Questions to Ask a Mayor Candidate

Reveals overall direction, priorities, and whether they have coherent long-term thinking.

Shows immediate priorities, realistic goal-setting, and what they'll actually focus on.

Tests understanding of complex issue and whether they have substantive solutions versus platitudes.

Indicates commitment to mobility, investment priorities, and urban planning approach.

Shows understanding of business climate, job creation strategies, and economic vision.

Reveals balance between security and civil liberties, police reform stance, and safety approach.

Tests commitment to open government, ethics standards, and willingness to be held accountable.

Shows environmental priorities, climate change response, and sustainability commitments.

Reveals compassion, practical solutions, and understanding of root causes versus surface fixes.

Indicates relevant background, leadership experience, and what qualifies them for this role.

Shows collaboration skills, conflict resolution approach, and whether they'll build consensus.

Tests financial competence, spending priorities, and understanding of budget realities.

Reveals commitment to equity, awareness of disparities, and willingness to address inequality.

Shows education priorities and understanding of mayor's role in school quality.

Indicates growth strategy, quality of life priorities, and long-term population planning.

Tests willingness to make tough decisions on development, NIMBYism, and housing supply.

Shows commitment to democratic participation beyond elections and openness to public input.

Reveals understanding of governmental relationships and ability to leverage external resources.

Indicates accountability standards, concrete goals, and what metrics they'll use.

Shows motivation, values, and whether they're running for right reasons versus ego.