Ann Arbor Public Power Board Explained
Main points:
The proposed charter amendment does not authorize the takeover of DTE’s assets
It does not create an all-powerful board
City Council has authority over board budget and borrowing, and can overturn operational decisions
The board is similar to other electric utility boards in Michigan cities
Approval of the board does not cost the city money unless Council approves funding
Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 7, 2026. Ann Arbor could soon begin exploring a public power option for the entire city. Volunteer petitioners are gathering signatures to qualify a proposed city charter amendment for the November 3 ballot. Approval would create a board to oversee a municipal electric utility, or muni. “This is a big step for public power for all of Ann Arbor,” said Brian Geiringer, executive director of Ann Arbor for Public Power, or A2P2. “It doesn’t commit the city to taking over DTE, but it sets up the electric utility board in 2028.”
Recently the proposal has generated more heat than light. “There is a lot of disinformation circulating on social media,” said A2P2 president Sean Higgins. “We want voters to make an informed choice.”
Voter approval would set up a process for creating a nine member muni board in November, 2028. Five board members, one from each city ward, would be elected by voters, with four others appointed by the mayor and confirmed by City Council. One appointee would be a representative of organized labor. “The board should have both public accountability and technical expertise,” said Geiringer. “This structure accommodates both.”
The board is modeled on other Michigan communities with public power. These include the Lansing Board of Water & Light, the Holland Board of Public Works, Traverse City Light & Power, the Marquette Board of Light & Power, and the Grand Haven Board of Light & Power. These boards all have broad authority and work smoothly with their respective city councils and city administrators.
The board itself can’t move municipalization forward, and its powers are limited by City Council. Council will have final say over its budget, over utility rates, and over borrowing. The charter amendment also gives Council a veto over operational decisions, including personnel appointments. “A separate board is a departure from the city’s current structure,” Geiringer said. “But the charter language makes it clear that Council has ultimate authority.”
Any active role for the unpaid board will depend on Council approval. Funding might amount to a few hours of staff time a month, to support meetings. “We urge the city to fund a phase 2 municipalization feasibility study,” Geiringer said. “But only Council has the authority and budget to conduct it.” Any staff hiring by the board is similarly dependent on Council budget approval.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the charter amendment can be found here.
