Mayor Leonardo (Leo) Williams is a visionary leader dedicated to Durham’s prosperity, drawing on his diverse background as a two-time Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year, public school administrator, and entrepreneur. His journey from the classroom to City Hall highlights a deep commitment to community.
A proud North Carolina Central University alumnus, earning degrees in Music Education BA and Education Leadership MA, he met his wife, Zweli, at NCCU, and they are the parents of son, Izaiah, who attends Duke University.
Elected to the Durham City Council in December 2021 and sworn in as Mayor in December 2023, he leads a rapidly growing city of nearly 320,000, overseeing a $755 million city budget and championing policies that significantly enhance quality of life. His influence extends nationally; he was a featured speaker at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and has welcomed Presidents and Vice Presidents to the Greater Triangle region over 25 times, showcasing Durham’s vibrant culture of innovation and economic opportunity on the world stage.
Mayor Williams is at the forefront of critical initiatives, including creating the Bull City Future Fund, a first-of-its-kind partnership with United Way and the Triangle Community Foundation. This groundbreaking effort has raised over $1 million to directly invest in local nonprofits tackling youth violence and promoting positive engagement.
His leadership is recognized among peers as an inaugural Hunt Institute Mayor, a Bloomberg Mayor, and a member of the exclusive New Deal Mayors, focusing on practical, bipartisan political leadership.
He’s also a newly elected board of trustees member for the African American Mayors Association and a leading voice on the Economic and Workforce Development commission at the United States Conference of Mayors. Mayor Williams is also showcasing unprecedented public/private partnerships
with the United States Roundtable of Mayors in the areas of tech, startups, economic development, and innovative social capital.
From broad community engagement to impactful policy creation, Mayor Williams continues to apply his passion for education, entrepreneurship, and addressing profound social issues to cultivate a united community defined by safety and prosperity.
Working across North Carolina and the Triangle, I will continue to build relationships and represent our city to support our residents here in Durham.
I am a bridge builder and a firm believer in consensus building. Effective governance requires collaboration and cooperation, even when differing viewpoints are present. I value diversity of thought and believe that respectful dialogue and open communication are essential in finding common ground and working towards shared goals.
In my role as an elected official, I am committed to ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and considered, regardless of their background or beliefs. As your mayor, I promise to dedicate my time in representing and advocating for the needs and interests of all constituents, fostering an inclusive and responsive government that serves the entire community.
