Experienced Progressive Leadership

In 2020, I was honored when 5th Ward voters elected me to Ann Arbor City Council following a competitive three-way race. My election marked the first time in 13 years a woman had been elected to represent the 5th Ward! And I was not alone. Following the 2022 elections, Council is both majority female (8 women, 3 men) and the most diverse in City history. I’m so proud to live in a community that values representative, experienced, progressive leadership. And I know you expect us to work hard on your behalf- and that is what I’ve done and am committed to doing as long as you entrust me with this position. To date, I have sponsored or co-sponsored 75 resolutions and ordinances and served as Council liaison on 13 Boards and Commissions in addition to role on Council (see list below). I’ve also worked hard to keep you informed and build your knowledge of local government through my regular bimonthly Council newsletters (sent in advance of every regular Council meeting) and by holding frequent 5th Ward listening hours to hear directly from you.

Board and Commission Service (since 2020 if not otherwise noted)

  • Council Administration Committee (2023-2024)

  • Council Audit Committee

  • Council Budget and Labor Committee

  • Council Policy Committee (2021-2022)

  • Airport Advisory Commission

  • Council of the Commons (2020-2023)

  • Energy Commission

  • Housing Commission (2023)

  • Human Services Partnership Leadership Team (2023-2024)

  • Parks Advisory Commission (2022)

  • SEMCOG

  • Transportation Commission

  • WATS

A History of Community Engagement and Leadership

However, my knowledge and experience working to advance progressive land use, climate, and transportation policy in Ann Arbor did not begin in 2020. I’ve been deeply engaged in this work over the last two decades. I draw upon this and my academic training in governance and public policy to help guide my work on Council.

  • Fifteen years of professional work experience on land use, transportation, and sustainability issues:

    • Rails to Trails Conservancy, Midwest Policy Manager (current)

    • Scenic Michigan Executive Director

    • Clean Energy Coalition Program Manager 

    • getDowntown Program Director 

  • Extensive education in public policy, public administration, and governance:   

    • PhD in Political Science, Michigan State University

    • Master of Public Administration, Eastern Michigan University

    • BA in Political Science, Indiana University

  • Eight years serving our community on boards and commissions prior to Council: 

    • Ann Arbor Planning Commissioner (2016-2020 & 2009-2012)

    • Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals Vice Chair (2010-2012)

    • Ann Arbor Energy Commissioner (2006-2007)

  • Fifteen years of community leadership/advocacy: 

    • Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition Board Member & Past Chair

    • Executive Policy Advisor to the City Administrator, Neighborhood Engagement/Transportation Safety

    • League of Michigan Bicyclists Board Member and Advocacy Chair

  • Numerous roles/ hours volunteering at my children’s schools, including Bach Elementary Safe Routes to School Committee, Playground Build Committee, and Room Parent