New City-County Council members take their seats

A new Indianapolis City-County Council gathered for its first full meeting Monday night. It’s the first full meeting for the 25-member council that was sworn in.

The council elected a new vice president.  Councilor Ali Brown was voted the new vice president of the council. She thanked the council for the appointment

“I promise to do my best for the City of Indianapolis,” Brown said.

Former council VP Zach Adamson lost his reelection bid last year. Councilor Vop Osili will continue to serve as council president. Maggie Lewis will continue as the majority caucus leader and Brian Mowery as the minority leader.

The legislative body has seven new members, six Democrats and one Republican.  Republican Derek Cahill is from Perry Township and will represent District 23.

Democrats still hold a super-majority on the council. New members include lawyer Brienne Delaney who takes over northside District 2.  Delaney is the only female councilor among the new councilors.

“I’m excited to get to work and do great things for the city,” Delaney said.

Nick Roberts is from Lawrence Township, District 4, and is the youngest member of the council at age 23. Jesse Brown, a democratic socialist, will represent District 13 on the near east side.  Andy Nielsen represents District 14 including parts of Irvington.  Reverend Doctor Carlos Perkins will take over District 6 on the near northwest side and Ron Gibson will represent District 8 on the north side.

Numerous proposals for 2024 were introduced at the meeting including committee and agency appointments and reappointments.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.