Skip to content
Robert C. Lanier portrait

TTI Council Member, Robert C. Lanier

TTI Council Member: Robert C. Lanier

Prior to seeking his first and only elective office in 1991, Mayor Lanier served as Chairman of Houston Metro and Chairman of the Texas Highway Department. Earlier, he practiced law (highest honors graduate from the University of Texas, class of "49"), owned and operated Texas Banks and Savings and Loans and developed real estate (mostly subdivisions and apartments).

At a reduced pace, but not yet retiring, Mr. Lanier manages his real estate properties, lectures several times a year, oversees the annual Lanier Public Policy Conferences at University of Houston and participates in various civic, academic and political activities where he feels he can be helpful.

The Texas NAACP presented him its "Texas Hero" award and he also received the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights Award. His work in transportation earned him the International Freedom of Mobility Award from the National Automobile Dealers Association; in finance the Bond Market Association Award; and in beautification, working with his wife Elyse, two national awards for cleans up, environment and beautification. Mayor Lanier's work was also recognized by the Texas State Leadership and Houston Preservation. He has received special recognition from former President Clinton, Vice President Gore and former governor, now President Bush.

In 2002, he was inducted into the Texas Transportation Institute's Hall of Honor at Texas A&M University. In 2000, he received the Leadership Houston Distinguished Service Award and the Urban Beautification Award from the American Horticultural Society.

Currently Mayor Lanier chairs the non-profit corporation that built the new 1,200-room Hilton Americas Houston, the convention center hotel. It is a project that started during his administration.

He and his wife Elyse live in Houston, as do their seven children and ten grandchildren.

Information About: