The Urbana City Council approved the Mayoral appointment of Ashley Withers as City Council Member for Urbana’s Ward 6. The term begins immediately and will last through April 6, 2027.
Withers is a Lead Employment Specialist with Community Choices, where she builds and sustains partnerships, expands professional networks, and delivers disability inclusion training to more than 200 businesses across Champaign County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
“Ashley brings a valuable combination of professional experience, community involvement, and a commitment to inclusion,” Mayor DeShawn Williams said. “She understands the importance of building relationships and making sure people have opportunities to participate and contribute. I’m confident she will bring that perspective to the City Council and be a strong voice for Ward 6 residents.”
Withers has a long record of community involvement. She serves as a mentor with the CU One-to-One Mentoring program and as a Board Commissioner for the Urbana Park District. She is also part of the Chambana Welcome Crew through Experience Champaign-Urbana. Her previous service includes the Urbana Civilian Police Review Board and chairing the Urbana Park District Advisory Committee. She is also a graduate of the United Way Emerging Community Leaders Program.
Her appointment adds valuable experience in community engagement, public service, and disability inclusion to the Urbana City Council.