Mayor's Mid-Year Progress Report

First-half achievements spotlight historic preservation, strategic growth, and a unifying vision

As 2025 reached its midpoint, Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer is reflecting on a season of progress shaped by a deep reverence for Lawrence Township’s history and a bold vision for its future. From launching historical initiatives to exploring new creative and economic opportunities, Mayor Farmer’s leadership is rooted in honoring the township’s past while laying a thoughtful foundation for its future.

A lifelong resident whose family has lived in Lawrence since the 1930s, Farmer brings both historical awareness and fresh perspective to her role. “This town raised me,” she said. “Everything I do is guided by that sense of responsibility—to preserve what makes Lawrence special and to put things in place that help it thrive for generations to come.”

Earlier this year, Farmer led the installation of a historic marker recognizing Lawrence Township’s longstanding African American community. The marker stands as a visible acknowledgment of families who contributed to the township’s foundation and culture—many of whom, like the mayor’s own relatives, still call Lawrence home.

The next phase of the initiative is already underway. In collaboration with local educators, librarians and historians, the township is developing a dynamic curriculum and community programming to bring these stories to life for future generations.

Farmer has also begun exploring how Lawrence can participate in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026 —ensuring the township’s full and diverse history is represented in the story of America’s founding and future. “This moment calls us to uplift every community that has helped shape who we are,” she said. “When we honor our collective story, we strengthen our shared future.”

That same commitment to honoring the past while planning for the future is at the heart of her efforts to restore the Lawrence Township Community Center. Once a vibrant space for youth and families, the center is now being transitioned back under township management. Farmer, who reflected on the center’s impact in her recent op-ed inNJ Municipalities magazine, says revitalizing the facility is a personal and professional priority.

“The center was a cornerstone of my childhood,” she said. “We’re working to make sure its reopening reflects today’s needs—offering inclusive programming, wellness resources and space for the entire community to gather and grow.”

Earlier this year, more than 200 residents attended a public meeting and participated in interactive workshops to help shape the future of the center. That input, Farmer said, will ensure the facility is not just reopened—but reimagined with the community’s voice at the center.

Her forward-looking leadership also extends to economic and cultural development. The mayor has initiated conversations with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission to explore Lawrence as a potential site for film and television production. She is also laying the groundwork for the creation of a local arts council that would support creative talent and cultural initiatives township-wide.

“This is about visibility, jobs and pride,” Farmer said. “We have creative people and compelling stories here—and the potential to become a destination for culture and innovation.”

Meanwhile, Farmer is drawing on longstanding relationships to fuel new ideas. She recently facilitated a strategic meeting between the Lawrence Township Council and executives at Bristol Myers Squibb—one of the area’s most established employers—to explore partnerships that support youth mental health and STEM education.

“BMS has been part of this community for decades,” she said. “Now we’re looking at how we can take that relationship to the next level—creating programs that invest in our young people and prepare them for the future.”

Throughout the year, Farmer has remained a visible and active presence—participating in ceremonial events, attending community gatherings and strengthening communication through her social media platforms and monthly column inCommunity News, the region’s monthly newspaper. Beginning this summer, she will also contribute updates to the township’s newsletter to keep residents informed and engaged.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue the curriculum development for the historic marker project, advance the community center transition, and build new pathways for creativity, economic inclusion and civic pride.

“This is a turning point,” she said. “We’ve honored the past, engaged the present and now we’re shaping the future—together.”

For updates on Mayor Farmer’s initiatives, sign-up for township emails and follow @MayorFarmer on Instagram and at www.linkedin.com/in/patriciafarmer on LinkedIn.