The December 21, 1987 issue of U.S. News and World Report named Burlington, Vermont Mayor Bernie Sanders as one of “America’s 20 Best Mayors” in a special end of year edition recognizing the year’s best Mayors, Governors and Congressmen.

The U.S. News and World Report editorial read:

“When he ran for re-election last March, many in Burling­ton, Vt., still didn’t quite know what to make of Bernard Sanders, their Socialist mayor now in his fourth term. What they do know is that they like him. Sanders is credited with preserving affordable housing, keeping property-tax increases to a minimum and – in a state where cities enjoy little autono­my – sparking a statewide push for greater home rule.”^[1]

A Burlington Free Press article elaborated on the national magazine’s selection process: “The magazine surveyed more than 100 mayors, regional experts, and public policy experts to compile its list.”^[2]