CARRBORO, N.C. -- A governmental shift is about to happen.

Town leaders will no longer refer to themselves as "aldermen." Instead, they will change their titles to "council members." 

"To me what stood out about town council was first that it's gender neutral. Second, that it's a term most people are familiar with," current alderman Damon Seils told Spectrum News Thursday.

The town will pass a resolution next week to make the switchover official. The staff will also look through the town's ordinances and codes to make sure the language is also gender neutral. 

"It's important to invite people and ask them to tell you who they are and listen to them," says UNC Associate Professor Emily Burrill. She supports the rebrand.

Seils says the aldermen picked "council" because it didn't require state approval. The name change could go into effect as early as December.