Anthony Williams (Washington, D.C.) 1999-2007 5

Mayor Williams had a tough job in taking over for Marion Barry in 1999. He was replacing a figure who was very popular with much of the local population, and had the task of repairing a city that had been in shambles for a long time. He was also not from DC, which meant he would not be trusted by some. Williams did a great job of balancing the budget in Washington, and in bringing in investments that helped lead to a real estate boom inside the city. Under Barry, neighborhoods deteriorated and the population of the city shrank. Williams encouraged business investment that led to population growth and an improved quality of life in the city. Detractors will say that Williams gave in too much to business and neglected the common people in DC. While some people may have been priced out of their neighborhoods, and the hip urban crowd will complain about the yuppie gentrification, Williams set Washington up for future growth. He was exactly what Washington needed in a mayor, even if there are those who don't appreciate his business-like approach to managing the city.