URBANA — Urbana’s new representative for Ward 4 says he’s focused on promoting education and addressing the issue of affordability in his community. The Urbana City Council voted to approve the appointment of Verdell Jones III as Ward 4’s alderman on Monday.
Jones was selected for the role by Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams to fill a vacancy created when Jaya Kolisetty resigned in February after moving out of Ward 4. Jones’ term will continue through April 2027, when the seat is up for election.
Jones, a Champaign native, attended Central high school where he was a basketball standout. He went on to Indiana University to continue his basketball career study kinesiology. He’s now a Champaign firefighter, and the director of the nonprofit organization For the Sake of Our Youth, which uses sports as a means of mentoring and supporting young people.
Now, as a member of the Urbana City Council, Jones said he hopes to address several issues plaguing the community that once helped raise him.
“Our youth is the biggest thing, because if we don’t direct them in the right direction, the next 10 years we’ll be in a worse place than we are now,” he said.
Jones also spoke about the need for affordable housing and the importance of holding “the adults in the room” accountable.
Williams said he selected Jones after considering seven candidates who submitted applications for the role. He said that Jones’ deep connections to the area and heart for public service stood out to him.
“He has a community focus,” Williams said, “…Having that perspective is going to be huge as we move forward.”
Jones said he plans to seek reelection after his term ends next year. Illinois law requires the position must be appointed by voters for a full term during the next consolidated election, which will take place April 6, 2027.
Jones said he’s ready to represent Ward 4 and wants to create new lines of communication with the residents of his ward.
“I’m a true believer that you don’t ask for change, be the change,” he said. “I wanted the opportunity to be the change, and you know, you can march all you want but unless you have a seat at the table, real change doesn’t happen.”