Amanda Edmonds is mayor of Ypsilanti, winning her first four-year term in November 2014. The job is considered part-time.
Amanda Edmonds.
She is the founder and former executive director of Growing Hope, an Ypsilanti-based nonprofit that creates community gardens and provides garden-based learning and extra-curricular programs. She is a board member of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority.
From her bio on the Growing Hope website:
Amanda travels extensively to visit other organizations and to swing dance, and has a part-time creative endeavor of making and selling her photographs, buttons, & jewelry called AMEPIX. She currently serves as Chair of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, is an appointee to the Michigan Food Policy Council, where she chairs the Healthy Food Access Task Force, and is a vice-chair of the Washtenaw Food Policy Council. She also served for six years on the Ypsilanti Parks and Recreation Commission, six years on the board of directors of the American Community Gardening Association, was a founding leadership team member of Slow Food Huron Valley, and was formerly chair of the MSU-Extension Advisory Council in Washtenaw County. She speaks and trains nationally in the areas of community change through gardens, farmers markets, food access, and many other topics.
Edmonds lives in Ypsilanti with her wife, Hollie Pietsch.
Controversy
Amanda Edmond's visit to China in 2017 has become a controversy that was formally investigated by the City of Ypsilanti because of potential ethics violations related to the city charter. A developer allegedly paid for the trip with funds from the Chinese Consulate through the front of a Chinese Student Association. Concerns were raised that Amanda was aware of the funding sources and the potential conflict of interest prior to taking the trip. The contract for the Water Street Property, signed by International Village LLC, a key player in the controversy, officially expired on December 31st, 2017.
Timeline
November 2014: Gets 97.66% (4,169 votes) to win general election for Ypsilanti mayor, a four-year term. Defeats opponent Steven James Taylor, an official write-in candidate who got 4 votes. There was no Republican candidate.
Aug. 5, 2014: Wins three-way Democratic primary for Ypsilanti mayor. Gets 64.05% of the vote (1,308 votes) compared to 29.68% (606 votes) for Pete Murdock and 6.17% (126 votes) for Tyrone Bridges.
July 2011: Is appointed to serve on the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority.
2010: Is appointed to the Michigan Food Policy Council and serves as chair of its Healthy Food Access Task Force.
January 2008: Starts the business AMEPIX to sell her jewelry, photographs and other work.
April 2006-April 2008: Serves on the Michigan State University Extension advisory council for Washtenaw County, including a stint as chair.
2005: Earns a master of science degree in environmental behavior from the University of Michigan.
2004-2011: Serves as Ypsilanti parks & recreation commissioner.
May 2003: Launches the nonprofit Growing Hope in Ypsilanti, and serves as executive director.
Feb. 2001-Feb. 2008: Serves on the board of the American Community Gardening Association.
2000: Earns undergraduate degree in environmental policy & behavior from the University of Michigan.
1996: Graduates from University City Senior High School in metro St. Louis, Missouri.
In the news
https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2017/10/06/ypsilanti-mayor-admits-to-misleading-public-on-her-china-trips-funding-source - Metro Times, Oct 6, 2017
The challenge of all things: A Q&A with Ypsilanti mayor Amanda Edmonds – Concentrate, May 13, 2015
Economic Development A Priority For Ypsilanti Mayor – WEMU, Jan. 16, 2015
Guest column: Ypsilanti Mayor-elect Amanda Edmonds shares vision for city, expectations for time in office – MLive, Nov. 9, 2014
New mayor, council looking forward to shaping city after election – MLive, Nov. 6, 2014
Amanda Edmonds wins Ypsilanti mayor's seat – MLive, Nov. 5, 2014
Ypsilanti's mayoral expectations high for Amanda Edmonds – MLive, Aug. 7, 2014
Ypsilanti mayoral primary: Amanda Edmonds wins after opponents concede election – MLive, Aug. 5, 2014
Ypsilanti primary profile: Amanda Edmonds believes success will come from those already invested in city – MLive, July 25, 2014
Chamber Forum: Ypsilanti Mayoral Race – The Ann Arbor Chronicle, June 30, 2014
Ypsilanti resident Amanda Edmonds selected to receive ATHENA Award – Heritage Newspapers, May 21, 2014
Growing Hope executive director announces mayoral bid – WEMU, Nov. 8, 2013
Growing Hope executive director to run for Ypsilanti mayor in 2014 – MLive, Nov. 8, 2013
Guest Blogger: Amanda Edmonds – Concentrate, January 2013
Other sources
https://www.facebook.com/amandaformayor
2014 campaign website: http://www.amandaformayor.com/
MLive Voter Guide 2014: http://thevoterguide.mlive.com/race-detail.do?id=13327360
