Mayor Whitfield to Spotlight Environmental Health
September 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 29. 2026
MAYOR WHITFIELD TO BE FEATURED AT HARVARD ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH CONVENING
Lawrence mayor among 12 African American mayors recognized for advancing environmental health and equity
LAWRENCE, Ind. — Mayor Deb Whitfield will join mayors and city leaders from across the country as a featured mayor at the 2026 Community Data Health Initiative (CDHI) Environmental Health Capstone Convening, Oct. 6–7 at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Data-Smart City Solutions invited Whitfield to participate in the two-day convening, which will bring together city practitioners to reflect on two years of collaborative work and explore strategies for advancing environmental health, public trust and community impact. The invitation confirms that Whitfield's leadership will be highlighted during a fireside chat on the first night, followed by individual interviews on the second day.
Earlier this year, the City of Lawrence and Whitfield were recognized by CDHI as one of 12 African American Cities to Watch for advancing environmental health, public health and equity through innovative leadership and measurable action.
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, CDHI brings together the African American Mayors Association, Environmental Defense Fund and Meharry Medical College as collaborators to help cities address localized environmental challenges that affect public health.
The Harvard convening will feature cohort capstone sessions, city showcases, and conversations with featured mayors focused on integrated approaches to environmental health, implementation strategies, public trust and opportunities to scale effective solutions nationally.
“I am honored to represent the City of Lawrence at Harvard and to share the work we are doing to improve environmental health and quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Deb Whitfield. “Being recognized among cities advancing this work gives us an opportunity not only to showcase Lawrence, but to learn from communities across the country and bring new ideas home.”
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About the Community Data Health Initiative
The Community Data Health Initiative works with cities to address localized environmental harms that affect public health, bringing together municipal leaders and national partners to advance data-informed approaches to environmental health and equity.
About the City of Lawrence, Indiana
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under Mayor Deb Whitfield's leadership, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.
