Board of Commissioners - Matthews NC

John earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from North Carolina State University. He lives in Matthews with his wife Penny. They have two adult children and are members at Matthews United Methodist Church. 

John works as the director of standards development at IAPMO. 

John Higdon - Ballotpedia

Matthews mayor announces bid for reelection

John is currently the mayor of Matthews. He was first elected in 2019 and is currently serving his second term. Before becoming mayor, he served three terms as a Matthews Town Commissioner.

Said, "I am passionate about being fiscally responsible. I pledge to continue my track record (I am serving in my third term as a Matthews Town Commissioner) of using taxpayers' money in an effective and non-wasteful manner."

Supports "responsible, conservative fiscal management that meets Matthews residents' evolving needs."

- Said, "I am passionate about being fiscally responsible. I pledge to continue my track record (I am serving in my third term as a Matthews Town Commissioner) of using taxpayers' money in an effective and non-wasteful manner."
- Supports "responsible, conservative fiscal management that meets Matthews residents' evolving needs."

Economy

Supports incentivizing developers to preserve trees and plans to encourage purchasing land for future parks.

Plans to continue "robust community input" in planning and building Purser-Hulsey Park.

Wants to implement a formal employee retention strategy to sustain the municipal workforce.

Supports strengthening tree and development ordinances with special protections for legacy trees and natural buffers.

Supports partnering with the Matthews Community Farmers' Market to ensure a vibrant future for downtown Matthews.

- Supports incentivizing developers to preserve trees and plans to encourage purchasing land for future parks.
- Plans to continue "robust community input" in planning and building Purser-Hulsey Park.
- Wants to implement a formal employee retention strategy to sustain the municipal workforce.
- Supports strengthening tree and development ordinances with special protections for legacy trees and natural buffers.
- Supports partnering with the Matthews Community Farmers' Market to ensure a vibrant future for downtown Matthews.

Public Services

As of September 4, 2025, John Higdon’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing & Urban Development

As mayor, improved public safety initiatives.

- As mayor, improved public safety initiatives.

Public Safety

Plans to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to prioritize upcoming road projects to minimize disruption for citizens.

- Plans to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to prioritize upcoming road projects to minimize disruption for citizens.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As mayor, plans to re-establish a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system.

Supports the construction of new educational facilities, including Matthews Elementary and Discovery Place Kids Museum STEM enclave.

- As mayor, plans to re-establish a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system.
- Supports the construction of new educational facilities, including Matthews Elementary and Discovery Place Kids Museum STEM enclave.

Education

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John Higdon

- Said, "I am passionate about being fiscally responsible. I pledge to continue my track record (I am serving in my third term as a Matthews Town Commissioner) of using taxpayers' money in an effective and non-wasteful manner."

- Supports incentivizing developers to preserve trees and plans to encourage purchasing land for future parks.

- As mayor, plans to re-establish a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system.

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.