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The Legislative Branch
Holyoke City Council
About the Council
The Holyoke City Council has 13 members, one councilor elected from each of the city’s seven wards, plus six at-large councilors elected citywide. The Council is led by a President and Vice President chosen by the members. As of 2026, Tessa Murphy-Romboletti serves as Council President and Meg Magrath-Smith as Vice President.
- Passes ordinances and local laws that govern the city.
- Adopts the annual budget submitted by the Mayor and can reduce appropriations.
- Confirms certain appointments and can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds vote.
Council Members
President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti and Vice President Meg Magrath-Smith lead the 13-member body. At-large councilors represent the whole city; ward councilors represent their neighborhood.
Council President · At-Large
Tessa R. Murphy-Romboletti
Phone: 413-519-0564
Email: tessaforholyoke@gmail.com
Vice President · Ward 7
Meg Magrath-Smith
Phone: 413-535-7500
Email: megmagrath@gmail.com
At-Large
Israel Rivera
Phone: 413-552-9350
Email: israelrivera4holyoke@gmail.com
At-Large · Finance Chair
Patti Devine
Phone: 413-532-3974
Email: pdevine523@comcast.net
At-Large
Howard B. Greaney Jr.
Phone: 413-534-5749
At-Large · Charter & Rules Chair
Mimi Panitch
Email: m.panitchholyokecitycouncil@proton.me
At-Large
Michael J. Sullivan
Phone: 413-210-3342
Email: mike.sully53@yahoo.com
Ward 1
Jenny Rivera
Phone: 413-539-3377
Email: jennyriveraward1citycouncil@gmail.com
Ward 2
Nicole Maisonet
Phone: 413-799-9882
Email: nicolem.holyokeward2@gmail.com
Ward 3
Anne Thalheimer
Phone: 413-237-9931
Email: annefor3@gmail.com
Ward 4
Richard Purcell
Phone: 413-374-5118
Email: ricksok@comcast.net
Ward 5
Linda Vacon
Phone: 413-210-6077
Email: lindavac@aol.com
Ward 6
Juan C. Anderson-Burgos
Phone: 413-561-5454
Email: j.andersonburgos@gmail.com
Meetings & How to Participate
- When: The Council generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at City Hall, 536 Dwight Street.
- Public comment: Residents may sign up to speak; agendas are posted in advance by the City Clerk and the Council office.
- Committees: Much of the detailed work happens in committees such as Finance, Ordinance, and Charter & Rules before items reach the full Council.
- Council office: Administrative Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, City Hall Room 10, (413) 322-5525.
Public hearings are where ordinances, budgets, and zoning changes get decided. Learn how to make your voice count.