MEET TALISHA

Talisha Searcy is the Mayor of the City of Takoma Park, Maryland. Elected in 2022, Mayor Searcy has been an active member of the community since 2013 and is the first African American elected mayor in Takoma Park. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mayor Searcy has used her passion for civic engagement to serve the city and its residents for a decade. From 2017 to 2022, she served on the Takoma Park City Council representing Ward 6. 

As Ward 6 City Councilmember, Mayor Searcy advocated for residents and businesses alike. During her tenure, she helped establish the city’s COVID-19 pandemic response, led redevelopment of critical infrastructure in Ward 6, and supported local businesses impacted by Purple Line construction to secure grant funding. 

Today, Mayor Searcy is doing even more to meet the needs of all Takoma Park residents. Her key accomplishments include managing the city through major initiatives such as its library expansion, major land rezoning efforts, and implementing a Direct Cash Assistance Program, which provided $1.4 million in support to more than 1,400 households in the city. 

When she is not serving the Takoma Park community, Mayor Searcy also works for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She enjoys taking long walks with her dog Duke and being a “mom-ti” to her 7 nieces and nephews.