Questions to Ask a Mayor
Strategic questions to ask a mayor to understand their vision, policies, and approach to governing, whether for a job interview, civic engagement, or public forum.
1What is your vision for the future of our city, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Click to see why this works
What is your vision for the future of our city, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their vision helps you learn about their long-term goals and how they plan to address the city's needs.
2What are the biggest challenges facing our city, and how do you plan to address them?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest challenges facing our city, and how do you plan to address them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their challenges helps you understand their priorities and how they plan to tackle the city's most pressing issues.
3How do you plan to improve the quality of life for residents?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to improve the quality of life for residents?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their quality of life goals helps you see how they plan to make the city a better place to live.
4What are your plans for economic development and job creation?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for economic development and job creation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their economic plans helps you understand how they plan to grow the local economy and create opportunities.
5How do you plan to address infrastructure needs and improvements?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to address infrastructure needs and improvements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their infrastructure plans helps you see how they plan to maintain and improve the city's physical assets.
6What are your plans for public safety and crime prevention?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for public safety and crime prevention?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their safety plans helps you understand how they plan to keep residents safe and secure.
7How do you plan to address housing affordability and availability?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to address housing affordability and availability?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their housing plans helps you see how they plan to address the city's housing challenges.
8What are your plans for environmental sustainability and climate action?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for environmental sustainability and climate action?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their environmental plans helps you understand how they plan to address climate change and environmental issues.
9How do you plan to improve public transportation and mobility?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to improve public transportation and mobility?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their transportation plans helps you see how they plan to improve how people get around the city.
10What are your plans for education and youth development?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for education and youth development?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their education plans helps you understand how they plan to support schools and young people.
11How do you plan to engage with residents and gather community input?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to engage with residents and gather community input?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their engagement plans helps you see how they plan to involve residents in decision-making.
12What are your plans for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their business support plans helps you understand how they plan to help local businesses thrive.
13How do you plan to address homelessness and social services?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to address homelessness and social services?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their social services plans helps you see how they plan to support vulnerable residents.
14What are your plans for parks, recreation, and cultural amenities?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for parks, recreation, and cultural amenities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their amenities plans helps you understand how they plan to enhance the city's quality of life.
15How do you plan to work with other government agencies and levels?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to work with other government agencies and levels?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their collaboration plans helps you see how they plan to work with other officials and agencies.
16What are your plans for budget management and fiscal responsibility?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for budget management and fiscal responsibility?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their budget plans helps you understand how they plan to manage the city's finances responsibly.
17How do you plan to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in city government?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in city government?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their equity plans helps you see how they plan to ensure fair treatment for all residents.
18What are your plans for technology and digital services for residents?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for technology and digital services for residents?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their technology plans helps you understand how they plan to modernize city services.
19How do you plan to measure success and accountability in your administration?
Click to see why this works
How do you plan to measure success and accountability in your administration?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their accountability plans helps you see how they plan to track progress and ensure transparency.
20What are your plans for emergency preparedness and disaster response?
Click to see why this works
What are your plans for emergency preparedness and disaster response?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their emergency plans helps you understand how they plan to protect residents during crises.
Engaging with City Leadership
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices for Mayoral Conversations
Be Informed
Research the city's current issues, budget, and recent developments to ask informed questions.
Ask Specific Questions
Focus on specific policies, plans, and outcomes rather than general topics to get meaningful answers.
Listen Actively
Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding.
Key Areas to Explore
Vision and Priorities
Policy and Implementation
Engagement and Accountability
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't Ask Vague Questions
Avoid general questions that don't lead to specific, actionable answers about policies and plans.
Avoid Partisan Politics
Focus on issues and policies rather than political parties or ideological positions.
Don't Interrupt or Dominate
Give them time to fully explain their positions and avoid monopolizing the conversation.