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Portland council sworn in; Pius Ali named mayor pro tempore and council adopts rules
Summary
At an inauguration ceremony, the Portland City Council swore in reelected members, appointed Councilor Pius Ali as mayor pro tempore and adopted council rules for 2025–2026. All organizational motions passed unanimously by hand vote.
Portland, Maine — The City Council convened an inauguration ceremony and business meeting in which newly elected and reelected members were sworn in and the council set its organization for 2025–2026.
Clerk announcements certified results from the Nov. 4, 2025 election and the clerk administered oaths to Councilor Regina Phillips and Councilor Pius Ali, who each offered brief remarks thanking supporters and pledging to serve their districts and the city. Mayor Mark Dion then sought routine organizational actions.
The council passed Order 92-25-26, appointing Councilor Pius Ali as mayor pro tempore, on a unanimous hand vote. The clerk also read Order 93-25-26 to appoint standing committees and trustees for 2025–2026; the council approved that order. The council adopted Resolve 06/2526, the rules of procedure for 2025–2026, which the clerk said will guide operations until the Rules Committee reports any recommended changes.
All organizational motions — including the motion to adjourn the swearing-in ceremony and to seat the 2025–2026 council — were moved, seconded and approved unanimously by hand vote, the clerk recorded.
The mayor opened and closed the inauguration portion of the meeting with interfaith remarks: a prayer from Reverend Kenneth Lewis and an invocation by an imam. The council then proceeded immediately to its regular business meeting and the Pledge of Allegiance.
What happens next: The newly organized council will begin its business meeting work for the municipal year, including committee assignments and scheduled agenda items.
