List of mayors of Lincoln, Nebraska facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska
Incumbent Leirion Gaylor Baird since May 20, 2019
Term length	Four years
Formation	1871
First holder	Humphrey D. Gilbert (de facto) William F. Chapin (official)
Website	https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Mayor

The Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska is like the main boss of the city government in Lincoln. Lincoln is a city in the state of Nebraska in the United States. The mayor has important jobs. They lead the city and make sure things run smoothly. They are also the official face of the city.

The mayor of Lincoln is chosen every four years. The election happens on the first Tuesday in May of certain odd-numbered years. The mayor and new city council members start their jobs soon after the election. Since 2018, a mayor can only serve three terms in a row. This means they can be mayor for a maximum of 12 years straight.

Chris Beutler has been Lincoln's longest-serving mayor so far. He held the job for 12 years. If the mayor's job becomes empty, the Lincoln City Council votes to choose a new mayor. This happened last in 1998.

What Does the Mayor Do?

The mayor has many important duties. They oversee all city departments and agencies. This means they make sure everyone is doing their job. They also make sure the city's rules and laws are followed.

The mayor creates the city's yearly budget plan. They present this plan to the city council. They also approve big purchases for the city. Another key role is helping the city grow. They work to bring in new businesses and industries. The mayor also chooses the leaders of city departments. The city council must approve these choices. They also appoint other city workers and members of different city groups.

History of Lincoln's Mayors

William F. Chapin, first elected mayor of Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska, officially became a town on April 7, 1869. This was decided by officials from Lancaster County. At first, temporary leaders were chosen for a group called the Board of Trustees. This group acted like the city council.

Later, citizens of Lincoln voted for permanent trustees on May 3, 1869. These trustees then chose a chairman. Even though there was no official "mayor" title yet, this chairman was basically the mayor. Humphrey D. Gilbert was Lincoln's first chairman in 1869. Charles H. Gere was the second, chosen in 1870.

Becoming an Official City

Lincoln became an official "city of the second class" on March 18, 1871. This was thanks to the Nebraska Legislature. This new status allowed citizens to directly vote for their mayor.

The first mayor chosen by Lincoln's citizens was William F. Chapin. He was a lawyer and had been a leader in the state government. He was elected on April 4, 1871. For many years, mayors were elected every April for one-year terms.

In 1883, a new state law changed things. Mayors in cities like Lincoln would now serve two-year terms. These elections happened on the first Tuesday in April. So, from 1883 to 1911, citizens directly elected their mayor for two years.

Changes in Government Style

In 1912, the Nebraska Legislature made another change. Cities could now choose a "commission" style of government. Lincoln adopted this new system in a special election that year. Under this system, the city council members chose the mayor from among themselves. The citizens did not vote directly for the mayor anymore. This system lasted until 1935.

The Mayor's Role Evolves

In 1935, Lincoln's voters approved a new plan. The city council grew from five to seven members. More importantly, the mayor was once again directly elected by the people. However, the mayor was still a member of the city council. The mayor served a two-year term, while other council members served four years. Oren S. Copeland was the first mayor under this new system in 1937.

Another big change happened in 1962. Voters decided to make the mayor's job separate from the city council. The mayor's term was also extended to four years. This made the mayor's job a "full-time position." Dean H. Petersen was the first mayor elected under this system in 1963. This is still how Lincoln's city government works today.

Breaking Barriers

In 1975, Helen Boosalis made history. After serving on the city council for 16 years, she became the first woman mayor of Lincoln. This was a big step for the city!

Some Lincoln mayors have also gone on to become governors of Nebraska. In 1998, Mike Johanns became the first Lincoln mayor to be elected Governor of Nebraska while still in office. Other former Lincoln mayors who became governors include Charles W. Bryan and Victor E. Anderson.

Notable Mayors of Lincoln

Lincoln has had many important leaders. Here are a few who made a big impact:

• William F. Chapin: He was the very first mayor elected directly by the people in 1871.
• Charles W. Bryan: He served as mayor and later became the Governor of Nebraska.
• Oren S. Copeland: He was the first mayor elected directly by citizens after a period where the council chose the mayor.
• Dean H. Petersen: He was the first mayor to serve a full-time, four-year term, separate from the city council.
• Helen Boosalis: She broke barriers by becoming Lincoln's first woman mayor.
• Mike Johanns: He was elected Governor of Nebraska while still serving as mayor.
• Chris Beutler: He holds the record for being Lincoln's longest-serving mayor, serving for 12 years.

Images for kids

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  Charles H. Gere, second chairman of the Board of Trustees

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  Amasa Cobb, fifth mayor of Lincoln

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  Harvey W. Hardy, seventh mayor of Lincoln

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  Robert E. Moore, eleventh mayor of Lincoln

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  Hudson J. Winnett, seventeenth mayor of Lincoln

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  Charles W. Bryan, twenty-third and thirtieth mayor of Lincoln

• John Eschelman Miller.jpg

  John Eschelman Miller, twenty-fourth mayor of Lincoln

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  Victor Emanuel Anderson, thirty-seventh mayor of Lincoln

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  Helen Boosalis, forty-fourth mayor of Lincoln and first woman mayor of Lincoln

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  Roland A. Luedtke, forty-fifth mayor of Lincoln

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  Mike Johanns, forty-seventh mayor of Lincoln

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  Chris Beutler, fifty-first mayor of Lincoln and longest-serving mayor