Serving the Voice of Naples
Naples Mayor, Teresa Lee Heitmann
In the City of Naples, we are privileged to live in a place where civic engagement and community values form the foundation of our local government. As Mayor, I believe that the true strength of public leadership lies in our ability to drive policy with discernment and diplomacy, guided always by the voices of the people we serve.
The Naples City Council serves as the legislative body responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, enacting ordinances, and directing the overall course of our city. Each member of the Council, including myself, has a solemn responsibility to approach decisions with care, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose. Our mission is to preserve what makes Naples extraordinary while preparing responsibly for its future.
City Council meetings are more than routine procedures. They are open forums where transparency, collaboration, and public input come together. Through public comment, workshops, and community outreach, residents are encouraged to share their views. This input is not only welcomed, but also essential. It ensures that policy is shaped by those who are most affected by it.
Effective governance requires discernment, the thoughtful evaluation of complex issues with a commitment to long-term impacts rather than short-term pressures. It means asking the right questions, seeking expert guidance, and reflecting on how each decision aligns with our shared values.
It also means protecting the foundational priorities of our community, safety, resiliency, and quality of life. Whether addressing infrastructure, emergency preparedness, or environmental preservation, we must be forward-thinking and intentional in how we respond to evolving challenges.
Equally important is the role of diplomacy. Policy is not shaped in a vacuum. It takes mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to listen – even when we disagree. As leaders, we must model civility and encourage constructive conversation.
Listening to all points of view is not just good practice, it is essential to a functioning democracy. Every resident brings a unique perspective shaped by personal experience, and every voice deserves to be heard. From those who have lived here for decades to new families planting roots, everyone contributes to the richness of our civic dialogue.
We may not always agree, but we can strive for compromise that honors the core interests of our community. True leadership is not about winning arguments; it is about finding common ground that moves Naples forward in a way that is inclusive and just.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to the people of Naples. Your concerns, your hopes, and your vision for our city are what guide our work. We hear you when you speak up for environmental stewardship, responsible development, public health and safety, and fiscal accountability.
By remaining engaged and informed, you help shape the future of our city. Your involvement is not just appreciated; it is the cornerstone of our success.
I am proud of our Council as we remain committed to leading with discernment and diplomacy, and to making decisions grounded in safety, resilience, and community well-being. My prayer and my aim are that we continue to work together as neighbors and partners listening, collaborating, and acting with intention.
Together, we can preserve the character of Naples while embracing a future built on thoughtful leadership, shared responsibility, and respect for every voice in our community.
With gratitude for your trust and continued engagement,
Teresa Lee Heitmann
Mayor, City of Naples
