New City Council begins work today
Today, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the new City Council holds its first meeting at Reykjavík City Hall.
The session begins with a report from Reykjavík's constituency electoral commission on the results of the May 16, 2026, city council elections.
Councilors will then elect a president of City Council to a four-year term, along with four vice presidents. Björg Magnúsdóttir will serve in the position for one year. Einar Þorsteinsson will serve as Chair of the City Executive Council for one year, after which he and Björg will swap roles.
The council will elect Hildur Björnsdóttir as mayor of Reykjavík City.
Next, the council will hold votes for various committees and councils.
Elections will cover the following councils:
- Sports & Leisure Council
- Human Rights Council
- Culture Council
- Environment & Planning Council
- Welfare Council
- Elderly Affairs Council
- Preschool & Daycare Council
along with other councils and committees.
The council also approved establishing a steering group to examine efficiency measures and administrative reforms within the City administration. City Councilor Róbert Ragnarsson will lead the group.
Once the elections conclude, the meeting will recess. Hildur and outgoing mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir will then proceed to the mayor's office, where Heiða will formally transfer authority to Hildur.
The City Council meeting will resume after the handover.
Other proposals on the City Council agenda include a review of the capital area's Transportation Charter, a revision of the land-use plan along Suðurlandsbraut, extended swimming pool hours, a private-sector partnership for preschool operations, and the dissolution of the Digital Council. The council will also introduce a proposal to repeal the rules governing flag use at Reykjavík City's administration buildings.
The meeting can be followed live, and more info is available at reykjavik.is.