FLORENCE, Ky. — Diane Whalen is the Mayor of Florence, Kentucky, which is the second largest city in Northern Kentucky and one of the fastest growing communities in our state.

Over the last several years there has been a lot of development in Florence, including a major renovation project at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and the $1.5 billion dollar Amazon air hub delivery station. During this In Focus Kentucky segment, Mayor Whalen shares her perspective on why Northern Kentucky’s second largest city has continued to flourish, despite COVID-19 obstacles.

“‘I’m most proud of the fact that we have flourished. Florence is in a financial situation that is envied by the rest of the state. And we’ve done all of that without raising taxes, simply through the growth and the business community that is here in our town....COVID-19 has certainly changed some of that. Retailers are trying to find their niche now and most people are aware that the Florence mall itself has been sold. They aren’t planning any big changes for that, still part of our retail community. But I think that’s something we’ll all want to sit back and watch for the next couple of years.,” said Mayor Whalen.

And in Jan. 2022, Whalen announced that after 24 years in office, she will not run for another term as Mayor but says she is thankful for her time serving as Florence’s top elected leader.

“Six terms in office, something I never thought I’d be around as long to do...I just think it’s important they recognize this is a labor of love. Nothing more, nothing less. I do this because I care about the community. I was born into the community. I was raised in a community where I raised my family, so I do it because I want to leave something better and hopefully that’s what people will remember and not necessarily traffic issues,” adds Whalen.

You can watch the full In Focus segment in the player above.