La Porte City Council Member Lauren Huffman has spent her career empowering others and making a tangible impact on her community. From her beginnings in criminal justice to her current leadership role at the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Huffman embodies a commitment to public service and community well-being.
Now an influential figure in La Porte, she dedicates her time to improving local infrastructure, advocating for public health, and fostering a connected and safe community. Huffman’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep-seated passion for creating a brighter future for her hometown.
“My hope is to make La Porte a safe, family-oriented place where children can thrive,” Huffman said.
Her priorities reflect a focus on safety, community engagement, and long-term improvements to the quality of life for La Porte residents.
After graduating with a criminal justice degree from Indiana University, Huffman began working with the Indiana Department of Corrections, holding positions at the Michigan City State Prison and as a parole agent in South Bend. She spent more than a decade managing caseloads and supporting people through the correctional system, facing daily challenges in a high-stakes environment.
In 2017, Huffman decided to transition away from corrections. Concerned for her safety and her growing family, she sought a career shift that allowed her to focus on her personal well-being and future goals. Her new role as a clerical assistant at INDOT was a stark departure from her previous line of work, yet her commitment to public service remained prominent still.
“After working in the corrections field, it was an adjustment, but I knew I was in the right place for myself and my family,” Huffman said.
Over the next five years, Huffman quickly progressed through roles at INDOT, culminating in her current position as program director. She now oversees infrastructure projects that shape the landscape of Northern Indiana, including major road resurfacing and bridge construction projects.
In her role as program director, Huffman manages projects across a 13-county area, coordinating logistics, timelines, and budgets for crucial infrastructure initiatives. These projects have a direct impact on local communities, enhancing road safety, supporting economic growth, and facilitating transportation efficiency.
One high-profile project that Huffman oversees involves the construction of a new Amazon warehouse on State Road 2. The project presents a complex set of logistical challenges, as it requires significant coordination between INDOT, local officials, and business stakeholders to ensure that the facility benefits local traffic and commerce without compromising public safety. Huffman’s role in the project illustrates her ability to handle multifaceted responsibilities that have a tangible impact on the Region.
Her focus remains on balancing the demands of a dynamic position while ensuring transparency and accountability in the public sector.
“At INDOT, we’re working not only to maintain infrastructure but to support the people who live and work here every day,” Huffman said.
In addition to her work at INDOT, Huffman has made community engagement a priority. Since being elected to the La Porte City Council, she has spearheaded events and supported local traditions that bring residents together and foster a sense of civic pride. These include the city’s Fourth of July parade, the Santa Parade, and the Sunflower Fair.
Huffman also organizes volunteer opportunities and encourages community involvement. She often includes her young daughter in these activities, modeling the value of service from an early age. Together, they have volunteered at the local Pax center, serving meals to those in need.
“It’s important to me to show my daughter the impact of giving back, even in small ways,” Huffman said.
As a council member, Huffman has focused on public health and safety policies aimed at protecting young people. In a recent move that reflects her dedication to the community’s well-being, Huffman successfully passed an ordinance restricting vape and tobacco retailers from opening near schools, parks, and daycare facilities in La Porte.
Huffman’s motivation for the ordinance is personal. After watching her father battle lung cancer, she developed a commitment to protecting the health of young people in her community.
“My goal is to make sure our children don’t face the same risks we did growing up,” she said.
The ordinance serves as a preventive measure to limit exposure to addictive substances and is designed to reduce the likelihood of youth developing dependencies.
As Huffman continues her work on the city council and at INDOT, she remains focused on the future of La Porte. She envisions a community where local businesses and families can thrive and where residents feel a shared sense of responsibility.
“When people care about their community, they work together to make it better,” she said.
Her commitment to public service is rooted in this belief that individuals can drive positive change through small but meaningful actions. Huffman’s journey from criminal justice to community advocacy is one marked by resilience, adaptability, and a genuine desire to make La Porte a better place for future generations.
For Huffman, public service is more than a career — it’s a calling. Through her work at INDOT, her role on the city council, and her volunteer efforts, she aims to leave a lasting impact on La Porte.
“Serving the community that raised me is an honor,” Huffman said. “I hope that my work here inspires others to get involved and make a difference, too.”