On Oct. 9, 2025, former Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere returned to city hall. Not to lead a meeting, but to receive one of the city’s highest honors. Surrounded by community members and local leaders, LaRosiliere was presented with the Key to the City, a symbolic gesture recognizing his trailblazing tenure as Plano’s first African American mayor and his lasting contributions to the community he helped shape.
LaRosiliere served as mayor from 2013 to 2021, leading Plano through a period of remarkable growth, transformation and even a pandemic. During his two terms, he was known for his commitment to inclusivity, opportunity and civic engagement.
A Legacy Of Service
Current Mayor John Muns praised LaRosiliere’s impact, emphasizing how his leadership helped define Plano’s identity. “Harry’s goal was always to reflect the soul of the community,” Muns previously said. “By presenting him with the Key to the City, we are recognizing that he is a part of that soul, and that Plano is stronger because of his inclusive and forward-thinking initiatives.”
That soul was reflected in the many programs LaRosiliere introduced to lift up Plano’s residents and youth. His Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program connected high school students with local companies and career experiences, offering them a head start on professional success. The Plano Peanut Butter Drive, another signature initiative, brought the community together to fight hunger and later grew into the Collin County–wide Nourishing Hope program.
LaRosiliere also forged innovative partnerships, including one with Paul Quinn College to create its Urban Work College model, which blended education with practical workforce experience.
Building Bridges For The Future
The evening’s celebration served as both a tribute and a reminder of how one leader’s vision and compassion can shape a city for years to come. As Plano continues to grow, the influence of LaRosiliere’s leadership remains a vital part of its story.
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