September 10, 2026 – Lori Kerans has announced her candidacy for the Decatur City Council.
Kerans made the announcement Thursday afternoon at the Decatur Civic Center, telling supporters she came to Decatur as an 18-year-old freshman at Millikin University and has never left.
“For 45 years, this community has been my home,” Kerans said. “It’s where I chose to receive a world class education, where I found my life’s work, leaned into and strengthened my faith, built lifelong friendships, learned, mentored, and created partnerships.”
Kerans said she did not make the decision to run quickly and spent several months listening to residents, business and community leaders and others familiar with local government.
“I spent much of my life encouraging people to step forward, get involved, be a part of something bigger than themselves, and to do hard things when it’s needed,” she said. “And at some point, you have to be willing to take your own advice.”
Kerans said one piece of advice she received during that process has stayed with her: avoid making cheap promises.
“So today, I stand before you, and I make one promise. I promise, I will listen,” she said. “I will listen to people who agree with me, and those who don’t. I will ask questions and respect expertise, and I will listen before I decide.”
Kerans said she would do her homework when faced with difficult decisions and make what she believes are the best decisions for Decatur residents.
Her campaign is centered around four pillars: Safe Community, Skilled Workforce, Sound Infrastructure and Shared Leadership.
“I believe every person deserves to feel safe in the neighborhood they call home,” Kerans said. “I believe a skilled workforce creates opportunity for individuals, businesses and families. I believe sound infrastructure requires us to take care of what we have while planning responsibly for the future. And I believe mostly in shared leadership, listening to one another, bringing people together, and doing the work.”
Kerans said the four priorities are connected.
“Those four are not separate and independent ideals,” she said. “They are interconnected and synergistic.”
She said safe neighborhoods can attract families and investment, a prepared workforce can help businesses grow, and strong infrastructure can create new opportunities — but that none of those efforts can succeed without people willing to work together.
Kerans also pointed to her family’s history of public service. She said both of her grandfathers and her father served as mayors in their respective communities.
Kerans said her campaign will focus on bringing people together to address challenges facing Decatur.
“I’m not running because I believe I have all the answers,” she said. “I’m running because after 45 years of living, working, and serving here, I believe I can bring people together to help find some of the solutions.”
Kerans said she wants to continue listening to residents and working with the community.
“Decatur has given me so much,” she said. “It’s time for me to give more of myself to the community I love.”
Additional campaign information is available through the Kerans4CityCouncil Facebook page.
