Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

The per capita rate of homelessness in Lawrence, Essex County is 2.9 of every 1,000 residents, with 351 displaced individuals in January 2023. Over the last six months, The City of Lawrence has now disbursed over 1 Million dollars and helped over 250 families and individuals with rental assistance to prevent evictions, assist in rapid-rehousing, and prevent homelessness. This Emergency Rental Assistance Program investment amount is the first ever in the history of the City of Lawrence. Distinguishing himself from predecessors, DePeña increased the Down Payment Assistance Program cap from $25,000 to an impressive $50,000. This stroke of the pen promotes the building of wealth for residents and their families,mirroring the success of neighboring communities. City employees were also included in the similar initiative released by the Mayor. The overarching goal is to contribute to economic progress, housing stability, and overall enhancement of public infrastructure, creating a better and more prosperous city. 25th Leonard Bernstein Day. Bernstein performed at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium to mark the occasion. The composer’s history reflects the immigrant experience common in Lawrence. His parents were of Eastern European-Jewish origins, and his mother’s family, the Resnicks, were residents and mill workers in the town. Bernstein’s father ran a beauty supply store in the city. Bernstein’s involvement in political activism gained him recognition, extending his fame beyond his musical legacy. In 1983, he advocated for nuclear disarmament and controversially sported a blue armband made from material donated by The City of Lawrence textile factories. Bernstein’s impact on the values of community, culture, and civic engagement that he embodied. REFACING AND UPLIFTING—RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS FUNDING In an ongoing effort to make Lawrence a more attractive destination for investment, work, and family life, Mayor DePeña has helped to reach housing stability. 55 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02 LAWRENCE, MA