Mayor's Biography
Ben Walsh is the 54th mayor in the history of the City
of Syracuse. His approach to leadership and public service was shaped by
growing up on the city’s west side in a family of proud public servants. His
own call to public service first came into focus during his time at the
renowned Maxwell School at Syracuse University, where he earned his master’s
degree in public administration (MPA).
Ben has played a lead role in some of the most
transformational projects in Syracuse’s recent history. From the creation of
the Greater Syracuse Land Bank to the successful redevelopment of the Hotel
Syracuse, Ben has earned a reputation as a pragmatic and collaborative leader
who brings the right people together to get the job done. In his six years
working at City Hall, as the deputy commissioner of neighborhood and business
development, he interacted with business owners and neighborhood residents on a
daily basis.
His successful campaign for
mayor emphasized people over politics. His platform focused on enhancing
quality of life and safety in city neighborhoods; improving academic
achievement and safety in city schools; and reducing poverty by increasing
economic opportunity for all. Known as Syracuse Rising, the platform helped
Walsh build a diverse coalition and garner support from across the political
spectrum. It continues to guide his administration. Although he ran
unaffiliated with any party, he appeared on the ballot on the Independence and
Reform party lines. He won the four-person election with a 54 percent majority.
Most recently, Ben worked for Mackenzie Hughes LLP,
where he helped small business owners navigate the municipal approval process.
He previously worked for the Metropolitan Development Association (now
CenterState CEO), developing and implementing innovative job creation and urban
revitalization strategies.
Ben currently serves as the president of the Board of
Trustees at The Gifford Foundation and on the Board of Directors at the Good
Life Philanthropic Youth Foundation. In 2009, he was named one of Syracuse’s 40
Under Forty winners, an award recognizing Central New York professionals and
leaders under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership in the community.
Ben is a native of Syracuse and currently resides on
the city’s west side with his wife, Lindsay, and their two daughters. In his
spare time Ben enjoys spending time with his girls, watching Syracuse
University sports, and exploring urban and rural landscapes alike.