NEWS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council Embarks on 109th Session with Renewed Spirit of Collaboration and Service
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Wilmington City Council Embarks on 109th Session with Renewed Spirit of Collaboration and Service
To watch the 109th Session of Wilmington City Council’s organizational meeting and swearing-in ceremony, visit the link here.
To view and download all legislation discussed during the meeting, visit the link here.
Wilmington City Council Members of the 109th Session gather for their first official group photo during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Wilmington, DE – The City of Wilmington marked a historic moment last night as members of the 109th Session of City Council assumed office, ushering in a new era of leadership and unity. The organizational meeting and swearing-in ceremony witnessed the inauguration of second-term City Treasurer DaWayne Sims, second-term Council President Trippi Congo, and all members of Wilmington City Council. Former Governor John Carney was sworn in as Wilmington’s 58th mayor, delivering an inaugural address in which he pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and remain committed to advancing a brighter future for the city.
Mayor John Carney delivers his inaugural address during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Council President Trippi Congo, marking his 16th year of service to Wilmington, set an optimistic tone for the session. “I want to thank everyone for joining us. This is just the first step of City Council re-engaging with our community,” said President Congo. “I’m looking forward to working with our new Governor-elect, Matthew Meyer, and New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, alongside our City Treasurer DaWayne Sims, and Mayor John Carney, to make Wilmington a stronger city.”
Trippi Congo takes the oath of office for his second term as President of Wilmington City Council during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
The 109th Session of Wilmington City Council welcomed three new members: 1st District Councilmember Coby J. Owens, 5th District Councilmember Christian Willauer, and At-Large Councilmember Alexander D. Hackett. These new voices bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the Council, ensuring that all residents of Wilmington are represented and heard.
Coby J. Owens addresses attendees after being sworn into his new seat as Wilmington City Council’s 1st District Council Member during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Christian Willauer addresses attendees after being sworn into her new seat as Wilmington City Council’s 5th District Council Member during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Alexander D. Hackett addresses attendees after being sworn into his new seat as Wilmington City Council’s At-Large Council Member during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Among those stepping into new roles was Councilmember Yolanda McCoy, now President Pro-Tempore. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues in selecting me as President Pro-Tempore. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my neighbors in the 6th District. Thank you for your unwavering support, your trust, and your patience as we’ve worked to improve the quality of life in our community,” said President Pro-Tempore and 6th District Council Member Yolanda McCoy.
6th District Council Member Yolanda McCoy addresses attendees after being voted into her new seat as Wilmington City Council’s President Pro-Tempore during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Committee Assignments for the 109th Session
The evening was a celebration of leadership, commitment, and community. Council members were appointed to key committees, ensuring a well-rounded approach to tackling Wilmington’s priorities. Highlights include:
- Finance & Economic Development: Michelle Harlee, Chair, and Latisha Bracy, Vice Chair
- Community Development & Urban Planning: Maria Cabrera, Chair, and Shané N. Darby, Vice Chair
- Education, Youth & Family Services: Latisha Bracy, Chair, and Alexander D. Hackett, Vice Chair
- Health, Environmental, Aging & Disabilities: Coby J. Owens, Chair, and Christian Willauer, Vice Chair
- Intergovernmental: Shané N. Darby, Chair, and Latisha Bracy, Vice Chair
- Public Safety: Yolanda McCoy, Chair, and James Spadola, Vice Chair
- Public Works & Transportation: Zanthia Oliver, Chair, and Nathan Field, Vice Chair
For a complete list of Committee assignments, visit the link here.
Key Staff Appointments
In addition to adopting governing rules and committee structures, Wilmington City Council confirmed key staff appointments, setting the stage for effective governance and service delivery. Among the key appointments were Elijah Simmons as Chief of Staff, Marchelle Basnight as Senior Legislative Advisor and CFO, and Akira Grenardo as City Clerk.
Chief of Staff Elijah Simmons brings a wealth of political experience, most recently serving as the Campaign Manager for New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, where he led a historic victory. In addition, he has risen through the ranks of Delaware’s political arena, contributing to legislative research and policy implementation in the state legislature, as well as supporting statewide and other local campaigns.
As part of the organizational meeting, Council confirmed the following staff appointments:
- Mariaelena Rivera – Legislative Administrative Assistant/Deputy City Clerk
- Yesenia Taveras – Director of Communications
- Traci Owens – Executive Administrative Assistant
- Kendra Brumfield-NaWangna, Ph.D. – Legislative Research & Policy Director
- Anita Hawkes – Legislative Administrative Assistant
- Wendell Raulston – Station Manager
- Amanda Robins – Production Coordinator
- Paul Kennard – Senior Producer
- Nigel Sanderson – Producer
- Saquan Stimpson – Digital Media & Web Content Coordinator
A Vision for Advocacy and Growth
President Congo also unveiled a new initiative to establish the Office of Educational Advocacy within the City Council. This new office will ensure Wilmington’s youth have a dedicated voice fighting for their educational rights, resources, and success. “With the support of my fellow Council Members, we are going to create the first office of advocacy for education within City Council,” he announced. “We understand how important education is, and we want to work alongside our state officials and mayor to prioritize education and ensure our children’s success.”
4th District Councilmember and Finance & Economic Development Chair Michelle Harlee emphasized the importance of collective efforts. “Our work is never about one person. It’s about all of us—working together, building stronger relationships, and shaping a future where every resident feels connected, safe, and empowered to thrive. I believe we are better when we work in unity, and it is through collaboration that we will continue to create real and lasting change in Wilmington.”
As Wilmington City Council embarks on this new session, the collective message is clear: collaboration, service, and community engagement are at the forefront of their mission. Residents can expect to see continued efforts to improve the quality of life in Wilmington through transparent governance, innovative policies, and meaningful community partnerships.
Wilmington City Council Members (from left) Michelle Harlee (4th District) and Zanthia Oliver (3rd District) are sworn in during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Wilmington City Council Member Shané N. Darby (2nd District) takes the oath of office during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
Wilmington City Council Members (from left) Chris Johnson (7th District), Nathan Field (8th District), Latisha Bracy (At-Large), Maria D. Cabrera (At-Large), Alexander D. Hackett (At-Large), and James Spadola (At-Large) are sworn in during the council’s organizational and swearing-in ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
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MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com