I’m Jeffrey Milk.
I’m running for City Council, in Ward 4 -- join me in working together for our future.
Ann Arbor is our home -- one that belongs to all of us, not just the elites.
Image provided by Public Wikipedia Archive, by user “JuwanGOAT” under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
AN EVERYDAY WORKING-CLASS TENANT’S VOICE FOR CITY COUNCIL’S WARD 4
About Jeffrey Scott Milk
Ann Arbor is our home. It is not a business, corporation, or private entity to be managed for the lowest cost or the highest profit. Our city exists to serve the people who live here -- not to prioritize privatization, corporate developers, or political insiders. I feel it fails to meet this basic standard that should be expected from our closest representatives.
Too many residents feel the strain of rising costs, an expanding housing crisis, and a local government that often moves too slowly to address the problems people face every day. Housing costs continue to rise, our unhoused friends struggle to find support, and many residents feel their voices are simply swept under the rug, and their voices ignored.
We deserve a City Councilmember that actually show up -- that attends meetings, engages seriously with policy deliberations, and listens to the people they represent. We deserve thoughtful debate, new perspectives, and leaders who are accountable to residents, not political networks. This is why I reject Lansing endorsements, and do not take any donations other than small individual ones from residents.
My decision to run for City Council comes from personal experience. I grew up in a working-class household where my family lived on roughly $20,000 a year -- something that would be nearly impossible to survive on in Ann Arbor today. I understand firsthand what it means to worry about costs, housing, and stability. This is something I never want future generations to have to experience.
Today I am a tenant myself, and I see directly how rising rents and weak protections affect our community. As President of my Tenant’s Union here in Ann Arbor, I work alongside neighbors to advocate for safe housing, fair treatment, and stronger tenant protections.
My campaign is built on collaboration with residents, not vague promises. I believe public officials should speak honestly, explain their decisions clearly, and stand up when injustice affects our community. This is why I cite my sources and explain every ounce of reasoning that I can. I cannot remember a politician that has ever done that for me.
Professionally, I have worked in a range of roles including human resources, municipal financing and taxation, and in public health. My experiences have given me practical insight into how institutions operate and how public resources can be used more effectively to support residents.
My commitment to public service began in my teens through volunteer work -- organizing food drives and supporting local veterans. That experience showed me how powerful, compassionate, and meaningful community action can be, and it continues to guide my work today.
Outside of my professional life and organizing work, I enjoy spending time in Ann Arbor’s parks -- West Park is one of my favorites -- visiting our public libraries, baking, figure skating, and staying active through tennis and fitness. In my childhood, I also performed in ballet and musical theater -- experiences that helped shape my appreciation for the arts and community culture.
Ann Arbor has the resources, talent, and community spirit to address the challenges we face. I’m running for City Council because I believe our city government should reflect the people who live here -- and because I want to help build a future where Ann Arbor remains a place where everyone can afford to live, work, and thrive.
We’re more than just a fishbowl vanity project.
We Are People.