Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell Looks to Water, Economic Development and Rail Trail in Another Term

Front Royal Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell says securing a secondary water source, strengthening economic development, and moving the Shenandoah Rail Trail forward are among the priorities she hopes to tackle if she returns for another term.

Cockrell, who is running for mayor again in the November election, discussed those issues and more during an interview at a Republican-endorsed candidates’ gathering in downtown Front Royal on Sunday, October 4.

This marks Cockrell’s third run for mayor, although her service in town government began before she was elected to the position.

She was appointed to Town Council in January 2020 and later won a council seat. After serving about three years on council, she ran for mayor midway through that term. She has since served two terms as mayor.

Unlike many local offices, Front Royal’s mayor serves a two-year term, meaning the position returns to the ballot frequently.

Cockrell also holds a place in town history as Front Royal’s first woman elected mayor. Her brother previously served as mayor as well, making them, according to Athey, the only siblings to have both served in the position.

Her latest term included an event she never expected when 2026 began — welcoming the King of England and Queen Consort to Front Royal.

Cockrell said the visit became a source of pride not only because of the international attention but because of what she was told about the community during preparations.

Representatives connected with the visit had quietly spent time in Front Royal before the town knew it was being considered, she said. What stood out to them was how residents treated visitors.

“Front Royal was chosen because of not just the beauty, but the people,” Cockrell said.

While ceremonial duties are one part of the mayor’s job, Cockrell said listening to residents remains one of the most important.

That has been particularly evident in the town’s debate over data centers.

Cockrell said the current council consensus is that members do not want data centers in Front Royal. She pointed to the large turnout at a council public hearing, where about 100 people spoke.

“If you’re an elected official, your job is to listen to the people,” she said. “If that’s what the people want or don’t want, then that should be — you should carry out the will of the people.”

Cockrell acknowledged, however, that opposition is not unanimous.

She said residents have approached her privately to say they would support data centers. Her advice to them has been the same: If they want council members to consider that position, they need to make their views known publicly.

Cockrell said her impression from public comments, social media, and conversations is that most Front Royal residents currently do not believe large data centers are the right fit for the town.

She also recognized the difficult balance surrounding the issue. Residents use technology and online services that depend on data infrastructure, even if they do not want large data center buildings nearby.

Cockrell said she hopes advances in technology eventually reduce some of the concerns communities have about the size, noise and resource demands associated with such facilities.

Beyond individual issues, Cockrell said the current Town Council works together better than residents might assume from watching disagreements during meetings.

“This council actually gets along wonderfully,” she said.

Members can disagree at the council table and then walk out of the meeting talking as friends, she said. Maintaining respect despite differing opinions is important to getting the town’s work done.

Looking toward another term, Cockrell said a secondary water source remains high on her list.

“We need to get some firming up on a secondary water source,” she said. “That has just been hanging over our heads.”

She also remains a supporter of the proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail. Cockrell acknowledged opposition from some property owners near the proposed trail but said she has supported the project since joining council.

She would like to see enough progress for a ribbon-cutting before she eventually leaves office, although she recognizes completing the project will take time.

Economic development is another major priority.

Cockrell joined council in January 2020 during a difficult period for the community and its relationship with the Economic Development Authority. She said the controversy surrounding the EDA left some residents with a lasting negative perception of economic development efforts.

But she believes attracting and supporting businesses will be essential to Front Royal’s future.

“Economic development is going to be the thing that’s going to pull us out of where we are and be able to not raise taxes and to fund our schools and fund our services and things like that,” Cockrell said.

She expressed optimism about Patrick Barker, the new EDA director, saying she has met with him several times and participated in a recent branding discussion about the area’s strengths, weaknesses, and public perception.

“I think he has got great ideas,” Cockrell said. “I’m kind of in awe. I’m like, this guy knows what he’s doing.”

As another election approaches, Cockrell said she wants residents to continue contacting her, attending council meetings and sharing their concerns.

She cautioned that being mayor does not mean every problem can be solved immediately — or even within a two-year term.

But listening, she said, is part of the responsibility.

“I can’t always fix the problem right then and there,” Cockrell said. “I may not even be able to fix the problem two years from now, but I want to be able to listen and try to help people.”

After serving on council and then becoming the first woman elected mayor of Front Royal, Cockrell said she remains optimistic about the community’s direction.

“I feel like the town of Front Royal is going in the right direction,” she said, “and I’m proud of that.”

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.