Lafayette city manager outlines 2025 wins and infrastructure projects ahead

City Manager Katie Doling delivered a year-end address summarizing Lafayette's accomplishments in 2025 and previewing projects for the year ahead. She opened by thanking residents, businesses and staff and said the year was marked by “connection, creativity, and meaningful progress.”

Doling said the city launched a Downtown Development Authority to spur investment in Old Town and continues a multi-year effort to update the land use code to “guide future growth to align with community values.” She highlighted new downtown activities, including a weekly farmers market and plans for a pocket park to expand public gathering space.

On small-business support, Doling touted programs such as Vacant to Vibrant and Small Business Assistant Grants that she said are helping local entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses and support jobs.

The city celebrated the ribbon cutting for the restored Starkey Building, now a collaborative space in Old Town, and marked the opening of Willoughby Corner, which was recognized with the Dr. Coggs Metro Vision Award for innovation.

Doling described progress on Lafayette's climate action work—energy efficiency, air quality and water-wise initiatives—and said nearly $1,000,000 in grant funding is being invested in sustainability programs. She said the city is also expanding electric vehicle charging stations at the library, the fire station and the golf course.

On water and resilience, Doling announced the city has begun filling the Goose Haven water storage reservoir, saying, “This expansion will strengthen water reliability to meet our long term supply needs.” She added the city is developing a comprehensive drought plan intended to balance conservation, infrastructure investment and emergency preparedness.

Transportation safety received emphasis: Doling said the city adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan that uses engineering, enforcement, education, equity and emergency response to reduce serious traffic injuries. She cited recent project work including safety updates to the 120th Street bridge over Coal Creek and intersection improvements at State Highway 7 and 119th Street that added bike lanes, sidewalks, turn lanes and signalized crossings.

Looking ahead, Doling pointed to three major facility projects approved by voters to advance next year: renovation and expansion of the Bob L. Berger Recreation Center, modernization of the service center, and construction of a new civic center. She said planning and implementation will begin to support long-term community needs.

Doling closed by thanking council members, residents and staff and pausing to remember former city administrator Fritz Sprague, calling him “a trusted, kind leader, and mentor.” The address concluded with a call to continue working together to sustain Lafayette's community spirit.