Shaping the Future, Honoring the Past

Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer is leading a bold portfolio of initiatives that preserve Lawrence Township’s rich history while positioning it for long-term growth. From infrastructure and community revitalization to arts, culture, and economic development, her leadership reflects a clear vision: progress rooted in purpose, inclusion, and strategic leadership.

Patricia Hendricks Farmer

Championing the Installation of the Lewisville Road Historic Marker

In 2025, under the leadership of Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer, Lawrence Township unveiled a historic marker on Lewisville Road honoring the township’s longstanding African American community. The marker commemorates the legacy of families whose presence, perseverance, and contributions have been instrumental in shaping Lawrence’s civic, cultural, and spiritual life.

This initiative was developed in partnership with the Lawrence Township Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, the Lawrence Historical Society, the Lawrence Township Public Schools, the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System, and The Lawrenceville School. Together, these partners are advancing educational programming, archival research, and community dialogue—ensuring the stories of Lewisville Road are not only preserved but shared, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.

Revitalizing the Community Center

Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer is spearheading the revitalization of the Lawrence Township Community Center, ensuring it returns to township management as a welcoming, inclusive space for education, recreation, and connection. To guide this transition, she appointed a dedicated task force of community leaders whose deep research, collaboration, and public engagement have shaped a thoughtful and community-centered recommendation.

Through interactive workshops and public meetings attended by more than 200 residents, the task force gathered input from individuals, families, and local organizations.

More info: Mayor's Op-ed, Mayor's Remarks

Strengthening Water Quality Through Regional Collaboration

As part of a regional coalition with the mayors of Ewing, Hopewell, and Pennington, Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer is actively advocating for improved service and transparency from Trenton Water Works, which provides water to Lawrence Township and neighboring communities.

In response to ongoing concerns around water quality, infrastructure reliability, and communication lapses, the coalition has issued public letters and worked collectively to hold the utility accountable. Cited in outlets such as The Trentonian and NJ.com, this unified approach reflects Mayor Farmer’s commitment to protecting public health, ensuring environmental accountability, and standing with residents to demand lasting improvements.

Positioning Lawrence for Film & Television Production

Mayor Farmer is advancing efforts to bring film and television production to Lawrence Township by beginning conversations with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. This initiative opens the door to a new creative economy—attracting location scouts, production teams, and commercial opportunities that can generate jobs and boost local businesses.

From spotlighting Lawrence’s historic neighborhoods to identifying township spaces as film-ready locations, this work is about more than visibility—it’s about transforming Lawrence into a hub for innovation, storytelling, and sustainable economic growth.

Key benefits and strategic opportunities, include:

Bringing new revenue to the township through filming fees and local spending.
Opening up contracts for local vendors—from catering to set support.
Highlighting Lawrence as a unique backdrop for tourism and film.
Creating career pathways in media for students and residents.
Simplifying permits to make Lawrence film-friendly and accessible.

Fueling Creativity, Community, and Commerce

Mayor Farmer envisions Lawrence Township as a hub for cultural expression, economic opportunity, and community pride. Her plan to launch a Cultural Arts Council is more than an arts initiative—it’s an investment in the township’s creative economy, youth development, and cultural vibrancy.

With the support of artists, educators, and entrepreneurs, the council would:

Champion local talent and cultural programming
Position Lawrence as a destination for arts, film, and innovation
Boost small businesses through cultural events and partnerships

Progress doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through collaboration, vision, and a deep belief in what our community can become. Every initiative we launch is designed to move Lawrence forward with purpose and unity.