Douglas Lawson, Mayor

Driven by a deep commitment to the well-being of his community, Douglas Lawson was appointed Mayor of the City of Riviera Beach on April 15, 2025. This appointment follows his distinguished service as the elected District 5 Councilman since April 2019, during which he also served as Chair (2023-2025) Chair Pro-Tem (2021). In both roles, Lawson quickly earned a reputation as a trusted leader dedicated to transparency, accountability, and progress.

Rooted in Palm Beach County, where he has spent most of his life after being born into a Caribbean family pursuing the American dream, Mayor Lawson is a proud graduate of Suncoast Community High School and holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida. His strong local ties and understanding of community needs drive his mission to empower families, strengthen neighborhoods, and serve with unwavering integrity.

As the owner of Lawson Solutions and through his work with Infinity Taxes and Beyond, Mayor Lawson has a proven track record of empowering individuals and families. He has facilitated access to homeownership, business development resources, financial literacy, and mental health support, while also providing tax education, job opportunities, and pathways to financial stability and generational wealth.

Drawing on his own entrepreneurial journey, Mayor Lawson educates and inspires others on the significance of sound financial management and community reinvestment. His commitment to equipping families with the tools to build lasting legacies is central to his community outreach.

A dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, Mayor Lawson founded Bridge to Infinity, a mentorship initiative focused on entrepreneurship and fiscal responsibility for young men. His active involvement with local nonprofits, youth programs, and community events underscores his lifelong dedication to service as both a supporter and a visible presence within Riviera Beach.

Throughout his first term as an elected official, Mayor Lawson prioritized understanding and improving local government, consistently focusing on delivering tangible results, restoring public trust, and fostering a brighter future for all Riviera Beach residents.

Mayor Lawson is a devoted husband to Jade Lawson and a proud father of two daughters, Madison and Aaliyah.

Mayor Lawson's priorities include: 

• Water & City Infrastructure
  
• Transparent Governance & Community Engagement 
• Economic Development & Job Creation
• Affordable Workforce Housing & Home Ownership
• Small Business Development
  

Affiliations: 

• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• National Forum for Black Public Administrators
• National League of Cities 
• Florida League of Cities 
• Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials 
• Palm Beach County Caucus of Black Public Officials