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Joplin Today
By the People, for the People
Joplin City Council selects new mayor
Rob O'Brian chosen to lead city, former mayor Keenan Cortez named mayor pro tem
Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:52am
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The changing of the guard in Joplin's city leadership brings a renewed focus on community engagement and addressing local challenges.Joplin TodayThe City of Joplin, Missouri has a new mayor after the city council voted to select Rob O'Brian to lead the city. Former mayor Keenan Cortez was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem. The city also swore in newly elected council members including O'Brian, who ran unopposed, as well as Brian Cowles Sr., Mary Price, and Eli Moran. Josh Detar was re-elected to the council.
Why it matters
The selection of a new mayor is a significant event for any city, as the mayor plays a crucial role in setting the agenda and vision for the community. Joplin has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including economic development and addressing homelessness, so the new mayor's priorities and leadership will be closely watched.
The details
Rob O'Brian, the new mayor of Joplin, was previously the president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce for many years. He says he wants to continue the city's growth and meet with community organizations, particularly those focused on homelessness. Monday's council meeting was also the final one for longtime council member Gary Shaw, who is retiring after 24 years of service. Shaw was honored with the 'keys to the city' and a proclamation from the Missouri Senate.
- The city council voted to select Rob O'Brian as the new mayor on April 14, 2026.
- Keenan Cortez was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem on April 14, 2026.
- Newly elected council members were sworn in on April 14, 2026.
- Gary Shaw officially retired from the city council on April 14, 2026 after 24 years of service.
The players
Rob O'Brian
The new mayor of Joplin, Missouri who was previously the president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Keenan Cortez
The former mayor of Joplin, Missouri who was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem.
Gary Shaw
A longtime member of the Joplin City Council who retired after 24 years of service.
What they’re saying
“The one advantage of being retired is I have time. So, I do want to meet with people in the community, and I do want to understand what's going on. Prior to the election, I was starting to meet with some of the homeless organizations. We have many big-hearted organizations here that I want to learn more about and how they interact.”
— Rob O'Brian, Mayor of Joplin
What’s next
The new Joplin City Council, led by Mayor Rob O'Brian, will begin working on their priorities for the city, including addressing homelessness and continuing economic development efforts.
The takeaway
The selection of a new mayor in Joplin represents a changing of the guard in the city's leadership. With a focus on community engagement and addressing key issues like homelessness, the new mayor and council have an opportunity to chart a new course for the city.
