Shawyn Patterson-Howard

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is the 30th Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, New York. Her election in 2019 was historic as she was the first woman to be elected as Mayor. Her re-election in 2023 marked the first time that a sitting mayor has been re-elected in 20 years. Mayor Patterson Howard has quickly made her mark in the governing and political landscape. Leading through the competing crises of Covid-19, public safety/criminal justice reform, climate change, massive infrastructure, and financial challenges; Mayor Patterson Howard has stayed focused on developing systemic solutions that help marginalized groups and create partnerships that bring much needed resources to address legacy, current and emerging issues.

Mayor Patterson-Howard employs her straightforward and pragmatic style to advocate for and raise the profile of the state’s eighth largest city. As an innovator, Mayor Patterson-Howard relies on collaboration and partnership on every level to address everyday issues and major crises. Her aim is to set Mount Vernon on a path to growth, resilience, sustainability, and true governance.

During the past four years in office, she has worked with her talented and dedicated leadership team and committed electees to build public/private partnerships that have brought in over $350 million for multiple infrastructure projects and the redevelopment of Memorial Stadium. Historic investments have been made to upgrade the City’s fleet of Police, Fire and Public Works vehicles and equipment to ensure the reliable delivery of city services and kick off the “Paving It Forward” street repair initiative. Through innovative partnerships, the city has launched The Wellness Precinct, Youth Diversion and Emerging Adult Justice Courts, Mayor’s for Guaranteed Income, expanded youth employment and development, workforce development and secured funding for the renovation of the Doles Center and Armory.

In her inaugural term, Mayor Patterson-Howard has risen to the national and international stage for her unapologetic advocacy for environmental justice, climate change, public health, financial empowerment, and public safety. This has enabled the city to partner with Bloomberg, Harvard, The Gates Foundation, National League of Cities, and others to enhance staff development and grant opportunities.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mayor Patterson-Howard values volunteerism and holds positions on several local and national Board of Directors including President of the African American Mayor’s Association (AAMA); Vice Chair of Children, Health & Human Services Commission of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM); National Co-Chair of Everytown’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG); The U.S. Department of State Assembly of Local Leaders; The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee; the International Organization for Economic and Community Development (OECD) Champion Mayors; New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM) Executive Committee; 2nd VP of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association (WMOA); National League of Cities (NLC); U. S. Mayors Roundtable; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Westchester Alumnae Chapter; Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus; Mayors for a Guaranteed Income; Sustainable Westchester Board of Directors; Hutchinson River Watershed Plan Steering Committee; ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability; and Co-chair of the Mayors Commission on Water Equity.

Mayor Patterson Howard is happily married to her husband of 36 years, Marvin Howard, and has one daughter, Nia.