Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is the Mayor of Mount Vernon, NY. She’s a woman who cares about helping others, doing what’s right, and always showing up for those in need. Despite many media outlets trying to muddy the waters with false narratives about her, it’s important that we look at many of the things that she’s done throughout her political career and stick to the facts. Here are just a small few.
From the beginning of her tenure, Mayor Patterson-Howard made public safety and accountability central priorities. In 2020, she launched the Mount Vernon Police Reform Commission, bringing together community voices to ensure fairer and more transparent policing. This was not just symbolic—it was the start of long-overdue change in how Mount Vernon approaches law enforcement. In fact, after the Department of Justice found unconstitutional strip-search practices within the Police Department, the Mayor stood firm, removed problematic staff, and committed to real reform.
Infrastructure is another area where she has delivered. For decades, Mount Vernon residents suffered with broken sewer lines and outdated systems. Mayor Patterson-Howard secured $6 million in state funding for immediate upgrades and helped bring a historic $150 million state investment to overhaul the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. These wins protect public health and will improve the quality of life for generations to come.
She has also fought for recreation and community spaces. In 2022, she and Westchester County Executive George Latimer proudly reopened the Memorial Field complex. Once a symbol of neglect, the new 3,900-seat stadium now boasts tennis courts, a skate park, and a state-of-the-art track. On top of that, she helped secure more than $3.1 million in state grants—funding that will not only renovate the Doles Recreation Center but also provide lifesaving equipment for the city’s Fire and Police Departments.
Safety is always at the forefront of her leadership. Mayor Patterson-Howard introduced a business camera program and distributed hundreds of free security cameras to residents, empowering the community to take part in protecting neighborhoods. These initiatives have worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement, contributing to a 14 percent decrease in violent crime and the removal of more than 100 illegal guns from our streets.
But Mayor Patterson-Howard’s impact is not only in policies and programs—it’s in her vision. From the beginning, she laid out a comprehensive plan for Mount Vernon that included better roads, stronger mental health and homelessness services, and a Civilian Police Review Board. Every year since, she has returned to that vision, checking off promises one by one.
The truth is clear: Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is not just managing Mount Vernon—she is transforming it. Her work has brought in millions of dollars, rebuilt cherished community spaces, reduced crime, and restored a sense of accountability in local government. Leadership like this deserves recognition, not criticism.
Mount Vernon is stronger today because of Mayor Patterson-Howard’s tireless efforts. That’s tea, and it’s worth spilling.
