Jerome Rice Jr. sworn in as Spartanburg mayor, outlines priorities for education, safety and youth programs

Jerome Rice Jr. was sworn in as mayor of the city of Spartanburg during the council meeting on Jan. 12, 2026, and told the audience he will focus on public education, public health and public safety during his four-year term.

Rice took the oath of office and then thanked family, campaign supporters and city residents. "I don't take this lightly to serve as the mayor," he said, adding that he measures success by being visible and accessible to residents. He named a series of initiatives and local partnerships he said will guide the administration, including plans to establish a Children's Cabinet and work with local education and community leaders such as "doctor Booker" and others to create more opportunities for young people.

Rice highlighted recent downtown investments and projects he described as opportunities for youth, including a proposed city-county joint complex, new housing developments on the North Side and a downtown baseball team. He said the city must remain resilient and focus on collaboration over division to address public safety, housing affordability and health outcomes.

The swearing-in also included ceremonial oaths for council members Jamie Foreman (District 4) and Janie Salley (District 5). Foreman said he would concentrate on improving public safety, expanding economic opportunity and ensuring quality development that benefits the whole community. Salley thanked supporters and said she would emphasize the wellbeing of both downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The meeting included routine business and ceremonial proclamations later in the agenda. Rice's remarks closed with a call for community involvement and mentorship of young people as a measure of civic success.