The Board of Alders is short a member as of Monday as Ward 27 Alder Angela Russell has announced her resignation.

A day-care operator, Russell was first elected to the Board in 2011. She has represented constituents in a cluster of neighborhoods within Westville.

In a letter addressed to Board President Jorge Perez, Russell said she intends to trade in her legislative duties for an advocacy role.

“I believe that I can be most effective in New Haven’s political process as a citizen speaking out on issues,” she wrote.

A special election will be held.