.
- Schools: serves as chair of the School Committee.
The Administration
No mayor runs a city alone. De Peña leads a team of department heads and senior staff who handle the daily work, from plowing and policing to public health, permits, and the budget.
- City departments handle services such as public works, inspections, health, the city clerk, assessing, and recreation.
- Public safety is delivered through the Lawrence Police and Fire departments.
- Finance and budget staff manage the treasury, collections, assessing, and the annual budget.
Contact & Engage
- Office: Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 200 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840.
- Phone: (978) 620-3010.
- City Hall hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Stay informed: the Mayor’s Office posts updates on the city’s website and social media.
Sources
Lawrence government website (cityoflawrence.com). Verified July 2026.
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