They build empires, in fields from shopping center development to restaurants. They run political campaigns, educational institutions and local government. They preach the gospel of arts and creativity, champion tech entrepreneurs and immigrants, fight to preserve the environment and women’s reproductive rights and sue for civil rights and open government. Some have amassed millions of dollars of their own, and others have given millions of dollars of other people’s money away.

Their backgrounds and achievements vary widely, but each of the 25 power players on our list wields major clout in our community. Their calls get answered, their agendas turn into action and their networks spread far and wide. Most of all, they’re people whose influence is local; some prominent names aren’t on our list, because they work mainly at a state or national level.