Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Burke.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In October 2008, a tragic accident occurred right in front of my home at the busy intersection of I-480 and Granger Road. I rushed outside to administer first aid alongside a passing paramedic, but despite our best efforts, we were unable to save the victim. In the aftermath, I discovered a troubling gap in our local infrastructure: the traffic cameras that could have identified the hit-and-run vehicle were non-functional.
When my calls for accountability went unanswered by local leadership, my neighbors encouraged me to take action myself. That drive for transparency led to my election to City Council in 2013. After serving as Council President, I was appointed Mayor in 2021. Today, I am honored to be serving my second term, still driven by that same goal: ensuring the safety and responsiveness of our city government for every resident.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Stepping into the role of Mayor during a period of national and local division was a profound responsibility. Our community was navigating a significant demographic transition, and my primary mission was to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among all residents. I recognized early on that Garfield Heights was evolving into a younger, more diverse community, and that our future depended on embracing this energy.
Over the past five years, we have turned that vision into reality through persistent community engagement and strategic development. We successfully secured the Cuyahoga County Central Services Campus on land that had long been overlooked, and we completely overhauled our City Zoning Code to invite new investment. Today, Garfield Heights is becoming the vibrant, mixed-use, and inclusive neighborhood we envisioned—a place where every resident feels at home. Our biggest struggle is still bringing residents together and getting them engaged.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Long before entering public service, I spent 35 years in the floor covering industry, where I transitioned from a high-performing sales representative to a seasoned Sales Manager. My career taught me a vital distinction: while a successful person may accumulate accolades, a significant person is one who dedicates their energy to helping others succeed.
I have always viewed people as an organization’s greatest asset. By prioritizing mutual respect and relationship-building, I mastered the art of networking—a skill I now use daily as Mayor to attract investment and build coalitions for Garfield Heights. My greatest professional pride isn’t found in my own sales records, but in the many individuals I coached who have gone on to build flourishing careers of their own.
What matters most to you? Why?
In my role and my personal life, I live by the Golden Rule: treating every individual with the same respect and dignity I would hope for myself. My success is not a solo achievement; it is built on the foundation of a community that has supported me, and I am deeply committed to paying that generosity forward. Outside of my family, nothing is more sacred to me than my character and reputation—values I strive to uphold through every interaction and decision I make for our city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MayorBurke.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayorMattBurke/
- Other: https://www.Garfieldhts.org
