SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield City Council welcomed the new year on Monday with its Organizational Meeting at City Hall. Springfield City Councilors gathered to discuss some rules and plans for the upcoming legislative year. 22News got a chance to see what city councilors are working towards for 2025. Audit law officially in effect The meeting focused on electing leadership for the council and adopting new rules for the upcoming legislative year. Tracye Whitfield, Vice President of the City Council, explained what this means to her. "Moving forward, I am just going to continue to do what I have been doing working in the community with the community, listening, watching the council president, sitting with him more learning about the rules," Whitfield said. "Everything is a learning opportunity for me so I can share it with the community." Mike Fenton is going into his fifth year as president of the Springfield City Council. He told 22News that the council has a lot in store for 2025. "Our city not unlike other places around the country is struggling to find appropriate units for affordable housing," Fenton said. "We are always on the battle for public safety and economic development, but we feel really good about the progress we made here in Springfield throughout the last few years and want to continue on that momentum." Fenton also said he is honored to have the support of his colleagues and he will continue to serve the Springfield community. Local News Headlines Beverly man charged with firearms offenses, Antisemetic threats following FBI tip Fire officials urge safe heating as temps drop Springfield PD seek new recruits at open house events Senator Gomez attends annual Three Kings Day celebration at Union Station WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.