ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, City Council on Monday night, Oct. 5, passed a resolution directing the city attorney to challenge the legality of Proposal E, the November ballot measure backed by local public power advocates.
Proposal E would authorize a municipal electric utility board, with members to be elected in 2028. Supporters see the board as a first step toward the city potentially replacing DTE Energy as its electricity provider.
An earlier draft of the resolution also asked voters to reject the proposal. A revised version still calls on the city attorney to pursue a legal challenge at the appropriate time. Mayor Christopher Taylor has said a council stance like this is unusual but that residents deserve to understand what a city-owned utility could mean before they vote.
Ann Arbor for Public Power, the group behind the measure, criticized the council’s move. Executive Director Brian Geiringer said voters are capable of deciding for themselves. Backers argue the proposal costs the city nothing and simply allows a board to be formed, while opponents warn it could open the door to an expensive effort to take over the electric system.
Proposal E will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for Ann Arbor voters.
