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Dear Members of the Lawrence Partnership Community,
As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment on behalf of the Board of Directors to thank each of you for your continued commitment to the City of Lawrence and to the shared mission of the Lawrence Partnership. Your engagement, collaboration, and belief in this community are what make our work both possible and impactful.
The start of a new year is also a time for reflection and transition. I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to George A. Ramirez, who concludes his service as Executive Director. George’s leadership has been marked by steadiness, integrity, and a clear-eyed focus on strengthening Lawrence’s economic ecosystem. During his tenure, the Partnership deepened relationships across sectors, advanced thoughtful economic development strategies, and navigated complex challenges with professionalism and resolve. We are sincerely thankful for George’s service and lasting contributions, and we wish him continued success in the next chapter of his career.
At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús as Interim Executive Director. Dr. Gonzalez currently serves as Vice President of the Lawrence Campus for Community Affairs at Northern Essex Community College and brings a strong commitment to inclusive economic growth, and a proven record of thoughtful leadership. The Board has full confidence in her ability to guide the organization during this transition period, maintain momentum, and continue strengthening our partnerships across business, nonprofit, educational, and civic communities. We are grateful for her willingness to step into this role.
Looking ahead, there is real reason for optimism about the economic future of the city of Lawrence. Across the city, we see growing investment, resilient small businesses, an increasingly skilled workforce, and a renewed focus on innovation and collaboration. While challenges remain, Lawrence continues to demonstrate what is possible when public, private, and community partners work together with intention and purpose. The Lawrence Partnership remains committed to advancing equitable economic opportunity and ensuring that growth benefits all of the residents in Lawrence.
As we move forward into the new year, I invite you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and continue working alongside us. The strength of this network is one of Lawrence’s greatest assets, and together we can build on the progress already underway.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your dedication to Lawrence. I wish you and your organizations a healthy, productive, and successful year ahead.
Warm regards,
Socrates De La Cruz
Chair, Board of Directors
The Lawrence Partnership
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Come celebrate with us as we thank George Ramirez for his leadership, say goodbye, and welcome Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús as our Acting Executive Director
*snow date: 2/10/26
Please note that this is a Members-Only event. If you would like to sign up to become a Member, please visit: lawrencepartnership.org/lpnetwork | |
Feb 03, 2026 05:30pm - Feb 03, 2026 07:30pm
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El Vago Cantina
179 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
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The Community Group’s New Educational Facility Hits Construction Milestone
The Community Group (TCG) celebrated a major milestone with a beam signing ceremony for its new 53,000-square-foot educational facility in Lawrence, marking progress on a project that broke ground in July and is expected to open in summer 2027. The facility will unify three upper school campuses of Community Day Charter Public School, serving 480 students in grades 5–8, and will house Community Kids Place, TCG’s school-age childcare and enrichment program serving approximately 300 children.
Designed by Finegold Alexander Architects with construction by W.T. Rich and consulting by QPD, the campus will include classrooms, STEM and enrichment spaces, a gymnasium, cafeteria, offices, playing fields, and outdoor learning areas, supporting school-day, after-school, and summer programming. Located on a former farm site, the project reflects TCG’s commitment to creating a modern, community-centered environment that fosters high-quality learning, wellness, and connection for children and families in Lawrence.
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MVPC Completes Industrial Zone Profile
This past fall, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) completed the Merrimack Valley Industrial Zone Profile as part of implementation of the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, providing a detailed analysis of the region’s industrial zoning, real estate trends, employment, and capacity constraints. The study highlights the Merrimack Valley’s evolution from its Industrial Revolution roots to a modern hub for advanced and traditional manufacturing, while noting significant challenges posed by a tight industrial real estate market, with occupancy reaching approximately 95% in 2024 as former industrial buildings convert to housing and industrial parks near capacity.
Through an in-depth review of zoning regulations, build-out analyses, and employment data—showing manufacturing comprises 17% of the region’s workforce compared to 7% statewide—the report identifies zoning, environmental, and infrastructure limitations as key barriers to growth. The profile concludes with regional best practices and community-specific strategies, emphasizing that zoning modernization and infrastructure investment are essential to expanding industrial capacity and supporting long-term economic stability in the Merrimack Valley.
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GLTS Looks to Upgrade to Different Hangar at Lawrence Airport
Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) is seeking approval to sell its existing hangar at Lawrence Municipal Airport and purchase a larger, better-equipped $975,000 hangar to support its newly launched aviation maintenance program. The plan, which requires an amendment to the school’s regional charter and approval from its four member communities—Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, and North Andover—would be funded through the sale of the current hangar, previously allocated upgrade funds, and district reserves, at no cost to the communities.
School officials say the current hangar requires significant infrastructure upgrades, while the adjacent 4,800-square-foot hangar already includes classroom space, restrooms, and climate control, allowing the program to fully house its aircraft and expand instructional opportunities. The FAA-approved $7.5 million program, only the second of its kind in Massachusetts, began in the 2025–2026 school year after years of development. Local select boards and city councils have expressed support, with final approvals pending Town Meeting votes in Andover and North Andover, city council votes in Lawrence and Methuen, and authorization from the Lawrence Airport Commission.
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Essex County Community Response Fund
During times of crisis, Essex County’s nonprofits are first on the frontlines. The Essex County Community Response Fund is a collaborative effort to provide streamlined, flexible support to these organizations, which do the critical work of feeding, sheltering and protecting our friends and neighbors, and strengthening our communities.
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Groundwork Lawrence's Winter Farmers Markets
January 10 & 24 , 2026
February 14 & 28, 2026
March 14 & 28 , 2026
April 11 & 25, 2026
May 9 & 23, 2026
Twice monthly on Saturdays from 10am-4pm
50 Island Street, Entrance B
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LCW's 40th Anniversary
40 Years of Community. Connection. Impact.
Join us as we celebrate Lawrence CommunityWork’s 40th Anniversary Gala—an unforgettable night honoring our past and building our future together.Early Bird tickets available now through February 12, 2026! Secure your seat and celebrate with us.
Thursday, April 2, from 5-9pm
Lawrence Elks Club - 652 Andover St, Lawrence, MA
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Esperanza Academy's Hope Rising Spring Gala
Gather your friends for an unforgettable evening filled with joy, connection, and inspiration. Together, we'll reflect on our journey and share exciting updates as we prepare to step boldly into a transformative new chapter in 2026.
Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30pm
The State Room in Boston
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