Biography of Lioneld Jordan

First elected in November, 2008, Lioneld Jordan is serving his first term as Mayor of the City of Fayetteville. He previously served as Vice Mayor for four years and eight years as Alderman from Ward Four, instituting the monthly ward meetings that serve as the model for his Town Hall Meetings as Mayor. Lioneld’s priority projects for his first term include developing a comprehensive economic development program focused on Green Jobs that pay a living wage, providing open government that encourages citizen participation, effectively managing the city budget and enhancing the quality of life in Fayetteville by supporting sustainable development, environmental protection, a vibrant arts community, affordable housing, and alternative transportation.

Mayor Jordan is currently serving on the Community Development and Housing Committee and the Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee of the United States Conference of Mayors.

During his service as a member of the Fayetteville City Council, Lioneld chaired the Street Committee and was an advocate for improved city streets with sidewalks and bike lanes and for funding the expansion of our multi-use trails system. He also served eight years on the Water and Sewer Committee, where he was a strong voice for lower income and elderly citizens in reforming utility rates. His outstanding environmental record earned him the Arkansas Sierra Club’s Award for Outstanding Local Government Official in 2003 and repeat recognition in 2008.

A native Arkansan, Lioneld Jordan was born October 13, 1953 in Fayetteville, the fourth generation of a pioneer family who came to Arkansas in 1866. He and Diana Tice were married on March 27, 1976, and they have made their home on Arrowhead Street in Fayetteville for over 30 years, where together they raised four children: Amanda, married to Luke Spoon; Jonathan, married to Sherry Fahrmann Jordan; Megan Jordan; and Katiann, married to Justin Grove. Diana and Lioneld have two grandchildren, Kayleigh and Easton.

Before his election as Mayor, Lioneld worked 27 years for the University of Arkansas on the staff of the Facilities Management Department, where he was a Zone Supervisor and earned the institution’s Diversity Certificate for his efforts to increase inclusiveness on campus. In his position with the University, Lioneld had many opportunities to develop and utilize his leadership skills. He formerly served as Vice President of the University of Arkansas Staff Senate, President of AFSCME Local 965, and President of the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, advocating the interests of working families and leading significant community service projects.