Metro Council held leadership elections and named chairs of committees for the new year earlier this week. Brent Ackerson (District 26) was elected to serve another term as president of the Council and Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins (District 1) was reelected as his vice chair. Councilwoman Hawkins will also serve and Chair of the Democratic Caucus with Jennifer Chappell (District 15) as her vice chair. Councilman Anthony Piagentini (District 19) was reelected to serve as Chair of the Republican Caucus with Councilman Khalil Batshon (District 25) again serving as his vice chair. 

Committee chairs were assigned as follows:  

Planning and Zoning 

Chair: Andrew Owen (District 9) 

Vice Chair: Scott Reed (District 16)  

Labor and Economic Development 

Chair: Ben Reno-Weber (District 8)  

Vice Chair: Crystal Bast (District 14)  

Public Works 

Chair: Jeff Hudson (District 23)  

Vice Chair: Ken Herndon (District 4)  

Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments 

Chair: Donna Purvis (District 5)  

Vice Chair: Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (District 24)  

Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education 

Chair: Barbara Shanklin (District 2) 

Vice Chair: Stuart Benson (District 20)  

Appropriations 

Chair: Jonathan Joseph (District 12)  

Vice Chair: Marilyn Parker (District 18)  

Public Safety 

Chair: Dan Seum, Jr. (District 13)  

Vice Chair: Tammy Hawkins (District 1)  

Parks and Sustainability 

Chair: Khalil Batshon (District 25)  

Vice Chair: Paula McCraney (District 7)  

Budget 

Chair: Kevin Kramer (District 11)  

Vice Chair: Markus Winkler (District 17)  

This annual organization wrapped up in tandem with the filing deadline for Metro Council elections. The 2026 election cycle will cover all odd numbered districts and will be the first cycle where all local races are nonpartisan. All members who are seeking reelection have opposition. Councilmembers Shameka-Parrish-Wright (District 3) and Andrew Owen (District 9) are not seeking reelection. Councilwoman Parrish Wright is running for Mayor.  

For a full list of candidates for local elections, see here.