JUNE 26, 2026 AUGUST PRIMARY MARIE Groundcover contributor According to the Washtenaw County May 29, 2026, official candidate list, both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti’s mayoral races have only two Democratic and no Republican candidates. Therefore the Aug. 4th vote will most likely determine the winner of both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti’s mayoral races. For this article both incumbent mayors and their challengers were interviewed. All interviews occurred during the month of June. Questions were designed to encourage responses reflective of issues constituents have suggested as topics they would like to read about. Not all responses provided are direct quotes, as they have been summarized to fit in the space allotted. Interesting background info Ann Arbor — Incumbent Christopher Taylor (www.taylorforannarbor. com) is a University of Michigan graduate with four degrees, including a music degree with a focus in opera and performance, and a Juris Doctor law degree. While at U-M, one of the leadership roles he held was as the president of the Inter-Cooperative Council, the organization concerned with the campus’s collectively-owned coop housing. He went on to practice law mostly in the Ann Arbor and became a city council member in 2008 and then mayor in 2014. Challenger Yousef Rabhi (www. voteyousef.com) was born in Washtenaw County, attended grade school in Ann Arbor, then earned an environmental science degree from U-M. He was a county commissioner before serving as a state representative from 2017-2023 (including a term as the Democratic Floor Leader), and then returned to serving on the county commission from 2023 until the present. Rabhi credits his passion for advocacy to his family’s strong political activist lineage and a preschool teacher he had who incorporated daily outdoor nature activities. Ypsilanti — Incumbent Nicole Brown (www.nicolebrownformayor. com) was raised in Ypsi and received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Social Work, then her Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. One of her favorite things to do is read and talk to students. She also cares a lot about mental health, mentoring and fostering community involvement. Challenger Amber Fellows (www. amber4thepeople.com) moved to Ypsilanti as a young adult and graduated from EMU. Since moving to Ypsi she has become active in local politics, including her current position as city council member, as well as in the artistic community. Her passions include music, writing and organizing community events. What would your city look like if you could wave a magic wand? Mayor Taylor: Ann Arbor would continue to have vitality, enthusiasm and openness. It would be more affordable to work and live in, and would be more diverse as a result. There would be 15-minute neighborhoods, so a short distance to get everything for everyday living; corner stores to visit and meet; third spaces to congregate and build communities. where neighborhoods are safe and connected; where local businesses succeed; and where every resident feels they belong and their voice matters. Most importantly, I want Ypsilanti to remain authentically itself while becoming the best version of what it can be: welcoming, equitable, resilient and full of opportunity for all. Councilwoman Fellows: I don’t feel like I get to decide, really. However, we would have way more community involvement in decision-making so the people who are most impacted get to decide what they see. It might look like more neighborhood assemblies. They [constituents] know their neighborhoods and what they want them to look like, but the city often blocks them. I would like to make it easier for the projects without the bureaucracy. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Interviews with 2026 A2-Ypsi Mayoral candidates bipartisan manner to pass and package a bill so Ann Arbor couldn’t do it anymore. Mayor Brown: One accomplishment I'm really proud of is leading in bringing Rx Kids to Ypsilanti. What I loved about it is that it wasn't just about passing a resolution or announcing a new program. It was about bringing people together around something simple to me: if we want stronger families and healthier communities, we have to invest in people from the very beginning. Councilwoman Fellows: In 2018, I worked with REDY (Rising for Economic Democracy in Ypsi), to pass a community benefits ordinance, which was the second one ever in the country. It’s not just an ordinance, we have three developments out of it. Candidates were asked to give examples of how they utilized their current elected position to address concerns of homeowners, renters and the homeless. In the context of their answers, they were also asked to give an example of how their position has limited progress towards addressing constituents’ concerns or how becoming Mayor could promote progress. Mayor Taylor: Ann Arbor is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. Nobody is getting kicked out of their homes, however we don’t have a lot, which means higher appraisals and thus higher taxes. We can’t reduce demand, but we need to meet that demand, which includes more multistory units, duplexes and tri-plexes. However, we now have an affordability crisis, especially in more dense transit corridors. I do oppose new city taxes. Having U-M is amazing; however, working with the university has its challenges, as it has a significant amount of leverage. The building codes are set by the County Commissioner Rabhi: Ann Arbor would be a beautiful vibrant place that brings joy; housing is a human right, and everyone has a place to live. It is sustainable and does not rely on carbon and fossil fuels. It is a unique place, with creativity, where artists thrive. There are vibrant small businesses, with diverse multicultural backgrounds; ownership and space is democratized so the community has many opportunities to have a part of the pie, instead of large outside corporations. Mayor Brown: Ypsilanti would be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just get by… A city where people can afford to live, raise their families and build their future; Give an example of something you have been able to accomplish from start to finish with the community. Mayor Taylor: Two things: 1) the sustainable energy utility is a pilot program currently running today in the Bryant neighborhood, with low cost electricity to residents, which is 100% renewable. 2) In 2021 we became the only city in the United States that has a law that requires all public restrooms to have a complete array of menstrual products. County Commissioner Rabhi: About 10 years ago, the city started taxing solar panels on people’s homes. As a state legislator, I worked in a state; I would like the ability to establish building codes that are more sustainable, such as more insulation and quality windows. Rents have been going down in past months due to an active pro-housing approach, which has increased the supply. We created a renters commission, so people have a place to engage with local government directly to address concerns; we eliminated junk fees and created cost transparency; obligatory fees are disclosed upfront; and we passed right to first renewal. There is still not enough progress. There has been an increase in rental inspections — yet there is still a shortage. see MAYORS page 15 9
10 Publizr Home