Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor embodies the spirit of Santa Clara as a fourth-generation resident who has dedicated her life to serving the community where she was born, raised, and is now raising her own family. Her deep roots in the city span over four decades of public service, combining extensive civic leadership with proven business expertise.
As a lifelong advocate for Santa Clara, Mayor Gillmor has held virtually every level of public service, from grassroots volunteer work to countywide commissions. Her journey began in 1982 as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, where she served for a decade before being elected to City Council. Over her distinguished career, she has served two previous terms as Vice Mayor and City Councilmember (1992-2000 and 2012-2016), was appointed Mayor in February 2016, and has since been elected to two full terms, with voters reaffirming their confidence in her leadership in 2022.
Mayor Gillmor brings a unique dual perspective to city leadership through her successful business career as owner and Broker of Gillmor & Associates/Public Property Advisors, a family-owned real estate, property management, and consulting company. Licensed as a California Broker, she specialized in both residential and commercial real estate, giving her invaluable insight into the economic forces that shape Santa Clara’s growth and development.
Her commitment to public service extends far beyond City Hall. Mayor Gillmor has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury (where she chaired the Law and Justice Committee), Santa Clara County Roads Commission, Santa Clara County Assessment Appeals Board, and the Santa Clara University Board of Fellows. She co-founded the City’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was the founder of Santa Clara’s Youth Commission, and currently chairs both boards of the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and Housing Authority.
A graduate of USC with a BA in Political Science, Mayor Gillmor continues the tradition of community service that defines Santa Clara families. Whether volunteering at the annual Arts and Wine Festival (since 1982), supporting local youth through soccer programs, or championing economic development initiatives, she remains deeply connected to the neighborhoods and families that make Santa Clara home.
As a working mother of three who chose to build her business and raise her family in the same community where she grew up, Mayor Gillmor understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing Santa Clara residents. Her decades of experience navigating both boardrooms and community meetings, combined with her unwavering commitment to transparent, responsive government, continue to guide her vision for Santa Clara’s future.