The Richmond City Council at a special organizational meeting adopted rules of procedure under Richmond City Charter section 4.06, approved a council member's request to participate remotely, and elected Councilor Cynthia Newbill president and Councilor Katherine Jordan vice president for two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2026.

The council voted to expedite consideration and then to adopt a resolution to "adopt rules of procedure pursuant to Richmond City Charter section 4.06." The motion to expedite and the resolution itself were approved unanimously among members present, with a 9-0 roll call at the time of the vote.

Council later considered and approved a request by Councilor Katherine Jordan to participate in the meeting by electronic means from Cabo, Mexico, under the council's rules on remote participation. The council voted to allow Jordan's participation by electronic communication, and the motion carried on the council's roll call.

Following those procedural items, the council held nominations and votes for its officers. Councilor Cynthia Newbill, the 7th District representative, was nominated and elected president of council; the council declared Newbill president for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. Councilor Katherine Jordan was nominated and elected vice president for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026.

"I'm deeply committed to working collectively and collaboratively with each of you, as well as the new mayor and the administration to achieve our shared vision, mission, goals for our city and our citizens," Councilor Cynthia Newbill said after being elected, adding she looked forward to "our incredible progress together over the next 4 years." (Transcript excerpt.)

The meeting also included the administration of the oath of office for council members and routine announcements about committee assignments, which the clerk said would be handled at the Organizational Development Committee meeting on Monday. The chamber's public speaker guidelines and an emergency evacuation procedure were read at the meeting opening; the public speaker guideline states speakers generally have three minutes each and lists conduct rules for public testimony.

No substantive policy measures, budget items, contracts, or ordinances were debated or adopted during this organizational session beyond the rules-resolution and the procedural votes described above. The council adjourned to a reception following the meeting.