Wardene Alexander elected council president; Latanya Tate chosen pro tem after swearing-in

Wardene Towers Alexander was elected president of the Birmingham City Council and Latanya Tate was elected president pro tempore during the council’s Oct. 28 organizational meeting, which followed a ceremony to administer oaths of office to newly elected and returning council members.

The council opened with the swearing‑in of members for the 2025–2029 term. Following the oath ceremony, President nominations were opened. Councilor Clinton Woods nominated Wardene Alexander; no other nominations were offered, and Alexander was confirmed by voice vote. For president pro tem, two nominations were recorded (Latanya Tate and a self‑nomination). A roll call established Tate as pro tem by majority support across council members.

The swearing‑in ceremony—delivered by several judges and clergy—formally installed the councilors before the body completed organizational business. After the elections, the council recessed briefly and then reconvened to begin regular business.

The votes were taken by voice or roll call as described on the record. The meeting minutes show the council completed the organizational items without contested or split outcomes for the president position; the pro tem election was decided by a recorded roll call reflecting each member’s vote.

Council leadership will preside over committee assignments and the council’s work for the term beginning with this meeting; councilors thanked outgoing leaders and congratulated newly elected officers.

Alexander and Tate will serve in their leadership roles until the council’s next internal reorganization or as otherwise provided by council rules.