Working together works.

Experienced
Proven 
Leadership
for all of Matthews

About Mayor John Higdon
With a deep commitment to public service, I've had the honor of serving the residents of the Town of Matthews for six terms - first as commissioner, then two terms as Mayor Pro Tem, and for the past six years as your mayor.

I love this town - its people, its schools, churches, businesses, and parks. Matthews is more than just a place to live; it's a community where families thrive. It is the place where I raised my family. 

As we grow, I remain dedicated to guiding our growth thoughtfully, preserving our unique charm and the small-town spirit that makes Matthews so special.

My Priorities

As we celebrate the rich heritage that defines Matthews, we must also embrace the opportunities ahead. My priorities for the next two years reflect a commitment to thoughtful stewardship, strategic growth, and community-centered progress. Together, we will continue shaping a Matthews that honors its past, serves its present, and prepares boldly for its future. 

Employing Our Local Workforce

Continue to bring high-paying, future-ready jobs to Matthews

Enhancing Parks and Green Space

Continue robust community input to plan and build Purser-Hulsey Park

Fiscal Responsibility

Responsible, conservative fiscal management that meets Matthews residents' evolving needs

Maintaining Local Values

Continue to insist that development reflect our values, vision, and long-term interests

Matthews Community Farmers' Market

Partnering with the nationally recognized Matthews Community Farmers' Market to meet their needs for a vibrant future in downtown Matthews

Public Education

Construction of the new Matthews Elementary and Discovery Place Kids Museum STEM enclave

Retaining Town Staff

Implement a formal employee retention strategy to sustain our dedicated municipal workforce

Tree Canopy

Strengthen tree and development ordinances with special protections for legacy trees and natural buffers

Education/Experience
A registered Professional Engineer and certified Six-Sigma Blackbelt, I hold a degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University, and bring extensive experience in product and process design, engineering/quality assurance management and business ownership — skills that have served me well in my role as Mayor.  Currently, I serve as the Director of Standards Development for IAPMO, a global leader in advancing public health and safety through the development of codes and standards, product testing and certification, workforce training, and industry research.
Community Involvement
Leadership
  • Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) Voting Member
  • Former Ashley Creek HOA President
  • Mecklenburg County Floodplain Task Force
  • Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Member
  • Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) Voting Member
  • NCSU Caldwell Fellows Leadership Development Program Participant and Volunteer

Volunteerism & Membership
  • BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Volunteer
  • Boy Scouts of America Volunteer
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg School System Proctor and Speaker
  • Frequent speaker at Matthews Chamber, Help Center, Kiwanis, Rotary and other community organizations
  • Matthews Appearance and Tree Board
  • Matthews Athletic Recreation Association Bat and Ball Committee Board Member and Coach
  • Matthews Community Gardener / Beekeeper
  • Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee
  • Matthews United Methodist Church Member
  • Roof Above - Charlotte's Men Shelter Meal Preparer
Accomplishments
Under my leadership, Matthews has gained:
Parks:
  • An additional 54 acres of parks - our most effective method to guarantee greenspace and tree preservation for generations to come
  • Matthews Veterans' Park: By serving as a strong advocate on the board to implement current design and plan for future improvements. 
Economic Development: 
  • Acceleration Advanced Manufacturing Campus by Hendrick: A 200-acre project that will bring clean manufacturing, innovative technology, and high-paying jobs to Matthews, which, in turn, facilitates the creation of a local police/ fire/EMS training facility.
New Facilities: 
  • Fire Station #3: Ensured funding allocation, allowing quicker emergency response times for our residents in the northern part of town and improvement of the town’s ISO score
  • Discovery Place Kids: An innovative partnership between Matthews, Discovery Place, and CMS  to build a science museum using tourism-related funds rather than property taxes to bring another family-friendly recreational option to downtown
  • Matthews Elementary Rebuild: Led advocacy efforts to approve CMS bonds, enabling a downtown rebuild of Matthews Elementary
Community-Building:
  • Brought the Hometown Hero banner program to Matthews to honor our veterans
  • Partnered Boy Scout Troop 46 with Matthews veterans to create a relationship-building opportunity to maintain Matthews Veterans Park 
  • Governed with our elected Board and staff in a fiscally responsible manner that resulted in Matthews first ever triple-A bond rating

Donate Today!

From printing signs to snacks for volunteers, every dollar goes toward the success of my re-election. Thank you for your generosity!

Vote November 4th!
Every Vote counts!

Comments/Questions?  

  • Matthews, NC United States

Endorsements

 

Endorsement by former Mayor Lee Myers – Serving as mayor of a small active growing diverse town is a tough job. It might look easy…..trust me – with 18 years of continuous service as Mayor of your Town - I know what is – or should be – required to do the job……. So many component aspects of stepping up to do the right thing for today but also for the next 20 – 30 years. Incredible weight on the shoulders of one person. For me it was an incredible responsibility. We are so fortunate to have the experience (12 years of elected service), local roots (church, family, HOA, scouts, Roof Above…) and just a really good person in Mayor John Higdon willing to give two more years to us. Matthews is not just a place to come and live – it is home….a community with families and people. See Mayor John Higdon raised his family here. I predict that in the future John will do what I have been lucky to do – bring his grandchild to his home – MATTHEWS! I urge you not to listen to the chatter and talk. Look at substance and credibly. Mayor John Higdon is the only qualified person to continue to lead our community of Matthews – we need a known experienced steady hand leading the way. There is no substitute for proven excellence and integrity. Join with me as we continue to what is best for Matthews and keep John Higdon as our Mayor. MAYOR LEE MYERS Lee Myers born and raised local Mecklenburg County. Graduated East Mecklenburg HS. Attorney 48 years. Married 52 years with two adult children and two grandchildren. Matthews Town Council 4 years. Mayor of Matthews 18 years (1991 – 2009). Still lives in Matthews. Served on Novant Board of Trustees. Served on Matthews Help Center Board. Active currently in law office practice (with his son for 20 years).

 

I am writing to express my strong support for John Higdon's re-election to Mayor of Matthews, North Carolina. He has demonstrated commitment and dedication to the Town of Matthews and her citizens. As a Veteran with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force, I understand that he respects and supports Veterans in both his position as Mayor and his personal, family, and business life. I am grateful for his support of the Veteran banners that are displayed on our lamp posts in downtown Matthews during Memorial Day week and Veterans Day week, support of the Veterans Park in Stumptown Park, and the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee of which I am a member. With Mayor Higdon's support, we have been able to help Veterans in our Town in multiple ways. I know that he is an honorable and trusted person and weighs the issues that affect the Town of Matthews and her citizens. Being nonpartisan gives Mayor Higdon a better perspective for helping the citizens and their families. I truly appreciate that. Veterans are the backbone of our town and our country and I appreciate Mayor Higdon's support. Sincerely, Margaret Draganac, Colonel, USAF Retired

Margaret Draganac, Colonel, USAF Retired
 

John Higdon is truly the best person for the job of Mayor of Matthews! I’ve attended many Town Board meetings, both in person and on-line, and I’m always impressed with his demeanor and his level-headed approach to all issues brought before the Board. Everyone is treated fairly and their concerns are addressed with the respect and consideration they deserve. I also credit John’s vision for smart growth in our downtown area — a perfect mix of thriving businesses while maintaining open recreational and historical spaces — that I enjoy at every opportunity! Please vote for John Higdon for Mayor, and support his continued dedication to our community. We will ALL benefit from John’s outstanding leadership!

Marilyn Lord-James, Vice-President, Matthews Women's Club