The Madison Common Council Announces New Leadership

The City of Madison Common Council is excited to announce the results of last night’s leadership elections. Please join us in congratulating District 10 Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole, who was selected by her peers to serve as the new president, and District 1 Alder John W. Duncan, who was selected as the new vice president.

In a historic moment for the Common Council, Alder Figueroa Cole became the first Latina to hold the office of president, marking a pivotal moment in Common Council history and signaling a new era of opportunity and representation. Alder Figueroa Cole succeeds Alder Jael Currie as president, who assumed the role in April 2023, and also served as vice president in the previous year.

“My decision to seek this seat is not rooted in the Council's tradition of moving the VP to President, nor is it based on any sense of entitlement due to my current position. Rather, it is driven by my unwavering belief in continuity and my confidence in my ability to tackle process improvement and complex issues such as the budget,” Alder Figueroa Cole said during her nomination acceptance speech.

Alder John W. Duncan, who was first elected to the Common Council in April 2023, brings a wealth of knowledge with nearly two decades of experience in the legal healthcare and compliance fields. He has advocated for vulnerable and underserved populations, ranging from patients living with HIV/AIDS to families receiving Medicaid. In his role as alder, he has demonstrated his passion and dedication to serving his constituents.

“Our constituents need leaders who are willing to set aside personal agendas and work together to address the pressing challenges facing our city. Through collaboration, we can develop innovative solutions to our most pressing problems and move our council forward in a spirit of unity and progress. Together, let’s build a brighter future for our city, where all voices are heard, all perspectives are valued, and all members of our community have the opportunity to thrive,” Alder Duncan said during his nomination acceptance speech.

To learn more about Alders Figueroa Cole and Duncan, please visit their respective alder district pages on the Common Council website.

For inquiries or additional information, please contact the Common Council Office by email at council@cityofmadison.com or by phone at (608) 266-4071.

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About the Madison Common Council

The Common Council’s mission is to represent the residents of Madison by promoting the safety, health, and general well-being of the community, by incorporating the following city core values: Equity, Civic Engagement, Well-Being, Shared Prosperity, and Stewardship. For additional information about the Madison Common Council, please visit: www.cityofmadison.com/council.