Alexandria, LA (December 3, 2025) — Alexandria residents walked away from last night’s council meeting with two very different outcomes. The council voted to restore the 2022 district maps, a move widely supported by the community. However, the leadership vote that followed created an unexpected power shift that strengthened the mayor’s influence heading into a critical year.
Perry and Johnson Take Leadership in a 5–2 Vote
The council elected Cynthia Perry (District 3) as Council President and Gary Johnson (District 2) as Vice President.
This vote passed 5–2, breaking from the earlier 4–3 split on redistricting.
One of the councilmembers who voted against restoring the 2022 map shifted positions during the leadership vote. That move changed the entire political structure of the council for the coming year.
Residents immediately began asking why the voting pattern changed and what this shift means for their neighborhoods.
Redistricting Restored: A Clear Win for Representation
Earlier in the meeting, the council voted 4–3 to bring back the 2022 district maps, which were drawn using official census data.
Voting for the 2022 maps:
• Cynthia Perry
• Malcolm Larvadain
• Gary Johnson
• Jules Green
Voting against the restoration:
• Lizzie Felter
• Chuck Fowler
• Jim Villard
Residents across Alexandria supported the return to the 2022 lines. Many argued those maps were legal, balanced, and followed the required population standards. This vote was seen as a victory for fair representation.
But the leadership vote that followed shifted attention immediately.
A Power Realignment With Major Consequences
The 5–2 leadership vote created a new alignment that gives the mayor more influence as the city approaches several major decisions.
This new structure impacts:
• budget season
• the utility rate debate
• public safety concerns
• the expected tax renewal
• GAEDA appointments
• election-year decisions
Many residents believe this leadership shift reduces the leverage of districts already facing high crime, aging infrastructure, and slow improvement efforts.
This shift was not about unity.
It was about control, political control that will affect the city’s direction in 2026.
Budget Season: High-Need Districts Lose Bargaining Power
Budget season determines how millions of city dollars are spent. Districts dealing with drainage issues, damaged streets, aging parks, and blight require strong leverage to get projects funded.
With this new alignment, certain neighborhoods will now have less influence during budget negotiations. Less leverage often means fewer investments and fewer improvements.
Utility Rates: A Rate Increase Becomes More Likely
The mayor-supported utility plan remains active, and the new council alignment makes its return more likely.
If the plan advances, residents could face:
• higher electricity bills
• higher water bills
• higher wastewater rates
Families across Alexandria have said they cannot afford another increase. Many now fear the leadership shift improves the chances of a rate hike.
Public Safety Crisis: 60+ Officers Down, Low Morale
Alexandria is facing a serious policing shortage.
The city is more than 60 officers short, according to former APD officers and internal assessments.
Former officers have reported:
• extremely low morale
• burnout
• lack of support
• officers leaving for better pay and better working conditions
Residents across North, South, and Southeast Alexandria repeatedly say they hear gunfire, see slow response times, and feel forgotten.
They want the council to prioritize public safety, but many fear the new alignment may continue overlooking these issues.
Tax Renewal Expected to Return
The mayor is widely expected to bring the tax renewal back to the ballot. The new council structure could make that process easier.
Residents say they want:
• clear spending explanations
• proof of improvements
• better accountability
Without that transparency, the tax debate will intensify.
GAEDA: A Quiet but Powerful Shift
GAEDA controls major economic development dollars.
If the mayor gains greater influence over appointments, funding could shift toward his preferred priorities rather than community needs.
This affects:
• business incentives
• development projects
• job creation
• neighborhood revitalization
GAEDA is a major factor in the city’s future growth, and last night’s alignment may reshape the commission’s direction.
The 2026 Election Year Looms
Every move the council makes from now on affects the 2026 election cycle.
Voters are watching:
• who advocates for them
• who shifts alliances
• who defends neighborhoods
• who pushes for transparency
• who listens
Last night’s leadership vote will be remembered next fall.
Bottom Line
Alexandria saw two outcomes last night:
• The community won the fight to restore the 2022 maps.
• The mayor gained significant influence over the council’s leadership.
Residents now want answers.
They want to know how this new structure will affect policing, utilities, budgets, and their everyday lives.
UrbanCast will continue to report, ask questions, and keep the public informed with clear, fact-based coverage.
Previous: Two Power Moves Collide Tonight: Redistricting Showdown and Mayor’s Spending Authority at 5 PM
