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Harry LaRosiliere knew he would be a mayor 20 years before it happened. Today he is serving his second term as mayor of Plano, Texas. LaRosiliere comes from humble beginnings. Born in Haiti, he moved with his family to New York as a child where his mother cleaned office buildings and his father worked in a factory. Running for mayor was a “calling,” LaRosiliere says, born out of a desire to effect positive change in his community.
First elected Plano mayor in 2003, LaRosiliere has prioritized economic development in leading the mid-size city of 250,000 people. The city’s efforts to attract businesses have brought new offices from Toyota, FedEx, Boeing, in addition to about 40,000 jobs. Like any leader, LaRosiliere has experienced tough moments. Part of his success is making community decisions with intention and standing up for his values.
Hear more from LaRosiliere on this episode of "In the Arena."
Previous Guests:
- Rebecca Rhynhart, City Controller of Philadelphia
- Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University
- Mayors Melvin Carter of St. Paul, Minn.; Jenn Daniels of Gilbert, Ariz.; Jacob Frey of Minneapolis and Francis Suarez of Miami
- Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability for Orlando, Fla.
- Kim Foxx, State's Attorney for Cook County, Ill.
- Doug Burgum, Governor of N.D.
- Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, S.C.
- Kristen Cox, Executive Director of Utah Office of Management and Budget
- Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana, Calif.
- Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville, Ky.
- Themis Klarides, Minority Leader of the Conn. House
- Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, Calif.
