How Can a Fast-Growing Town Keep Its Identity? | John Stehr, Zionsville Mayor

Get IN. with Nate Spangle · Apr 15, 2026 · 1h 10m

On today's show I sat down with Zionsville mayor John Stehr, who has prioritized the city's small-town identity despite its population more than doubling since 2010.

A former TV journalist of 42 years and longtime WTHR anchor, Stehr was elected as the mayor of Zionsville in 2023 after running on better communication, civility, and responsible growth. He recalls his broadcasting path from Pittsburgh through multiple markets, his view of news, and why he left as media economics and opinion pressures increased.

John explains how serving on the parks board revealed communication gaps that…