Champaign council unanimously appoints Joan Walls as city manager, effective Dec. 21

The Champaign City Council voted unanimously Dec. 3 to appoint Deputy City Manager Joan Walls as the city—s next city manager, effective Dec. 21, 2024, approving an employment agreement that sets the conditions of her appointment.

Council members made the appointment by roll call, with the tally announced as 8-0 in favor. The council gave Walls broad public praise before the vote: Minnie Pearson, president of the Champaign County NAACP branch, called the appointment a "historic milestone" and said it symbolized progress in diversity and government leadership. Reverend Dr. Ricky Parks and several other residents offered congratulations and urged continued community partnership.

Council members characterized Walls as a long-serving city official who knows the organization and the community. Council member Gladney said the council should "thank Deputy City Manager Walls, soon to be City Manager Walls" for steadying the department after leadership changes. Other council members described Walls as qualified by experience and strong relationships across local agencies, the Park District and the University of Illinois.

After the vote, Walls addressed the council and the audience, saying she was "deeply honored" and expressing gratitude to the mayor, council and staff. She thanked her predecessor and mentor, Dorothy David, for leadership and mentorship and pledged to build partnerships across the city. "I look forward to building a strong partnership with each of you," Walls said.

The appointment and employment agreement were the final formal votes recorded before council recessed into closed session. The city manager position will become effective Dec. 21, 2024, under the terms the council approved.

The council did not take other substantive personnel actions at this meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17, 2024, when council will consider other items still pending staff review.