After 10 years in the mayor’s office, starting his career in Ithaca City Council, Svante Myrick is stepping down and out of elected politics. When elected, he was the city’s youngest mayor, and first person of color to fill the role. Now, he’s their longest serving mayor. Myrick is now in his last days at the helm of the city of Ithaca.

At age 20, Myrick joined Ithaca’s City Council. At 24, he was elected the City’s mayor, gaining national attention.

“I had quite a lot of energy and quite a lot of optimism, and enthusiasm, and I still do.  But I need more sleep now than I did then. And my back hurts a little bit more,” said Myrick.

Now, after 10 years in office, he’s stepping down.

“I trust that the acting mayor and the city council members will be able to handle the pot holes and the complaints about the pot holes,” said Myrick.

Myrick announced his resignation on January 5 at a Common Council meeting. His next step, the executive director of People for the American Way.

“Increasingly my attention has been pulled towards the problems we’re experiencing at the national level. Particularly the deepening divides and the lack of trust in our election process,” said Myrick.

On holding elected office again, he says it's possible.

“This has just been a privilege, these last 14 years. It’s really been an honor. And If I never hold another office again, I would be satisfied,” said Myrick.

Some projects he’s proudest of, are rebuilding the commons, building the water treatment plant, creating a new waterfront trail, and making more affordable housing units. He looks forward to continuing to live in the city of Ithaca after leaving office. And seeing his goals for bettering the city be achieved.

“There’s more to do, I mean we have to build more affordable housing, we’ve got to see through the police reforms,” said Myrick.

His last day in office is February 6. Myrick is the 44th and longest serving mayor of the city of Ithaca. Laura Lewis will be taking over the role as acting mayor on February 7.