The Cotati City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to appoint Sylvia Lemus as mayor for calendar year 2026 and to name Councilmember Harvey vice mayor.

The reorganization followed staff guidance on the council's customary rotation policy and a brief round of nominations and seconds. Vice Mayor Lemus accepted the mayoral nomination in the meeting chamber, saying she appreciated council and staff support and looked forward to "representing Cotati and its residents and even the whole region." Councilmember Harvey accepted the vice mayor nomination.

The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2026, under council practice: the current mayor continues through Dec. 31 and the new mayor's appointment becomes effective with the new calendar year. Councilmember Savage, who was absent at the meeting, previously notified staff that he did not want to be included in the 2026 rotation.

Council recessed briefly after the appointments. The council will carry on routine business at its next meeting and begin 2026 with the newly named leadership team in place.