Photo via: Yolanda Ford
The citizens of Missouri City, Texas have elected Yolanda Ford as its next mayor, making her both the first woman and first African American to serve in this role.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Ford garnered 52 percent of the city’s votes, helping her to defeat Allen Owen who had been Missouri City’s mayor for nearly 25 years.
Ford, who has 20 years of professional land and community development experience, has also worked as a Missouri City District A council member since 2013. During her campaign, she told local residents that she will be committed to increasing revenue, repairing infrastructure and addressing public safety.
“I want to implement a comprehensive plan that addresses our challenges, start to assume our utilities and improve the aesthetics of the major corridors,” she said.
Both Ford and Owen made the cut for a runoff after having a tight Nov. 6 election. Now, with the final numbers in for Ford’s official victory, she will take the oath of office on December 17.
“I am so proud that the residents of Missouri City have elected me as their mayor,” she said in a statement. “After having served on the city council for the past five years, and as a lifelong resident, I am deeply invested in the well-being and growth of Missouri City, and I look forward to working with citizens, the city council and others toward its betterment.”
Update: Ford was inaugurated as the first woman and African American mayor of Missouri City, Texas during a special ceremony held at Thurgood Marshall High School on February 17, 2019.
Hundreds gathered to witness not only the first woman, but the first African-American woman inaugurated as @MissouriCityTX mayor.
Honored to administer @iamyolandaford’s oath. Tonight’s ceremony highlighted the city’s rich diversity and featured music, dance, and much more. pic.twitter.com/HptAf4YJ1F
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) February 18, 2019
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“Thank you to Missouri City for having faith and for trusting me to lead your city,” Houston Chronicle reports Ford saying after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner swore her in.
Aaliyah Eiland, who grew up in Hunters Glen, a predominantly Black neighborhood, explained what this moment would mean to her younger self.
“The opportunity to witness the inauguration of not only the first African American but the first female mayor of Missouri City inspires that once young girl from Hunters Glen,” she said.
Congratulations, Mayor Ford!