Why I'm Running
In 2020 when I first ran for City Council, voters were hungry for progressive change. I was fortunate to be elected that year along with four other progressive Democrats, and we immediately began enacting policies to address the challenges facing Ann Arbor.
Then, in 2022, Ann Arbor voters ushered in not only a council full of hardworking progressive Democrats, but the most diverse council in Ann Arbor history.
During my time in office, my colleagues and I have led Ann Arbor forward on a number of fronts, including affordable housing, climate action, diversity, equity and inclusion, transportation, workers’ rights, renters' rights, and more.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but there is so much more to do.
The problems we face today weren’t created overnight. It took decades for local, state and federal policies to create our housing crisis, our affordability crisis, and our climate crisis. Now, we need to move as quickly as possible to address these critical quality of life issues while also continuing to provide the excellent city services our residents expect and deserve.
That’s why I’m running for a second term in 2024, and I ask you to join me as we continue the work of leading Ann Arbor forward!
WHO IS JEN?
Lifelong Michigander, longtime Ann Arbor resident
Jen Eyer was born and raised in mid-Michigan, the daughter of an IBEW electrician and a nurse. Growing up in a family that discussed politics around the dinner table, Jen learned from an early age how political decisions affected her parents’ livelihood, job safety and the community. Her mother and father, both now retired, never missed an opportunity to teach Jen and her brother the value that the union brought their family and the middle class in general – lessons that shaped her political views going forward.
Jen has lived in the 4th Ward for more than 20 years. Over the years, Jen has turned down opportunities to move to larger cities because none compare to what she values here in Ann Arbor for her family: Strong neighborhood schools, walkable neighborhoods, public transportation, and safe public spaces for children to explore. Above all, Jen loves Ann Arbor for being a compassionate community that works to address inequality and supports programs to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable are met.
Photo by Amanda Allen/The Michigan Daily
Experienced leader
Following her education from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, Jen joined MLive and The Ann Arbor News, and from 2000 to 2016, she held a variety of leadership positions, overseeing the company’s statewide editorial board, and social media and community engagement teams. She also managed the award-winning newsroom for The Ann Arbor News, and was named best editorial writer in the top division in the state for 2014 and 2015 by the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors.
Jen now provides strategic counsel to progressive organizations and candidates. She works tirelessly on behalf of those who are working to move Michigan forward.
Public servant
For the past two decades Jen has served the Ann Arbor community in many ways, including as Dicken Elementary School PTO president, Glacier Way Co-Op Preschool president, Girl Scouts troop leader, and various committees with United Way, the A2Y Chamber of Commerce, the Ann Arbor Art Center, and Ann Arbor Public Schools.
In September 2016, Jen was unanimously chosen from a field of seven candidates to fill an interim seat on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, representing District 9 on Ann Arbor's west side. During her tenure, Jen was recognized by her peers on the Board, county administration and county staff for her ability to listen, carefully weigh all sides of an issue, and make even-handed, independent decisions.
Jen was first elected to Ann Arbor City Council in November 2020. She brings to Council a positive vision for leading Ann Arbor forward, accompanied with more than 20 years of public policy, communication and community outreach experience.
