The University Place City Council on Jan. 5 elected Councilmember Stan Fleming mayor and selected Denise McCluskey as mayor pro tem during a routine leadership vote following the swearing-in of newly elected council members.

Councilmembers nominated candidates under procedures the mayor described at the start of the item. Councilmember Stan Fleming was nominated first and spoke briefly about unity and priorities for 2026, saying "It's a team effort." Mayor Javier Figueroa called for a hand-raise vote; the mayor announced four votes in favor and declared Fleming elected mayor.

Fleming then asked the council to nominate a mayor pro tem. Fleming nominated Denise McCluskey; the council voted by hand raise and the mayor pro tem position was filled unanimously. McCluskey, who had just taken the oath of office for council position number 5 earlier in the meeting, stressed inclusion and said she will work with colleagues to surface and refine ideas.

Ed Wood, who was nominated for mayor by a council member and spoke about his record on public safety and parks, pledged increased transparency in how agendas and leadership positions are set. He did not prevail in the mayoral vote.

The leadership votes were conducted in open session by nomination and public hand-raise; council approved the consent agenda and continued with the rest of the evening’s business after a short recess for transition and refreshments.

What happens next: Fleming and McCluskey take on leadership roles for the council’s 2026 work plan and committee assignments; the council proceeded to the evening’s agenda items and public comment following the election.