Cayce Mayor receives 2025 National Leadership Award

Women in Municipal Government (WIMG), a constituency group of the National League of  Cities (NLC), is honoring Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce, South Carolina as the 2025 WIMG  Leadership Award recipient. 

Each year, this award recognizes a female municipal leader who demonstrates exceptional  creativity, vision, and impact in her community while serving as a powerful role model for future  generations of women in local government. Mayor Partin embodies these ideals with distinction. 

As the first female mayor of Cayce and the longest-serving mayor in the Midlands Region,  Mayor Partin has built an extraordinary legacy of nonpartisan, community-centered leadership.  A trailblazer in every sense, she has guided her historic city, located just across the Congaree  River from South Carolina’s capital through meaningful, measurable progress that has  strengthened quality of life and expanded opportunity for residents. 

Mayor Partin has been widely recognized for her: 

• Commonsense, solutions-driven leadership, focused on creating a cleaner, safer, and  healthier Cayce; 
• Commitment to measurable outcomes, improving both community well-being and  economic stability; 
• Dedication to hardworking, taxpaying families, championing initiatives that expand  economic freedom, reduce burdens, and increase peace of mind; 
• Service beyond her city, including leadership roles on numerous boards such as the  Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities. 

Under her leadership, Cayce has earned accolades as one of the top 10 most tax-friendly places  to retire in South Carolina and the number one city in the state for recent graduates and  millennials, a testament to Mayor Partin’s focus on creating a vibrant, inclusive community for  residents of all ages. 

Nominated by those who have witnessed her impact firsthand, Mayor Elise Partin stands as a  model for women aspiring to serve in municipal government, demonstrating what is possible  through integrity, innovation, and steadfast dedication to community. 

Please join us in celebrating Mayor Elise Partin, the 2025 WIMG Leadership Award honoree.  She was formally recognized during this year’s NLC City Summit. 

Congratulations to Mayor Partin and thank you for inspiring current and future female leaders  across the nation.