Mitchell Brownstein
February 4, 2020 — People
Mayor, City of Côte Saint-Luc
Mitchell Brownstein is the mayor of the City of Côte Saint-Luc (pop. 34,066), a suburb of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A lawyer by profession, Mitchell founded the law firm Brownstein and Brownstein with his brother in 1990. Mitchell was first elected as a city councillor in Côte Saint-Luc in 1990. He was acclaimed as the 12th mayor of Côte Saint-Luc in a March 2016 by-election to replace former mayor Anthony Housefather, who was elected to the Canadian Parliament. Mitchell was re-elected as mayor in November 2017.
A full-time mayor, Mitchell oversees all aspects of city operations. He introduced video recording of council meetings, more feedback mechanisms on social media, an employee recognition program, and an open-door policy to hear concerns from residents. As a city councillor, Mitchell spearheaded the establishment of a membership card for drop-in recreational activities, co-chaired the project to build a $20 million multi-use aquatic centre, and established an award-winning city-run community theatre.
During the summer, Mitchell cycles and walks around the city, speaking with residents and spotting ways to improve the city. He shares his mobile phone number with residents and encourages them to call him if they have a problem. He also uses online video to discuss issues of the day and speak with interesting guests connected to Côte Saint-Luc.
Mitchell and his wife Elaine are the proud parents of Andrew married to Miranda, Matthew and Marlee.