URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Urbana is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Urbana City Council following the upcoming resignation of Ward 4 Council Member Jaya Kolisetty.
Kolisetty announced she will step down from her seat effective Feb. 2, creating an opening that will be filled by mayoral appointment under state law.
“Jaya Kolisetty has been a thoughtful and committed advocate for Ward 4, and I appreciate her service to the City of Urbana,” Mayor DeShawn Williams said. “As she steps away, we look forward to welcoming a new council member who will continue this important work.”
Illinois law allows the mayor up to 60 days from the date of resignation to recommend a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, which runs until the next general election in 2027. The Urbana City Council must then vote on the appointment within 30 days of the recommendation.
Residents interested in serving may apply using the City Council electronic application available online at go.urbanail.gov/ApplyWard4. Paper applications can also be requested at the City Clerk’s Office or The Urbana Free Library.
Completed applications may be submitted by email with the subject line “City Council Application” to CityClerk@UrbanaIL.gov or delivered in person to the City Clerk’s Office at 400 S. Vine St., Urbana.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30.
To be eligible, applicants must be qualified to vote in municipal elections, have lived in Ward 4 for at least one year prior to appointment, and have no delinquent taxes, fees or fines owed to the city at the time of taking the oath of office. Applicants must also not have been convicted of a felony in any U.S. court.
Those selected must be available to attend City Council meetings on Monday evenings and occasionally participate in additional events and activities. More information about the city and the application process is available at UrbanaIL.gov.