F.C. City Council Elects Mayor, Vice Mayor

Following is based on a Jan. 6, 2026 press release from the City of Falls Church:

Two-year terms began Jan. 5 and continue through 2027  

During their Jan. 5 meeting, the City Council voted in Letty Hardi as Mayor, and Laura Downs as Vice Mayor. New Council Member Arthur Agin joined his colleagues on the dais for the first time since he was elected by residents to the City Council in November. The City of Falls Church is governed by a seven-member City Council that, every two years, elects the Mayor and Vice Mayor from among Council Members. 
 
"I’m honored to continue serving as mayor and grateful for the trust placed in me," said Mayor Hardi after the Council's decisive vote. "As we face real challenges ahead — including a responsible budget and the need for strong regional collaboration — I’m committed to leading in an accessible, transparent, and thoughtful way. Government shouldn’t be judged by good intentions alone, but by whether it works for the people it serves. The City of Falls Church has always shown that small cities can lead in big ways, and together we’ll keep governing thoughtfully, getting things done, and protecting the values that carry our city forward." 
 
Mayor Hardi was first elected to the City Council in 2016, served one term as Vice Mayor, and one term as Mayor.  

The City’s new Vice Mayor, Laura Downs, was first elected to City Council in November, 2024. Prior to that, Downs served as an elected board member of the Falls Church City Public Schools Board and as Chair of the Board. As specified in the City’s Charter, the Vice Mayor performs the duties of Mayor in the absence of the Mayor.  

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By The Falls Church Independent