Why I am running

Greetings! My name is Rebecca Arends and I am  running for Ann Arbor City Council to bring responsive and engaged service to Ward 1. As a lifelong resident, licensed clinical social worker, and community volunteer, I bring a grounded, people-first approach to city leadership. My campaign focuses on listening to the requests of my ward constituents, strengthening public safety and effective mental health crisis response, ensuring responsible and balanced growth, protecting renters and homeowners from escalating costs with creative thinking and fiscal accountability, and expanding transparency at City Hall. I am committed to practical solutions, respectful dialogue, and rebuilding trust between residents and their local government. More than anything, I will listen and respond---I won't ignore constituents. I am looking forward to hearing from you what you want for Ann Arbor, and how I can best represent you.

I've been consistently active in my richly diverse neighborhood by facilitating community conversations via Finding Your Political Voice, started many years ago by Democratic neighbors Mary Hall-Thiam and James Daniel. I've organized and moderated these debates: AAPS Board; Washtenaw County Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Judge; City Council and Mayoral.  I've hosted meetings for AAPD officers, Chiefs, AAFD, and HVA paramedics to build relationships and actively listen to my neighbor's concerns. I've volunteered for Ann Arbor Parks, and spoken at, watched, and attended multiple city council meetings, Washtenaw county and city commission meetings. I have worked and interned at non-profits in Ann Arbor. I have participated in past City Council campaigns, and continue to volunteer whenever I can. Please read more for a collection of news stories about some of my community engagement.