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Record of Leadership

Results for Lewisville. A Blueprint for Arkansas.

As Mayor of Lewisville, Ethan N. Dunbar, PhD focused on stabilizing city finances, modernizing aging infrastructure, expanding housing, and preparing the region for long-term economic growth.

Infrastructure Modernization

Lewisville faced decades of deferred maintenance in its water and sewer systems. A state-mandated $4.1M infrastructure upgrade required decisive action.

Mayor Dunbar:

  • Led the implementation of system upgrades
  • Oversaw replacement of outdated sewer lines
  • Initiated ongoing removal of lead and copper water lines
  • Secured $3.8M in federal infrastructure funding to offset loan repayment

These improvements placed Lewisville in compliance and strengthened long-term financial stability.

Flood Mitigation & Watershed Improvements

Flooding has long affected vulnerable neighborhoods.

Mayor Dunbar secured more than $1M in federal watershed funding for a 4-phase flood mitigation initiative covering Lewisville and Stamps.

The project includes:

  • Feasibility analysis
  • Planning
  • Engineering design
  • Construction

Phase 2 is currently under review by NRCS in Washington, D.C.

Housing & Strategic Growth

Housing shortages limited growth and opportunity.

Mayor Dunbar:

  • Initiated construction of 10 low-income homes
  • Positioned a 40-home subdivision for development
  • Formed a City Planning Committee to create a 10-year strategic roadmap
  • Updated city ordinances to combat blight and improve community standards

Public Safety & Community Investment

Through strategic grant efforts, Lewisville secured:

  • A new fire truck
  • Two police vehicles
  • A brush truck for wildfire response

Additionally, the city constructed a walking trail and a public Community Meeting Room to enhance quality of life.

Economic Development & Workforce Preparation

With billions in lithium investment entering the region, Mayor Dunbar focused on preparation and protection.

He:

  • Advocated for infrastructure readiness
  • Supported workforce programs like Lithium Learns
  • Partnered with UAHT to host entrepreneur workshops
  • Advocates for a Community Benefits Agreement to ensure local impact

The Bigger Picture

Mayor Dunbar’s leadership demonstrates:

  • Fiscal responsibility under pressure
  • Infrastructure modernization in rural communities
  • Housing expansion as economic policy
  • Strategic positioning for industrial growth

The same steady, solutions-oriented leadership that improved Lewisville can serve Arkansas at the federal level.