Mayor Ed Lawson
Mayor Ed Lawson was appointed the 26th Mayor of Sparks on September 14, 2020, following the passing of Mayor Ron Smith. He was elected and sworn in as Mayor in November 2022.
Before his tenure as Mayor, Lawson served on the Sparks City Council for over a decade, beginning in 2010. He was reelected in 2014 and 2018 and held the role of Mayor Pro Tempore starting in November 2018.
Born in Sunnyside, Washington, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mayor Lawson attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he pursued higher education. As a standout athlete in high school, Ed earned a full ride football scholarship. He embraced this opportunity with unwavering commitment, excelling both on the field and in his studies. His collegiate athletic career showcased not only his exceptional talent but also his dedication, work ethic, and passion for sports.
He built a successful career as Vice President of Business Development for Sierra Builders of Nevada and spent 15 years at the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), where he held various sales and management roles and contributed to the organization’s government relations efforts.
A dedicated community advocate, Mayor Lawson is an active member of the Sparks Rotary Club and volunteers extensively in the community. He is a strong proponent of economic development and has played a pivotal role in organizing the annual Kid’s Free Fishing Day, which draws more than 3,000 children to the Sparks Marina.
Throughout his career, Mayor Lawson has received numerous awards recognizing his dedication and service, including:
- 2025: Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
- 2024: Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2023: Public Official of the Year Award
- 2021: Public Partner of the Year Award
- 2014: Outstanding Public Official Award from the Builders Association of Northern Nevada
Mayor Lawson and his wife, Dianne, are proud parents of two sons, both graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno.
Contact Mayor Ed Lawson:
Office: 775-353-2311
eMail: elawson@cityofsparks.us
Mayor Lawson's 2024 State of the City Address:
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
- Community Homelessness Advisory Board, Vice Chair
- Regional Planning Governing Board
- Regional Transportation Commission
- Sparks Tourism & Marketing Committee
- Sparks Tourism Facilities & Revitalization Steering Committee
- Truckee River Flood Management Authority