By Talore Ruedt
Harris
DULUTH, Ga. | As Mayor Nancy Harris concludes her 16-year tenure in Duluth, the City of Duluth shares gratitude for a leader who not only helped shape the city’s physical landscape, but also nurtured a strong sense of community and creativity. As a lifelong resident of Duluth, Mayor Harris witnessed significant changes and growth in her beloved city, and her impact resonates in every corner.
When Mayor Harris first entered office in 2007, she set out with a vision centered on preservation, a promise that would guide her through four terms of dedication to Duluth’s quality growth. Under her leadership, the city experienced transformative construction projects, including Parsons Alley, Sugarloaf Marketplace, District at Duluth, George Rogers Avenue, Willbrooke Pocket Park, Courtyard by Marriott, Rogers Bridge Park with the new Pedestrian Bridge, the Davenport Intersection, and the new Astroturf Activity Lawn, among others. These developments reshaped Duluth and preserved its historic charm while embracing progress.
Mayor Harris, an avid lover of the arts, championed creativity, fostering a vibrant artistic scene in Duluth. She is also the mastermind behind the colorful crickets that you have spotted around Duluth.
However, Mayor Harris’ impact extended far beyond physical development. Her enthusiastic connection with the community set her apart as a leader who showed caring. She was often found engaging with the community at local events; fostering the love of art through the establishment of the Duluth Fine Arts League; supporting local businesses by being front and center at countless groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and grand openings; mentoring youth through the Student L.E.A.D. program; and keeping the public informed through regular meetings like the annual “Be Duluth Show” and the quarterly civic meeting “Connect Duluth.”
Over the years, Mayor Harris found many distinctive ways to connect with her constituents. There was the unforgettable “Carpool Karaoke,” where she harmonized with CBS Sports Broadcaster Brad Nessler; local musicians Banks and Shane, and Eddie Owen; to the informative “Undercover Mayor” series, where Harris offered residents a behind-the-scenes peek into the city’s workings. And let us not forget that Harris was the first to introduce us to DeeDee, Duluth’s beloved “Chicken of Tomorrow” mascot!
City Manager James Riker reflects on Mayor Harris’ leadership style, emphasizing her clear goals that provided the staff with the freedom to be creative. He applauds Mayor Harris’ embrace of creativity, citing her influence on various initiatives. “Mayor Harris’ leadership is characterized by clarity and well-defined goals. She not only embraces but actively encourages innovation, resulting in initiatives like the revitalization of Taylor Park, the architectural charm of Parsons Alley, and the historically influenced design of the new Duluth library. Her commitment to fostering a creative environment has allowed our staff the freedom to innovate in all departments.”
Incoming mayor Greg Whitlock speaks to Mayor Harris’s leadership style. “I have worked with Nancy as Mayor for 16 years. She has proven herself as a servant leader through addressing tough issues, creating a vision, collaborating with Council, and including the community. Her visions and fun personality can be seen throughout the city, which prospers more today because of her.”
As Duluth bids farewell to Mayor Nancy Harris, the echoes of her leadership will continue to resonate in the city’s vibrant developments, artistic expressions, community engagement, and a legacy of inclusive and visionary governance.
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