Meet Sandy
My path to Ann Arbor actually started in South Korea. I was just two years old when my family immigrated to Niagara Falls, NY. We eventually found our way to Kalamazoo, the place I called home growing up. I’m a proud double Wolverine (BA and MBA), and it was during my sophomore year at Michigan that I met my husband, Ray.
Ray is an Ann Arbor "townie", born and raised right here in Ward 2. After starting our life together in California, we made the choice to move back to Ann Arbor 22 years ago. We wanted our kids to grow up in a place that prioritizes education, culture, and a progressive spirit.
Our local schools have been a huge part of our lives. Watching our children go through King, Clague, Community, and Huron, we were constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have such dedicated teachers and families. That foundation helped Austin head off to Northwestern, with Turner following to Cornell. Sydney will be entering her senior year at Huron this fall, and we’re so excited to see what’s next for her!
Professionally, I’ve spent 30 years helping organizations find their footing. My career has been a mix of global boardrooms, local startups and nonprofits, including:
The Big Picture: Leading marketing and operations for companies like Intel, Borders, and T-Mobile taught me how to manage budgets and solve complex problems—the kind of experience I want to put to work for our city.
The Local Spirit: I’ve loved the energy and enthusiasm of our small business scene, whether serving as Chief Operating Officer for a family-focused startup at Ann Arbor SPARK or direct Marketing Partnerships for Borders Books.
Giving Back: Through my firm, Aldrich & Associates, I’ve spent years coaching nonprofits and leaders to help them work more effectively. In 2018, I graduated from the Ann Arbor Citizens Academy and in 2024, I participated in the initial engagement phase of the Comprehensive Plan, where I worked to advocate for 'gentle' density.
Beyond my resume, I’ve always tried to be the neighbor who jumps in when help is needed. You may have seen me clapping at Dance Theatre Studio recitals, cheering at Huron Hockey games, serving as President of the Huron Music Association, or keeping the books for the Clague PTSO. Whether we were advocating side-by-side during the U-M bus yard challenge or rallying to save MD Bagel Fragel, I’ve always been proud to stand with you.
I’m running for City Council to bring “Mindful Growth” to Ann Arbor. To me, that means building a community that is genuinely inclusive and affordable, while making sure our basic city services are so reliable and efficient they feel seamless—they simply work, so you don't have to worry about them. I believe in true transparency and honest, face-to-face conversations. I’m ready to work with you to keep our community rooted in what we love while we prepare for what’s next.
Sandy’s Past Activism
-
When the iconic MD Bagel Fragel faced a sudden eviction from its home of twenty-five years, the Ann Arbor community was devastated. Owner Patricia Rockette was given only days to vacate, threatening the future of their famous "Fragels" and their family’s livelihood. Recognizing that sentiment alone wouldn't save the shop, Sandy Aldrich stepped in to transform local heartbreak into a strategic rescue mission.
Sandy acted as the primary architect for the "Save Bagel Fragel" movement, launching a GoFundMe campaign that mobilized the neighborhood. Her leadership turned a dire situation into a community-wide rally, raising nearly $12,000 from over 240 donors. This financial bridge provided the Rockettes with the critical seed money needed to store their equipment and navigate a two-year transition, while the public pressure Sandy helped generate secured a vital lease extension through the end of the year.
The result of Sandy’s activism was more than just a successful fundraiser; it was the preservation of a local legacy. Her efforts kept the business's momentum alive during its long hiatus, eventually leading to a triumphant reopening on 3500 Washtenaw Avenue in 2020. Today, the shop stands as a testament to Sandy’s belief that when a small business is at risk, a dedicated leader can turn a community's passion into a permanent home.
-
In 2016, Sandy Aldrich’s leadership within the Northeast Ann Arbor Community Coalition (NEA2CC) serves as a primary example of her commitment to mindful growth and authentic engagement. As co-president of the coalition, which represented hundreds of households, she played a pivotal role in navigating a complex dispute with the University of Michigan over a proposed bus maintenance facility.
Advocating for Smarter Growth
When the University proposed placing this industrial facility near the King School neighborhood, Sandy and fellow leader Katherine Delaney did not simply oppose the project; they advocated for "respectful development" that considered the safety and quality of life of local families.
Neighborhood Concerns: Residents were primarily worried about noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion in a largely residential area filled with children and pedestrians.
The "Check-the-Box" Challenge: Sandy was vocal about the lack of transparency, noting that the University had initially published project information without informing neighbors, despite assurances to the contrary.
Professional Persistence: Sandy called out the University administration for failing to act as true partners, emphasizing that community voices should be treated as legitimate stakeholders rather than obstacles to be bypassed.
A Strategy of Meaningful Engagement
To move the dialogue forward, Sandy and the NEA2CC employed innovative advocacy strategies to ensure the community could not be sidelined:
Leveraging Influence: The coalition called on its members—80% of whom were University donors—to pause their donations until the University addressed residential concerns.
Direct Advocacy: Sandy personally represented the neighborhood at Board of Regents meetings, where she argued that placing industrial development in the middle of residential streets "defied common sense".
Demanding Data: The coalition insisted that the University conduct and share thorough studies on environmental and traffic impacts before proceeding.
A Landmark Win for Collaborative Planning
The outcome was a significant victory for local residents and a shift in how the university approaches community relations. In May 2016, University President Mark Schlissel canceled the project at the residential site, ultimately relocating it to more appropriate industrial land.
This victory was described as ushering in a "new era" of communication between the city and the University. President Schlissel even apologized to the neighborhood, stating that the University must be "more thoughtful and responsive" and incorporate formal outreach much earlier in the development process. By insisting on transparency and partnership, Sandy helped secure a solution that met institutional needs while preserving the unique character of the Northeast Ann Arbor community.
