Elected in December 2015 and overwhelmingly re-elected in December 2019, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is wrapping up his second four-year term. In his final year as Houston’s top leader, Turner’s theme is “execution and implementation,” as he focuses on finishing major projects and initiatives.
Since taking office, Mayor Turner has managed significant challenges facing the nation’s fourth-largest city, including budget deficits, homelessness, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 global pandemic. Amid national unrest and calls for improving the community and police relations, the mayor signed an executive order restricting the use of force and created a Task Force on Policing Reforms. His plate has continually runneth over.
Turner sat down with the Defender to talk about everything from his biggest challenges, accomplishments, legacy and more. All week we’ll be highlighting some of the candid conversation.
Here, Houston’s 62nd Mayor talks about what he wants his legacy to be.
