Mitchell J. Silver is from Raleigh. He has a bachelor's degree from Pratt Institute, a master's degree from Hunter College, and an honorary doctorate degree from William Peace University. He lives with his wife, Mary, and their three children in Raleigh.

Mitchell is a principal at Mitchell J. Silver. He also teaches as a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He previously worked as a special advisor at McAdams, a land planning and design firm, as well as commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. He also worked as Chief Planning Officer and Planning Director for the City of Raleigh.

Mitchell currently a member of the Raleigh City Council representing District A. He was elected in 2024 and is serving his first term.