At the Dec. 10 Larkspur City Council meeting, Mayor Way passed the leadership of our city to Stephanie Andre.

“There is so much to be proud of about Larkspur,” said Mayor Andre in her first remarks as mayor. “But let’s remember that success is not accidental. These achievements are the result of foresight, care, planning and collaboration among many in our community.”

Andre served as vice-mayor for the past year after being elected to the city council in 2024.  She raised two sons in LCM public schools and has 25 years of investment banking, finance experience. (Read more about Mayor Andre here.) 

With the exception of San Rafael, all towns in Marin rotate mayoral leadership between members of the city council on an annual basis.

Mike McDermott, president of the Larkspur Volunteer Fire Organization, continued the city’s tradition of passing the gavel to the new mayor before the councilmembers switched seats and “Stephanie Andre” was added to the “Mayor” nameplate.

The new mayor then detailed a list of shared goals and priorities for 2026: 

1. Continue to build and enhance our sense of community by leveraging Larkspur’s upcoming new gathering places—the Library, new Parks & Rec building and City Hall—to launch new programs that heighten inclusivity.
2. Create a vibrant downtown and commercial districts around our city to attract more investment.
3. Find ways to attract investment for housing development to keep the city compliant with state goals.
4. Improve accessibility and safety so that it is safe and comfortable for residents to get around by foot, bike or car.

Mayor Andre also detailed key projects she hopes to move forward in 2026:

1. The roundabout approved at North Magnolia near Hillview
2. Further traffic calming measures to improve safety
3. Enhance prudent stewardship of our financial and natural resources, including making progress on the city’s sustainability initiatives

“I look forward to serving as your mayor next year and collaborating with the councilmembers to continue their good work on behalf of the people of Larkspur,” said Mayor Andre, before breaking in her new gavel to adjourn the meeting.

After serving as mayor three times, Catherine Way thanked the people of Larkspur, city workers and her fellow councilmembers for their work. (Read more about our outgoing mayor in this interview.) 

“[Larkspur] is a really special place,” Way said. “We are all passionate about Larkspur because we have a legacy of leadership that works hard to keep it that way.”

Way will serve as a councilmember in 2026 and then retire from public service to spend more time with her granddaughters. Councilmembers thanked Way for her many years of service, mentorship and leadership.

Incoming Mayor Andre presented her a supply kit for her upcoming grandma duties, including Tylenol, ear plugs, a giant martini glass and a sweater that she embroidered which says “Le Maire” — “the mayor” in French.

“This is so your grandkids know that Grandma Catherine has actually done tremendous work in public service and contributed so much to our community,” Andre said. “We are so grateful.”

We at the Larkspur Community Foundation send congratulations to new Mayor Andre and Vice Mayor Gabe Paulson! We look forward to helping the city’s leaders to enhance community in Larkspur in the coming year.

To hear more from Larkspur’s outgoing and incoming mayors, watch this video of the full mayoral transition from the Dec. 10 city council meeting.

📸 Stills from Larkspur City Council video

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Published Dec. 15, 2025