The Village of Lincoln Heights held its 2026 inaugural ceremony where six council members were sworn in, Lisa Randolph was appointed clerk of council and Councilwoman Tanya Key was elected mayor. After three ballots for mayor and multiple ballots for vice mayor, the council named Durrance Daniels vice mayor.

The council began by confirming a quorum and selecting Lisa Randolph as chair for the meeting. Reverend Archie Johnson delivered an invocation and Judge Wendy Cross administered the oaths of office. Lisa Randolph was then appointed clerk under Resolution 2026‑R‑1; the council voted to hear the resolution by title, suspend the rules and adopt the resolution, with the roll calls yielding unanimous 'aye' votes from Councilwoman Phyllis Baber, Sarita Brown, Trina Carter, Durrance Daniels, Tanya Key and Norvory Tate.

Candidates for mayor addressed the audience after the council voted to amend the agenda to allow candidate remarks. Councilwoman Phyllis Baber said she has "been on council now for the past 10 years" and emphasized continued community service. Councilman Durrance Daniels outlined plans to implement a resident-informed land‑use plan and to focus on rebuilding shared facilities. A council member who identified priorities around the "rule of law" and sustainable systems urged selection to ensure long-term implementation of community plans.

Council conducted multiple roll-call ballots for mayor because the charter requires four affirmative votes. Two early ballots failed to reach that threshold. On the deciding ballot, Tanya Key received six 'aye' votes and was elected mayor; she then took the oath of office.

The vice mayor election followed a similar process. After allowing nominees to speak (Councilwoman Phyllis Baber, Councilwoman Trina Carter and Councilman Durrance Daniels), the council cast ballots; two initial ballots failed to reach the four‑vote threshold. On the final ballot, Durrance Daniels received five 'aye' votes and one 'nay' and was elected vice mayor; the judge administered his oath.

Speakers repeatedly urged residents to partner with the council. As one council member put it, "the six of us cannot take care of over 3,000 people. It will take a community." Council leaders announced that applications for the vacant council seat and for boards and commissions will be available at the council meeting on Jan. 12, 2026, and refreshments followed the ceremony. The meeting adjourned afterward.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026‑R‑1 (appoint Lisa Randolph, clerk) — passed, 6‑0. Mayoral election (final ballot) — Tanya Key elected mayor, 6‑0 final tally. Vice mayor election (final ballot) — Durrance Daniels elected vice mayor, 5‑1 final tally.