Sharon Weston Broome: A Legacy of Faithful Leadership and Transformative Change
After 35 years in public office, including two terms as Mayor-President, Broome’s leadership has been defined by her ability to tackle monumental challenges while remaining rooted in her commitment to equity and progress.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The incoming Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish has big shoes to fill, as outgoing Mayor Sharon Weston Broome closes the chapter on her historic tenure. A trailblazer, Broome’s years of service reflect the strength of her faith, the clarity of her vision, and her unyielding resolve to move Baton Rouge forward.
After 35 years in public office, including two terms as Mayor-President, Broome’s leadership has been defined by her ability to tackle monumental challenges while remaining rooted in her commitment to equity and progress. As the first African American woman to hold the office, she shattered barriers and embraced her role as a servant-leader with dignity and purpose.
A Foundation of Faith
Throughout her career, Broome has leaned on her unwavering faith to navigate the demands of leadership. Her tenure began in the shadow of community-wide grief and uncertainty following the 2016 Alton Sterling shooting, the subsequent police ambush, and the catastrophic Great Flood. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Broome approached her role with a steadfast belief in the power of collaboration and hope.
“I am a woman of faith,” she often stated, a declaration not just of belief but of a guiding principle that underscored her decisions and resilience.
Transforming Baton Rouge
Broome’s administration championed groundbreaking initiatives that have fundamentally transformed Baton Rouge. Under her leadership, the Stormwater Master Plan was launched, offering a comprehensive strategy to address the city’s perennial flooding issues. This initiative resulted in the removal of thousands of tons of debris from drainage systems and millions of dollars invested in stormwater infrastructure improvements, protecting homes and businesses from future disasters.
Another hallmark of her administration was the “Move EBR” initiative, a $1 billion infrastructure improvement program funded by a voter-approved sales tax. This ambitious project aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, modernize traffic signal systems, and expand sidewalks and bike lanes, making transportation safer and more efficient for all residents.
Broome also prioritized economic development, successfully attracting major investments like the Amazon fulfillment center at the former Cortana Mall site. These efforts revitalized economically distressed areas and created opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to compete for city contracts.
Champion for Community
A leader with a heart for the people, Broome made it her mission to uplift marginalized communities and address long-standing disparities. Her administration introduced initiatives to improve access to resources and foster economic growth in underserved neighborhoods. Her ability to bring stakeholders together in pursuit of shared goals created a spirit of unity and collaboration throughout the parish.
Critics of her policies, particularly those aimed at equity, were met with measured resolve. “I believe many of those critics have changed their minds as they’ve seen the impact of these programs,” she reflected.
Navigating Public Safety Challenges
One of the most persistent challenges during Broome’s tenure was the city’s crime rate. While her administration established initiatives like the Real-Time Crime Center to combat crime, the city continued to grapple with rising violence. Yet, Broome never shied away from addressing these realities head-on, understanding the complexities of systemic issues.
“As a leader, you cannot be in denial about the challenges in your community,” she stated.
Strength Amid Adversity
Broome’s time in office was not without personal risk. She revealed that she faced multiple death threats during her tenure, a grim reminder of the weight of public service. “I never talked about it much because I didn’t want it to distract me from my work,” she said, her resolve underscoring her courage.
Despite these challenges, she pressed forward, drawing strength from her faith and her vision for a better Baton Rouge.
A Lasting Legacy
As Broome steps away from public office, she leaves behind a Baton Rouge that is more equitable, resilient, and forward-thinking. Her leadership has laid a foundation for future progress, rooted in her belief in the city’s potential and the power of community.
Her tenure as Mayor-President is a testament to what can be achieved through faith, strength, and a relentless commitment to service. Baton Rouge will remember Sharon Weston Broome not only as a trailblazer but as a leader who brought heart and hope to the helm of the city.
