Verdell Jones III appointed to Urbana City Council Ward 4 seat

Mayor Deshawn Williams' appointment approved; Jones to serve through April 2027

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Urbana City Council has approved the mayoral appointment of Verdell Jones III to fill the Ward 4 council seat. Jones will begin serving immediately and will hold the position through April 6, 2027.

Why it matters

This appointment fills a vacancy on the Urbana City Council and brings a new voice to the local government representing Ward 4. Jones' background and priorities suggest he may focus on issues like housing affordability, youth development, and neighborhood safety during his time on the council.

The details

Mayor Deshawn Williams announced the appointment of Verdell Jones III to the Urbana City Council Ward 4 seat on Monday. Jones has lived in Ward 4 for the past five years and plans to focus on housing affordability, youth development, and neighborhood safety during his time on the council.

  • Jones will begin serving immediately.
  • Jones will hold the Ward 4 council seat through April 6, 2027.

The players

Verdell Jones III

A graduate of Champaign Central High School who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration from Northwest Missouri State University. He also works as a firefighter with the Champaign Fire Department.

Deshawn Williams

The mayor of Urbana who announced the appointment of Verdell Jones III to the Ward 4 council seat.

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What they’re saying

“I plan to focus on housing affordability, youth development and neighborhood safety during my time on the council.”

— Verdell Jones III (Chambana Today)

The takeaway

This appointment brings a new voice and perspective to the Urbana City Council, with Jones' background and priorities suggesting he may work to address key issues facing Ward 4 residents during his time in office.