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\u2019s 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\u2019s first African American mayor and his lasting contributions to the community he helped shape.<\/p>\n
LaRosiliere served as mayor from 2013 to 2021, leading Plano through a period of remarkable growth, transformation and even a pandemic<\/a>. During his two terms, he was known for his commitment to inclusivity, opportunity and civic engagement.\u00a0<\/p>\n A Legacy Of Service\u00a0<\/p>\n Current Mayor John Muns praised LaRosiliere\u2019s impact, emphasizing how his leadership helped define Plano\u2019s identity. \u201cHarry\u2019s goal was always to reflect the soul of the community,\u201d Muns previously said.<\/a> \u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n That soul was reflected in the many programs LaRosiliere introduced to lift up Plano\u2019s residents and youth. His Plano Mayor\u2019s Summer Internship Program<\/a> 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\u2013wide Nourishing Hope program.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Building Bridges For The Future<\/p>\n The evening\u2019s celebration served as both a tribute and a reminder of how one leader\u2019s vision and compassion can shape a city for years to come. As Plano continues to grow, the influence of LaRosiliere\u2019s leadership remains a vital part of its story.<\/p>\n