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