Friends, It’s been my honor to serve as your 4th Ward Council Member for the past two years. In that time, I’ve worked with my council colleagues to advance many progressive policies. When I ran for Council, I promised to lead Ann Arbor forward responsibly, inclusively, ethically and sustainably. Highlights of these efforts are listed below.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve city services and enhance the quality of life for Ann Arbor residents.
Leading Responsibly
Authorized a $15 million bond to accelerate road repairs, including many in the 4th Ward
Created and refined new Best Value Procurement policy to improve the quality of city construction projects and increase worker safety
Hired a new city administrator, ending years of leadership turmoil at city hall, and a new city attorney
Increased transparency of road repair projects with new city dashboard
Made significant investments in sewer service and the wastewater treatment plant
Developed and funded an unarmed crisis response program
Strengthened oversight of contractor compliance with city prevailing wage ordinance resulting in catching and correcting 24 violations
Leading Inclusively
Increased renter protections and established a Renter’s Commission
Increased funding for human services
Increased Poverty Exemption Level for Property Taxes
Increased supply of affordable senior housing
Increasing supply of affordable housing by building on city-owned properties at 721 North Main, 353 S. Main, & 1510 E. Stadium
Launched building review process to make development more affordable
Developed and instituted new TC1 zoning districts to enable more housing to be built along transit corridors
Created Director of Organizational Equity position for the City
Banned practice of Conversion Therapy in Ann Arbor
Prohibited racial discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles
Spoke out many times against racism, homophobia, and anti-semitism in our community
Leading Ethically
Held City leaders accountable for ethics violations and discriminatory actions
Removed no-bid city lobbying contract and bid out competitively
Increased transparency by posting contracts on website
Secured important accountability and oversight changes in AAPD Command Officers contract
Directed city administrator to investigate whether city can take a company’s political activity into consideration before approving contracts – specifically whether a contractor’s political activities align with the company’s self-professed values
Worked on behalf of constituents to address many local issues such as power infrastructure upgrades, traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements
Leading Sustainably
Launched process to negotiate a new heating franchise that responsibly phases out fossil fuels in our homes and businesses
Secured stable funding for climate action work through climate action millage
Won important concessions from DTE, including lower rates for customers and community solar
Pursued new and ongoing initiatives to provide residents with reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity
Adopted a new Vision Zero and sustainability-centered Transportation Plan
Allocated $7.5 million investment to solarize city facilities
Adopted a more protective flood plain ordinance to ensure more buildings aren’t built in the floodway
Restructured parking requirements to mandate more electric vehicle parking