URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The Urbana City Council has approved the mayoral appointment of Verdell Jones III to fill the Ward 4 council seat.
Mayor Deshawn Williams announced the appointment Monday. Jones will begin serving immediately and will hold the position through April 6, 2027.
Jones has lived in Ward 4 for the past five years and said he plans to focus on housing affordability, youth development and neighborhood safety during his time on the council.
A graduate of Champaign Central High School, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from Northwest Missouri State University.
He also works as a firefighter with the Champaign Fire Department.