Patricia Lock Dawson was elected Riverside’s 18th mayor in 2020 and is the second woman to be elected as Mayor. Mayor Lock Dawson served three gubernatorial political appointments and has served at every level of government. Mayor Lock Dawson was instrumental in passing legislation to secure tens of millions of dollars for regional conservation, habitat, and infrastructure projects. She is well-known across the state as a champion of the Santa Ana River. Under her collaborative leadership, Riverside has secured over $300 million to address needs in infrastructure, homelessness, and workforce development. Her individual lobbying efforts led to the historic passage of CARE Court, the first major reform to mental healthcare laws in the last 50+ years. Her award-winning programs for combatting homelessness have been recognized locally and statewide. Mayor Lock Dawson is a member of several coalitions such as the Big City Mayors, US Conference of Mayors, Riverside Conservation Authority and South Coast Air Quality Management District.