- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Joplin Today
By the People, for the People
Joplin Mayor Cortez Celebrates Longtime Council Service, Looks Ahead to Possible New Term
Cortez highlights outgoing council members, new members to be sworn in at special meeting
Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:18pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The historic Joplin City Hall stands as a symbol of the city's civic pride and commitment to progress, as a new generation of leaders prepares to guide Joplin's future.Joplin TodayJoplin Mayor Keenan Cortez joined the KZRG Morning Newswatch to discuss a special City Council meeting scheduled for that evening, where outgoing council members will be celebrated and new members will be sworn in. Cortez highlighted the long tenure of Gary Shaw, who has served on the Joplin City Council for a quarter-century, and noted that the formal portion of the meeting could wrap up by 6:30 p.m., followed by cake, punch, family photos, and official portraits. Cortez also outlined the onboarding process for incoming council members and expressed strong satisfaction with the voter approval of two key bond measures on the April 7 ballot.
Why it matters
The transition of power on the Joplin City Council is a significant event for the community, as it marks the end of an era for long-serving council members and the beginning of a new chapter with fresh faces and perspectives. The passing of the torch ceremony and the swearing-in of new members are important civic rituals that reinforce the democratic process and the continuity of local government.
The details
The special City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, in the Council Chambers on the fifth floor of Joplin City Hall (602 S. Main St.). The public is invited to attend. During the meeting, City Clerk Holly Nagy will read the April 7 election results, new members will take the oath of office, and the council will then elect a mayor and mayor pro tem for the 2026-2028 term. Cortez confirmed he plans to seek another term as mayor.
- The special City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
- The formal portion of the meeting could wrap up by 6:30 p.m., followed by cake, punch, family photos, and official portraits.
The players
Keenan Cortez
The current mayor of Joplin, Missouri, who plans to seek another term.
Gary Shaw
A Joplin City Council member who has served for a quarter-century, possibly the longest tenure in city history.
Doris Carlin
An outgoing Joplin City Council member.
Doug Lawson
The former mayor of Joplin.
Mark Farnham
An outgoing Joplin City Council member.
What they’re saying
“He's going to get quite the send-off this evening and he deserves it. In a quarter of a century, he's seen a lot in the history of Joplin. I'm looking forward to giving him a hug, shaking his hand and giving him all of his flowers while he can still smell them.”
— Keenan Cortez, Mayor of Joplin
“Campaign season is over now. It's time to get to work.”
— Keenan Cortez, Mayor of Joplin
“Joplin citizens are not afraid to say, yes, we will stand up to get this progress made in our community. This is an investment in your own community… We're going to do great things with both these bonds.”
— Keenan Cortez, Mayor of Joplin
What’s next
The new Joplin City Council members will be sworn in during the special meeting, and the council will then elect a mayor and mayor pro tem for the 2026-2028 term. Cortez has confirmed he plans to seek another term as mayor.
The takeaway
The transition of power on the Joplin City Council is a significant event for the community, as it marks the end of an era for long-serving council members and the beginning of a new chapter with fresh faces and perspectives. The passing of the torch ceremony and the swearing-in of new members are important civic rituals that reinforce the democratic process and the continuity of local government.
