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The Falls Church City Council selected Letty Hardi to continue as mayor and elected Laura Downs as vice mayor during its Jan. 5 meeting.
Their two-year terms began that day and will run through 2027. Under the city charter, the seven-member council chooses a mayor and vice mayor from among its members every two years.
Hardi said she was grateful for the council’s trust and pledged to lead with accessibility, transparency and careful decision-making. She identified responsible budgeting and strong regional cooperation as challenges ahead while emphasizing that local government should be judged by how effectively it serves residents.
First elected to the council in 2016, Hardi previously completed one term as vice mayor and one term as mayor.
Downs joined the council after winning election in November 2024. She previously served as an elected member and chair of the Falls Church City Public Schools Board. As vice mayor, she will carry out the mayor’s duties whenever Hardi is absent.
The meeting also marked Arthur Agin’s first appearance on the dais as a council member since residents elected him in November.