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PROVEN RESULTS

Real Impact. Arkansas-Focused Leadership.

For years, Ethan N. Dunbar, PhD has delivered steady, principled leadership as Mayor of Lewisville, Arkansas. His record reflects a commitment to infrastructure, economic growth, public health, and community pride, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Ethan has measurable accomplishments achieved through collaboration, persistence, and responsible governance.

Infrastructure That Works for People

Water System Modernization
  • Transitioned the city from cash-only, in-person water payments to secure online and credit card payment systems.
  • This decision ensured uninterrupted access to essential services during COVID and modernized city operations.
  • Led the city through a state-mandated replacement of lead and copper water lines, a $4.1 million public health and safety project.
  • Secured $3.8 million in federal infrastructure funding to repay the majority of the loan required to complete the upgrades.
  • Result: Lewisville is now fully compliant, financially stable, and positioned for future growth.
Streets & Transportation Improvements
  • Successfully obtained State Street Aid funding in both 2020 and 2024.
  • Enabled resurfacing of approximately five miles of residential streets, prioritizing neighborhoods and daily commuter routes.
  • Positioned Lewisville to apply again in 2027, ensuring continued infrastructure investment.

Housing & Community Revitalization

Building Homes. Restoring Hope.
  • Made housing development a top mayoral priority.
  • Initiated construction of 10 new low-income homes, addressing critical housing shortages.
  • Planned expansion into a 40+ home neighborhood, creating long-term housing stability and opportunity.
  • This effort represents one of Mayor Dunbar’s proudest achievements, directly improving quality of life for families.

Public Safety & Community Resources

  • Secured grants for:
    • A new fire truck
    • Two police vehicles
    • A brush truck for wildfire response
  • Expanded a city garage into a multi-use community space, now used for City Council meetings and available for public use.
  • Added a walking trail at the city park to promote health, fitness, and community connection.

Economic Growth & Workforce Development

Preparing Arkansas Communities for the Future

Mayor Dunbar has played a key role in positioning Lafayette County for economic growth tied to lithium extraction and clean energy development.

  • Major private investments totaling billions of dollars are underway in the region.
  • These projects bring:
    • Hundreds of construction jobs
    • Long-term, stable employment opportunities
  • Partnered with regional colleges to support job-training initiatives such as Lithium Learns, ensuring local residents are prepared to compete for new careers.
  • Advocated for infrastructure upgrades to support responsible industrial growth.

Support for Families & Vulnerable Communities

  • Advocated for and helped secure a local office of the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) in Lewisville.
  • This office provides critical assistance with:
    • Food insecurity
    • Utility support
    • Rental assistance
    • Poverty-reduction programs
  • The presence of CADC has made tangible differences for families in a high-poverty, rural community.

Downtown Revitalization & Historic Preservation

  • Led efforts to clean and revitalize downtown Lewisville.
  • Worked with state partners to pursue historic district designation, opening the door to:
    • Restoration grants
    • Property improvement incentives
    • Long-term economic revitalization
  • The application is currently under review and expected to receive favorable approval.

Major Federal Infrastructure Wins

  • Secured approval for a $4.8 million federal infrastructure appropriation, now awaiting final signature.
  • Funding will be used to:
    • Repair and modernize the sewer system
    • Upgrade the water distribution plant
    • Expand sewer capacity
    • Extend sewer service to areas currently reliant on septic tanks
  • This investment will support future housing, business development, and public health.

Leadership with Vision

Mayor Dunbar’s leadership has been guided by:

  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Long-term planning
  • Community engagement
  • Faith, service, and stewardship

Lewisville’s progress reflects what is possible when leadership is focused on people, not politics.