Leadership that delivers
When I was first elected in 2020, Ann Arbor voters called for bold, progressive leadership—and together, we’ve delivered. Since then, I’ve worked hard to lead on the issues that matter most: building a more affordable and sustainable city, protecting workers, and strengthening our local economy.
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Throughout both of my terms, I’ve served as Chair of the Council Policy Agenda Committee, working closely with our state legislative delegation to advance Ann Arbor’s priorities. I helped lead the creation of our city’s first-ever Economic Development Office and strategy—designed to expand housing access, support local businesses, and foster equitable, sustainable growth. I also served on the city’s negotiating team that secured a historic new heating franchise agreement with DTE, laying the groundwork for a transition away from gas to geothermal.
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As the sponsor of our Best Value contracting policy I’ve been a consistent advocate for workers’ rights and public accountability.
I’ve also led efforts to improve oversight of the city’s prevailing wage policy, ensuring our public dollars support fair wages and safe working conditions.
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Today, I’m focused on guiding our Comprehensive Land Use Plan update—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to engage the community and shape a more inclusive, equitable future for Ann Arbor. With thoughtful outreach and broad public input, we’re working to ensure our city grows in a way that reflects our shared values.
We’ve made real progress—but there’s still much to do. I’m committed to continuing the work: creating more housing options, strengthening our local economy, and taking bold climate action—while ensuring we deliver excellent city services for every resident.
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Thank you for your support. Let’s keep moving Ann Arbor forward—together.
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.
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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.​
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.
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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.
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