Mayor DeShawn Williams
DeShawn Williams is the 51st Mayor of Urbana, Illinois, a dedicated public servant with a passion for building community and delivering results through equity and collaboration. A husband, father, and son of small business owners, Mayor Williams brings personal resilience and professional experience to his leadership.
Born in Michigan City, Indiana, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mayor Williams overcame early life challenges and transformed his path through hard work and determination. He began his career in banking in 2006, quickly rising to become one of the youngest Vice Presidents at his bank, where he focused on financial education and empowerment.
His commitment to public service led him to a seat on the Champaign County Board in 2020, followed by his role as Chief Deputy Treasurer, where he played a key part in restoring trust and transparency to the Treasurer’s Office.
As Mayor, Williams is focused on restorative justice, economic development, affordable housing, and building a more inclusive Urbana. He believes in the power of community healing and is committed to making Urbana a safe, equitable, and welcoming place for all residents.