Mayors of Burlington, Vermont

Mayors of Burlington, Vermont have governed Chittenden County's largest city since the office was established in 1865. The position has been held by a diverse array of political figures, from Progressive and Republican leaders to members of the Vermont Progressive Party and the Democratic Party. The mayor's office has been a focal point for significant municipal innovation, particularly in areas of environmental policy, public utilities, and urban development.

History of the mayoralty

The office of mayor was created when Burlington, Vermont was officially incorporated as a city by the Vermont General Assembly in 1865, transitioning from a village and town system. The first mayoral election was part of a broader wave of municipal incorporation across New England during the post-Civil War era. Early mayors presided over a period of rapid industrial growth centered on the Burlington waterfront, which was a hub for the lumber trade and Lake Champlain shipping. The structure of the city's government, including the mayor's role alongside the Burlington City Council, was formalized in this charter.

List of mayors

A complete chronological list includes over fifty individuals. The inaugural mayor was Albert L. Catlin in 1865. Notable 19th-century figures include James E. Burke and Henry S. Peck. The 20th century saw lengthy tenures from Republicans like J. Holmes Jackson and Francis J. Cain. In 1981, Bernie Sanders became the first socialist mayor of a major U.S. city in decades. He was succeeded by Peter Clavelle, who served multiple terms. The 21st century has seen mayors from multiple parties, including Bob Kiss, Miro Weinberger, and the current mayor, Emma Mulvaney-Stanak of the Vermont Progressive Party.

Elections and terms

Mayoral elections in Burlington are nonpartisan, though candidates are often affiliated with political parties. Since a 2021 charter change, the mayor is elected using ranked-choice voting for a three-year term, with no term limits. Elections are held in conjunction with the Town Meeting Day in March. Historically, the city used a first-past-the-post system and had two-year terms. The shift to ranked-choice voting followed a 2020 referendum and was first used in the 2024 election. The mayor is elected on a citywide at-large basis.

Notable mayors and achievements

Several mayors have left enduring marks on the city. Bernie Sanders initiated the Burlington Community Land Trust and fought the Burlington Electric Department's proposed rate increase. Peter Clavelle championed the revitalization of the Church Street Marketplace and advanced environmental policies that led to Burlington's recognition as a leading green city. Miro Weinberger oversaw major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Burlington International Airport and contentious development agreements for the Burlington Town Center. Mayor Bob Kiss managed the city's acquisition of the Burlington Telecom utility.

Political dynamics

The mayoralty has been a competitive battleground, often defying Vermont's broader political trends. For decades, the Republican Party dominated local politics until the 1970s. The election of Bernie Sanders in 1981 established a durable Progressive coalition that has frequently challenged both major parties. The Burlington City Council, particularly its independent board members, has often engaged in significant political conflict with mayors over budgets and policy. Key issues shaping elections have included affordable housing in the Old North End, management of the Burlington Police Department, and development pressures on the Lake Champlain Waterfront.