alderman
n. countablen. a member of a city or town council who helps make local laws and decisions. In some places, this person is chosen by other council members rather than by voters.
n. a member of a municipal legislative body, typically ranking below a mayor. Depending on the jurisdiction, the role may be filled through direct election or by appointment from within the council.
The local alderman voted against the new park plan.
After serving as a community activist for a decade, she was elected as an alderman to represent her ward.
The city charter specifies that an alderman must reside within the district they represent to ensure they remain accountable to their specific local constituency.
The term is increasingly replaced by 'council member' or 'councillor' in many modern jurisdictions to ensure gender neutrality.