At its meeting on Thursday, January 23rd, City Council unanimously appointed Matt Cole as Ridgefield’s Mayor and Judy Chipman as Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Matt Cole has served on City Council since 2022 and as Mayor Pro Tem since September 2024. Mayor Cole also serves on the Urban County Policy Board and the Regional Transportation Council and holds board positions with Ridgefield Main Street and the Ridgefield Art Association as a city liaison. Prior to joining the Council, Cole served on the Ridgefield Planning Commission, represented Ridgefield on the Clark County Mosquito Control Board, and was the citizen advisor to the Budget Advisory Committee in 2021.
After accepting the role, Mayor Cole expressed gratitude to his fellow Council members for their trust, to recent former mayors for their inspirational leadership, and to the community for being engaged. He praised the Ridgefield community’s dedication to supporting one another, preserving a small-town identity and remaining invested in our shared future.
“That’s the kind of city that I want to be a leader in,” said Cole. “We are best when we work together. Community engagement, smart growth, and a careful balance between progress and preservation will be my guiding principles as Mayor. We can honor our past while building the future that lifts everybody up.”
Mayor Pro Tem Judy Chipman has served on the City Council since 2021 and previously spent three years on the Ridgefield Planning Commission. Chipman also served on the Columbia Credit Union Board of Directors for nine years. As Mayor Pro Tem, she will step in to fulfill the Mayor’s duties in the event of Mayor Cole’s absence.
Cole and Chipman will serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the remainder of the 2024-2025 term.
City Council Vacancy
The City is currently accepting applications to fill vacant Position 1 on the Ridgefield City Council. Applications will be accepted through 4:30 PM on January 29, 2025. Eligible applicants must have continuously resided within Ridgefield city limits for at least one year and be registered voters in the city.
Residents passionate about leading, serving, and shaping the community are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and completed questionnaire. The application form is available online at Ridgefield City Council Application Form.
Community members are also invited to engage in the appointment process. A Town Hall Public Forum and Candidate Interviews will provide opportunities for residents to share feedback with the Council as it considers the applicants.
For more information, read the Vacancy Appointment Process Announcement.