Sylvester “Sly” James was sworn in as the 56th Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri in 2011, and was re-elected for a second term in 2015. A native Kansas Citian, James served as a military police officer in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Prior to his entry into politics, James was a highly successful attorney. He has served as President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and in leadership positions on numerous other boards and commissions.

As mayor, James created the “4 E Agenda,” which focuses on Education, Employment, Efficiency, and enforcement. He worked extensively to raise Kansas City’s statewide and national profile, and at the state level was an advocate for common-sense gun control laws, a minimum wage increase, and the addition of more
high-quality seats in classrooms. James also has been active in leadership positions in several national mayoral organizations.

James has been married to Licia Clifton-James, Ph.D., since 1981, and is the proud father of four children: Eric (deceased), Malik, Kyle, and Aja.