Lawrenceburg mayor credits redevelopment projects and street investments for local growth

Mayor Kelly Millan used her 2026 State of the City address to highlight economic gains in Lawrenceburg, saying a string of private and public investments has reduced vacant storefronts and spurred new business interest.

Mill an said the city has attracted projects including a Planet Fitness in a strip mall, Whiskey River Apartments, an event center and hotel, Ivy Tech-related facilities, planned senior housing and the restored Liberty Theater. She credited the redevelopment commission’s business and new-home grants as part of that progress.

“Job creation depends on either attracting new businesses or expanding existing ones,” Millan said, arguing the combination of private development and targeted public support has led to visible downtown activity. She noted Lawrenceburg is landlocked, which limits large-scale annexation opportunities, and said development along U.S. 50 has been particularly important.

The mayor also underscored recent infrastructure spending: “Over the past 10 years, we have invested more than $6,000,000 in resurfacing and improving our city streets,” she said, and pledged continued investment to maintain road quality.

City officials have emphasized a cautious, long-term approach to budgets and projects, with Millan saying each department is evaluated for needs versus wants during budgeting. She encouraged residents to compare Lawrenceburg’s use of local gaming revenue with other gaming communities to see how funds are allocated.

Looking ahead, Millan framed continued economic stewardship as a priority for sustaining small businesses and downtown vitality during her remaining two years in office.