PINEVILLE, La. (UrbanCast: 7/1/2026) — City leaders, elected officials, law enforcement representatives, and residents gathered Wednesday to celebrate a new chapter in Pineville during the city’s inaugural ceremony.
The event marked the swearing-in of Mayor Joe Bishop and the Pineville City Council for the new term. The ceremony featured an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, the oath of office for council members, the mayor’s oath, and a benediction.
Mayor Joe Bishop opened his remarks by thanking Pineville voters for their confidence after receiving 74 percent of the vote in the mayoral election.
“I want to thank the citizens of Pineville for entrusting me to be your mayor,” Bishop said. “I look forward to working with each and every council member.”
Bishop reflected on his decades of public service. He noted that he first served 10 years as the District 1 councilman before spending 17 years on the Rapides Parish Police Jury. He said returning to City Hall as mayor carries special meaning.
Throughout his address, Bishop emphasized faith, unity, and teamwork. He encouraged leaders to keep God at the center of their daily lives, not only on Sundays.
“We have to keep God in our hearts every day,” Bishop said.
He also pointed to the wide range of officials attending the ceremony as an example of regional cooperation. Representatives from Alexandria, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the district attorney’s office, state lawmakers, the city marshal’s office, and neighboring municipalities joined the celebration.
Unity My Administration Brings
“That is the kind of unity my administration brings,” Bishop said.
The mayor praised city employees for the work they perform every day. He thanked Public Works crews, sanitation workers, utility employees, police officers, firefighters, the Parks and Recreation Department, community center staff, and City Hall employees.
“They work here for you,” Bishop said. “We are here to manage the ship and make sure your tax dollars are used responsibly.”
Bishop also highlighted recent progress throughout Pineville. He pointed to ongoing development and expressed optimism about future business growth and continued partnerships across the region.
The new Pineville City Council includes:
- District 1: Greg Acton
- District 2: Kevin Dorn
- District 3: Hugh Halle
- District 4: John Maxase
- District 5: Mark A. Metrejean
As the ceremony concluded, First Baptist Church Pastor Stuart Holloway delivered the benediction. He prayed for wisdom, integrity, transparency, and unity as the mayor and council begin serving the community.
“We thank You for these men You have raised up to represent our citizens and guide our city forward,” Holloway prayed. “Bless them and their families, and use them as they serve the people of Pineville.”
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a community reception, celebrating the beginning of a new administration and the work ahead for Pineville.
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