In the annual State of the City Address, Mayor Sue Hack on Tuesday called on Lawrence residents to support the city’s children.

“By simply considering the impact on children when we look at new projects and endeavors and focusing on their education, health and welfare,” she said, “we can be assured that they will be strong citizens in the future.”

Hack, who retired from her longtime teaching job to be mayor, ends her yearlong mayoral term Tuesday. She will remain on the Lawrence City Commission two more years.

One way to support the city’s children, Hack said, is to back strong economic development efforts by city officials.

“Because we live in such a wonderful community, we have high expectations of the services that the city provides,” she said. “Continuing to attract new companies to Lawrence as well as encouraging expansion of existing businesses will lessen the tax burden on individual property owners.”

But she acknowledged the tough budget situation the city is in. Sales tax revenues are declining, and the city lost $1.38 million when the state cut its aid to cities.

“There is little comfort to be found in the current budget situation, but we may be consoled by recognizing that many communities and states are facing a similar and in some cases more dismal situation,” she said. “I call upon each of our citizens to be resilient and endure the condition.”

And Hack urged Lawrence residents to greater volunteerism.

“We have so many programs and services that support our community,” she said, “and they are viable only because volunteers are willing to contribute time and effort.”