Title
Resolution to Extend the Term of the Current Mayor Pro Tem and Terms of Returning Council Members
Staff
Reviewed by: Atleen Kaur, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, Public Act 17 of 2026 amended the Home Rule City Act by requiring that a term of elected city officials may not commence earlier than noon on the first day of the month following the officer’s election as provided in the amended MCL 117.3c.
Whereas, Public Act 17 of 2026 controls over the current Charter provisions;
Whereas, Under Public Act 17 of 2026 the newly elected Mayor and Council Members for the City of Ann Arbor will not take office until noon on December 1, 2026;
Whereas, The City Charter currently provides in Section 12.4 that terms of the Mayor and Council Members “shall be for four years” and “shall commence on the Monday next following the regular City election at which such officers are elected.”;
Whereas, Mayor Taylor and Council Members Harrison and Cornell were elected on Nov. 8, 2022 and per the Charter their term commenced on the following Monday, i.e. Nov. 14, 2022 for four years, and therefore, their term expires on November 13, 2026;
Whereas, Section 4.3(a) of the Charter provides: “the Council shall elect one of its members Mayor Pro Tem for a term expiring at the first Council meeting following the next regular city election.” Therefore, Council Member Radina’s term as Mayor Pro Tem expires on November 5, 2026;
Whereas, This leaves a gap of the days from November 6, 2026 to 11:59 a.m. on December 1, 2026 (“interim period”) before the new Mayor is able to begin his term and without a Mayor Pro Tem;
Whereas, For continuity of service and for risk mitigation, it is important that a Mayor Pro Tem be in office during the interim period;
Whereas, Council Members Harrison and Cornell were re-elected to their position as Council Members on November 3, 2026;
Whereas, Constituents may not be fully aware of the changes to the Home Rule City Act and may wish to continue contacting Council Members Harrison and Cornell as their returning representatives;
Whereas, Allowing an extension of the terms for Council Members Harrison and Cornell will ensure that the City is able to get a quorum of elected officials in the interim period for any urgent actions and risk mitigation; and
Whereas, Section 12.4(d) provides “With the consent of the Council, an officer may continue provisionally, in office, after the expiration of the term of office, until a successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified for and assumed the duties of the Office”;
RESOLVED, That Council Member Radina’s term as Mayor Pro Tem is extended to 11:59 a.m. on December 1, 2026; and
RESOLVED, That the current term of Council Members Harrison and Cornell is extended to 11:59 a.m. on December 1, 2026.
Sponsored by: Council Administration Committee