Kara Kelley Joins Las Vegas City Council Following Seaman’s Departure
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:45 p.m., a pivotal moment in Las Vegas governance unfolded as Kara Kelley was appointed to the City Council. The former president and CEO of the Vegas Chamber will step into the role to complete the remaining months of Councilwoman Victoria Seaman’s term. Seaman departed for a position in the Trump administration, serving as the U.S. Health and Human Services regional director in Denver.
The Selection Process
The decision to appoint Kelley was made during a unanimous vote by council members, who opted for an appointment instead of holding a special election. This choice is significant—it not only saves the city nearly $500,000 but also expedites the transition, allowing for Kelley to take office without extensive delays that a special election would entail.
A total of 57 applications were submitted to fill Seaman’s vacancy, reflecting the council’s commitment to gathering a robust candidate pool. Out of these, 17 applications were discarded for not meeting qualifications. The remaining 40 were thoroughly reviewed by council members, who ultimately shortlisted three candidates: Serena Kasama, Tom Warden, and Kelley. The thoroughness of this process illustrates the council’s dedication to finding an individual who embodies the values and needs of Ward 2.
Council Insights
The council members articulated the qualities they were seeking in a candidate. Key attributes included bipartisanship, a deep love for Las Vegas, and a strong commitment to the responsibilities tied to the council member role. Councilman Brian Knudsen emphasized the need for empathy and intelligence in leadership, stating, “The last representative, we didn’t have that.” This underscores the importance of not just experience, but of character in public service.
Interestingly, the selection process had its ups and downs. Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske initially proposed Kasama for the position, but her motion did not gain traction, ultimately failing with a 2-4 vote. In a turn of events, Brune and Diaz championed Kelley with enthusiasm, leading to her platform being approved unanimously by a 6-0 vote.
Compensation and Tenure
Kelley’s appointment is accompanied by a salary of $108,900, along with benefits, a standard package for city council members. She is scheduled to be sworn in on September 30, marking the official beginning of her term. Interestingly, Kelley has committed to serving as a caretaker for the Ward 2 position, explicitly stating that she will not run for the seat in the upcoming 2026 election. Her tenure will conclude either in June 2026 or December 2026, depending on the results of the Ward 2 primary.
Professional Background
Kelley brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having previously served on the Colorado River Commission and currently operating an executive coaching firm, her professional background is both diverse and relevant. Her experiences contribute to a comprehensive understanding of leadership and community engagement, traits that will likely benefit her constituents in Ward 2.
Commitment to Nonpartisanship
Council member Nancy Brune expressed confidence in Kelley’s ability to approach her new responsibilities with a nonpartisan lens. “Kelley is willing to make sure the residents are represented,” Brune highlighted, setting the tone for Kelley’s commitment to service. This perspective resonates with many constituents who seek representation that transcends political affiliations, focusing instead on community needs and voices.
Kara Kelley’s appointment to the Las Vegas City Council marks an exciting new chapter for Ward 2 and the city as a whole. Her background, coupled with a clear mandate to prioritize the needs of residents, signals a progressive step forward in Las Vegas governance.