Mayor Elise Partin honored by National League of Cities

Women in Municipal Government (WIMG), a constituency group of the National League of Cities (NLC), is proud to honor Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce, South Carolina as the 2025 WIMG Leadership Award recipient.

Each year, this award recognizes a female municipal leader who demonstrates exceptional creativity, vision, and impact in her community while serving as a powerful role model for future generations of women in local government. Mayor Partin embodies these ideals with distinction.

As the first female mayor of Cayce and the longest-serving mayor in the Midlands Region, Mayor Partin has built an extraordinary legacy of nonpartisan, community-centered leadership. A trailblazer in every sense, she has guided her historic city, located just across the Congaree River from South Carolina’s capital through meaningful, measurable progress that has strengthened quality of life and expanded opportunity for residents.

Mayor Partin has been widely recognized for her:

• Commonsense, solutions-driven leadership, focused on creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier Cayce;

• Commitment to measurable outcomes, improving both community well-being and economic stability;

• Dedication to hardworking, taxpaying families, championing initiatives that expand economic freedom, reduce burdens, and increase peace of mind;

• Service beyond her city, including leadership roles on numerous boards such as the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities.

Under her leadership, Cayce has earned accolades as one of the top 10 most tax-friendly places to retire in South Carolina and the number one city in the state for recent graduates and millennials, a testament to Mayor Partin’s focus on creating a vibrant, inclusive community for residents of all ages.

Nominated by those who have witnessed her impact firsthand, Mayor Elise Partin stands as a model for women aspiring to serve in municipal government, demonstrating what is possible through integrity, innovation, and steadfast dedication to community.

Please join us in celebrating Mayor Elise Partin, the 2025 WIMG Leadership Award honoree. She was formally recognized during this year’s NLC City Summit. Congratulations to Mayor Partin and thank you for inspiring current and future female leaders across the nation.