BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek officially swore in its 2024-2026 City Commission last night, Tuesday, Nov. 26, welcoming a diverse group of leaders committed to serving Battle Creek.
The Battle Creek City Commission includes five ward commissioners, representing geographic wards within the city, and four at-large commissioners. The 2024-2026 City Commission is comprised of:
- Ward 1 Commissioner Jessica LaCosse
- Ward 2 Commissioner Jenasia Morris
- Ward 3 Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell
- Ward 4 Commissioner Christopher Simmons
- Ward 5 Commissioner Jim Lance
- At-Large Commissioners - Mayor Mark Behnke, Paige Katsarsky-Smith, Carla Reynolds, and Sherry Sofia
Battle Creek City Commissioners typically serve two-year terms. Each of these newly sworn-in commissioners will serve a two-year term, ending in November 2026.
As of 2020, city voters now elect the mayor as a separate office, to serve a two-year term. After an election, the commissioners will select a vice mayor from among themselves, to serve a two-year term.
Mayor Mark Behnke was re-elected as mayor in the Nov. 5 General Election. Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia, who represents an at-large commission seat, was re-elected as vice mayor by a unanimous vote of 9-0 during last night’s City Commission organizational meeting.
The City Commission also voted to set their regular meeting schedule for 2024-2025, as follows:
- First and third Tuesdays of each month (unless otherwise noted)
- 7 p.m.
- City Commission Chambers, Room 301, at City Hall, 10 N. Division St., Battle Creek, MI 49014
The complete 2024-2025 City Commission meeting schedule can be found here: https://www.battlecreekmi.gov/421/Public-Meeting-Notices
For more information about the City Commission or to connect with a commissioner, visit: https://www.battlecreekmi.gov/380/Mayor-City-Commission
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2024-2026 Battle Creek City Commission: Back row (L-R) Comm. Jessica LaCosse, Comm. Paige Katsarsky-Smith, Comm. Patrick O'Donnell, Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia, Comm. Christopher Simmons; Front row (L-R) Comm. Jim Lance, Comm. Jenasia Morris, Mayor Mark Behnke, Comm. Carla Reynolds