Councilmember Kale Smith delivers farewell remarks as colleagues pay tribute

At her final regular council meeting on Dec. 29, Councilmember Kale Smith offered extended farewell remarks and gratitude to colleagues, staff and residents.

"It's my last meeting, so I wanna thank everyone," Smith said, describing her time on council and thanking Council President Lavelle, staff, unions, and family. She reflected on long hours and constituent service and said she was grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Colleagues followed with tributes. Councilmember Kaku called Smith "an inspiration" and said it had been "an honor to serve for you when you were president," praising her personal support. Multiple other members — including Councilmen Mosley and Schlossberger and Councilwoman Gross — recounted Smith’s mentorship, focus on youth programs and constituent services and described her as a force for her district.

Smith noted staff members who assisted her by name and said she will remain involved with the community outside of office. Her remarks closed a period of personal reminiscence and collegiality that occupied a substantial portion of the meeting’s latter half.

Ending: After tributes, the council moved to announce office closings for the New Year and to adjourn; a swearing-in ceremony for the new council was scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.