How to Address a Mayor

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Generally, you address a mayor as "Mayor" followed by their last name. If you do this, either in writing or in person, you'll convey proper respect and not offend anybody. However, in certain contexts, you may want to address a mayor more formally. If you're writing a formal letter to the mayor, or introducing the mayor at an event, use the mayor's full title and refer to them as "The Honorable." Following proper protocol ensures that you'll be taken seriously. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Addressing a Mayor in Correspondence

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're mailing a formal letter to the mayor, the outside should be addressed to the mayor by their first and last name, along with "Mayor" and any other honorific typically bestowed on a mayor. [2]
    • In the US, put "The Honorable" on the first line of your address block along with the mayor's first and last name. For example: The Honorable Megan Barry .
    • On the second line of the address block, provide the city. For example: Mayor of Nashville .
    • In other countries, mayors may have different formal titles. You still generally want to use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, a mayor's full formal title is "His/Her Worship Mayor Firstname A. Lastname." For example: Her Worship Mayor Megan C. Barry . [3]
  2. On the inside of a formal letter, you don't need to repeat the mayor's full formal title. You can simply address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name in most instances. [4]
    • For example: Dear Mayor Barry . Follow your salutation with a comma, double space, and continue with your letter.
    • Double-check proper protocol outside the US. For example, in Canada it is also acceptable to use a polite salutation such as "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam." [5]
    Advertisement
  3. Even though your letter is addressed directly to the mayor, you may want to address them again in the body of your letter. On subsequent mention, using "Mayor" with their last name is most appropriate. [6]
    • You might also use Mr. Mayor or Madam Mayor if you want.
    • Be careful not to overdo it when using the mayor's name in the body of your letter. You might want to use it at the end, when you're urging the mayor to act in response to the issue you've raised. It's not necessary to include it throughout the letter.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Addressing a Mayor in Person

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you are initially introduced to the mayor, address them as "Mayor" with their last name. There's no need to call them by their full formal title. [7] [8]
    • Use this form of address even if you're initially introduced to them more casually. Allow the mayor to tell you if you have their permission to call them something else, such as by their first name.
  2. If you continue talking to the mayor and want to use their name again, it is appropriate to address them as "Mayor" with their last name, or to use sir or ma'am . [9]
    • In the US, you can also address the mayor as "Your Honor," although this is considered more formal. Saying "Mr. Mayor" or "Madam Mayor" is also acceptable. Listen to the forms of address people around you use if you're unsure – particularly staff in the mayor's office.
    • Other countries may follow different formalities. When in doubt, listen to others around you or ask a member of the mayor's staff how you should properly address the mayor. For example, in Canada you could also refer to the mayor as "Your Worship," although this is considered more formal (similar to "Your Honor" in the US). [10]
  3. A public event or speaking engagement typically is a more formal occasion where the mayor is appearing in their official capacity. If you're introducing them, their full formal title is appropriate. [11]
    • For example, if you were introducing the Mayor of Nashville at a public event, you would address her as "The Honorable Megan Barry, Mayor of the city of Nashville."
    • Full formal titles vary among countries, so make sure you're using the correct title. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, you typically would say "The Worshipful The Mayor of Nashville, Councillor Megan Barry."
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How could I have a meeting with the mayor?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Just call up his office and make an appointment to discuss the issue. It would have to be a serious enough topic, obviously, that would not be better handled by any of his staff. In fact, you could have a meeting with anyone alive on this planet today, a farmer in Brazil or the president of China, if your topic is of sufficient interest to the other person.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How do I introduce a mayor as a guest speaker?
    Community Answer
    Begin with: "Thank all of you for coming. I would like to thank Mayor [name of mayor] for being our guest speaker today and talking about [whatever the mayor will be talking about]. And now, please give a welcome to our mayor."
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 12
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Reserve formal titles only for mayors currently in office. For some elected officials, it is customary that they retain the title even after they leave office. However, there is only one mayor of a city at any given time. Use a regular salutation such as Mr. , Ms. , or Dr. to address a former mayor, or a mayor-elect who hasn't been sworn into office yet. [12]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Say Thank You for an Unexpected Gift
      How to
      Be an Escort's Favorite Client
      Hugging a Crush or Female Friend: Tips for Guys
      11 Stylish Ways to Fold a Pocket Square
      Your Ultimate Guide to Using a Squat Toilet in India
      How to
      Request an RSVP on an Invitation
      How to
      Sit Like a Lady
      18 Professional Ways to Say Thank You for Your Cooperation (with Examples)
      Don't Want to Go to a Party? Here's How to Get Out of It
      The Sidewalk Rule: Meaning, Origins, and More
      How to
      Tell Work About a Death in Your Family
      How to
      Respond when Someone Wishes You Happy Birthday
      How to
      Become a Perfect Gentleman: 20+ Tips & Tricks
      How to
      Wear Medals on Civilian Clothes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.formsofaddress.info/mayor_us/
      2. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      3. ↑ http://www.peacemakers.ca/research/Canada/FormsOfAddress.html
      4. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      5. ↑ http://www.peacemakers.ca/research/Canada/FormsOfAddress.html
      6. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      7. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      8. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      9. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      1. ↑ http://www.peacemakers.ca/research/Canada/FormsOfAddress.html
      2. ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/official-forms-of-address/
      3. ↑ https://www.formsofaddress.info/mayor_us/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To address a mayor, address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name if you're talking to them in person. If you continue talking to them and want to use their name again, you can address them the same way or simply say "sir" or "madam." However, if you're sending the mayor a formal letter, include their full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the U.S., you would write something like "The Honorable Megan Berry, Mayor of Nashville." To learn how to address a mayor throughout the body of a formal letter, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 203,034 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Iva Harris

        Apr 21, 2023

        "This helped me tremendously. Thank you."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement