Moving Ferndale Forward. Us. Together.
What a challenging year navigating the pandemic. Together we adapted.
I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish together as a community during this crisis.
Despite the disruptions and delays, your local government delivered city services that you rely on.
Thank you for believing in me because I believe in us. It’s been an honor to be Ferndale’s Mayor.
Safety, Belonging, and Well-Being
Addressed 1500 peaceful protestors at June 6, 2020, BLM rally in Geary Park.
In response to George Floyd’s death, I felt the city needed to demonstrate immediate action. In partnership with Councilwoman Kat Bruner James, we co-authored and championed Ferndale’s Declaration to Antiracism resolution, the first of its kind in the State of Michigan, and inspired other cities to launch similar pronouncements. The resolution directed staff to develop the first-ever equity policy for our city, which is currently underway.
As part of the city’s commitment to antiracism, I supported Mayor Pro Tem Leaks May’s initiative to raise the Pan African Flag to commemorate Black History Month.
As mayor, I joined and signed the pledge for Freedom For All Americans, a bipartisan national campaign to secure full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide.
Locally, I supported Affirmations and raised $1000 for my March birthday fundraiser when anti-LGBTQ protestors stood in front of their community center.
Hate crimes against our Jewish community members are on the rise. Requested by Ferndale Jewish residents, I signed on to the Mayors United Against Antisemitism, an initiative of the American Jewish Committee and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
In the early days of the pandemic, Jack and Annette Aranson generously donated 1000 healthy meals to low-income residents who suddenly faced food insecurity. In partnership with Councilwoman Kat Bruner James, and with insights from the Ferndale Housing Commission, Renaissance Unity Church, Affirmations, Area Agency Aging 1B, and our Fire Department, we coordinated and delivered these meals to over 50 households in Ferndale.
Approved accelerating the city’s replacement of lead lines starting in 2021 by accessing a $10M loan fund provided by the state.
Climate Resilient
As mayor, I set a vision to become a climate-neutral city.
As mayor, I reaffirmed the city’s participation in Climate Mayors, a national program for mayors addressing climate change locally.
Joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
Selected as an ICLEI Leader in the Cities Race to Zero, an initiative of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26 Climate Champions).
Variety of Housing Options
Through a commitment to equity and anti-racism efforts, Ferndale City Council passed an Affordable and Inclusive Housing Action Plan.
Approved 56 new attainable housing units for the Raymond E. Shepard House dedicated to serving our LGBTQ elderly population.
8 Mile/Woodward Improvement Project
In 2018, as councilwoman, I championed a more collaborative approach to addressing conditions at the 8 Mile/Woodward underpass with all the stakeholders. Both city teams attempted to address these conditions and assist the homeless with nonprofit partners. These early efforts were unable to achieve more than short-term cleanup, nor did they successfully address persistent homelessness and panhandling.
As mayor, I met with Detroit City Councilman Roy McCalister to identify ways to advance a strengthened partnership at the border. Both Detroit and Ferndale city councils supported a human-centered approach with safety improvements at the intersection.
Bringing both Detroit and Ferndale neighborhoods together, I organized volunteers to grassroots canvass neighborhood streets adjacent to the bridge. It was essential for me that residents knew about each of the 5 community meetings.
Maintain City Services
We have faced financial pressures before during the Great Recession. The pandemic upended revenues and created uncertainty. We laid off staff from our Parks and Recreation department when youth and adult programs had to be shut down. The city saw a drop in revenue from fee-for-service such as parking and building permits.
Together with the city council, we navigated this disruption. We completed our 2020 strategic plan and priorities to guide budgeting this year.
The city adeptly managed a historic election with a record voter turnout. Even launched Drive-Thru Voting to make it easier and safer to vote during the pandemic. Soon the city’s new Zero Waste Coordinator will be improving Downtown Waste management and assisting businesses with more environmentally friendly ways to get rid of their waste such as fats and oils at our local restaurants.
Transportation Freedom
Champion of the city’s Transportation and Mobility plan update www.ferndalemoves.com. Residents and business owners gave feedback on how the city should invest in making our streets, parks, and public spaces more accessible, equitable, and safer.
Representing Ferndale at the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Committee responding to federal transportation policy that impacts here at home.
As Chair of the Oakland County Public Transit Authority (OCPTA) led the creation of a new mission statement uplifting equity, inclusion, and accessibility for Oakland County with SMART bus service.
Advocating with Congressman Levin, State Senator Jeremy Moss and State Representative Regina Weiss on state transportation policy.
The Dot Project
A new place to sit and hang out, host future events, and shop. A street designed for people first, the Dot project transformed an ugly surface parking lot into a new space supporting retail, housing (coming 2022), and office (delayed until 2023/24). And of course, a new parking garage with electric vehicle charging stations and covered bike parking.