Metter’s new mayor pushes literacy, community improvements and makes history

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Just months after making history, Metter Mayor Rashida Taylor is already working to make her mark on the city through a series of community-focused initiatives.

Taylor, elected in 2025 became the first African American mayor in the city’s history and the first woman to hold the position in more than 50 years.

“It’s surreal. I never thought I would run for office, let alone be mayor,” Taylor said.

A Metter native, Taylor previously served on city council beginning in 2017. During her time in that role, she said she saw a need for greater civic engagement and community participation. Taylor said she spoke with her family before deciding to run for the position.

“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I cannot believe it.’ Born and raised in rural South Georgia and being elected as mayor, it was awesome,” she said.

Now in office, Taylor has already begun focusing on several key initiatives. She has worked to renovate City Hall chambers to ensure residents have better access and space to attend and participate in council meetings. She also helped rededicate Boston Memorial Park as part of efforts to invest in community spaces.

One of her biggest priorities is improving literacy among children. Taylor has declared Metter a “Community of Literacy,” an initiative that brings together local schools and businesses to help improve reading levels, particularly among younger students.

We are engaged and invested in our youth to make sure that they are able to read, particularly those students that zero to four," Taylor said. " It’s not just a local issue, but it’s a statewide issue that our literacy scores are down, so we have to be the change that we want to see. and I believe that begins with our youth"

In addition, Taylor said she is reviewing the city’s personnel and handbook policies, which have not been updated in decades, while also closely analyzing the city’s budget to ensure long-term financial stability.

Taylor is balancing her role as mayor while pursuing a master’s degree at Georgia Southern University and maintaining family life. She said she remains grounded through her faith, family and community support.

“Being able to sit in this seat and have support from others, and know that it is the right thing to do, I am very well grounded,” she said.