PITTSBURGH -- On Tuesday, the youngest member of Pittsburgh City Council was sworn in as the youngest council president in Pittsburgh's history.

Councilman Luke Ravenstahl, 25, replaced outgoing City Council President Gene Ricciardi, who resigned in order to prepare for his transition to district judge in 2006.

In 2003, Ravenstahl started his tenure as chairman of the Public Works and Environmental Services committee.

"I am both honored and humbled by the support of my colleagues, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead this body during our very important 2006 budget deliberations," Ravenstahl said.

Ravenstahl will hold the presidency for the remainder of the 2006 budget year.

The City Council will reorganize at its Jan. 3 legislative meeting.