Aidan Sova, a member of the Ann Arbor District Library board, announced his candidacy for the City Council on January 21, 2024. He is vying for the 4th Ward seat currently held by Dharma Akmon, who has decided not to seek re-election. Sova aims to tackle the pressing housing crisis in the city, which he believes is undermining the ability of essential workers, families, and seniors to afford living in Ann Arbor.
Campaign Focus on Housing and Inclusion
Sova, who serves as the vice president of the library board, stated that he plans to build on Akmon’s legacy of public service. “Thanks to Dharma, we can now build on this foundation with a bold vision for our future,” he expressed in his official announcement. The Democratic candidate has garnered endorsements from notable figures, including Mayor Christopher Taylor and all ten current council members.
In his campaign, Sova emphasizes the need for expanding housing supply through dense, transit-oriented development and inclusionary zoning. He has established a campaign website, voteaidansova.com, where he outlines his priorities. The city is already working on plans to implement these housing strategies, but Sova acknowledges that it may take several years of zoning work to see significant changes.
“Ann Arbor is in the midst of a housing crisis,” Sova stated on his website. “I want to build a city where people of all income levels can afford to live, work, and retire.” His platform also includes commitments to high-quality city services, reliable transportation, good governance, support for small businesses, public safety, and addressing climate change.
A Young Leader with Local Roots
Elected to the library board in November 2022 at just 23 years old, Sova has made history as he believes he is the youngest Black person ever elected to any office in Ann Arbor. Raised in a single-parent, low-income household, Sova has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by many residents. He is a native of Jackson and a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies, followed by a master’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to his board duties, Sova has been involved in the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission and is currently employed by Google. His leadership on the library board has been notable, particularly in facilitating a deal for the Library Lane parking lot property adjacent to the downtown library. This deal, which voters approved in August 2023, allows for a mixed-use high-rise development that includes a new library, although the land transfer is still pending.
Sova has also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Ann Arbor Observer regarding the potential acquisition of the monthly publication, which he describes as a perfect fit for the community’s needs.
As the campaign progresses, Sova faces competition from other Democratic candidates, including Jeffrey Milk and David Zeglen, who have also taken steps to enter the race, though they have yet to announce their platforms. Each candidate must gather 100 valid signatures from voters to secure a place on the ballot.
For residents of Ann Arbor, Sova’s candidacy represents a new opportunity for leadership focused on addressing critical issues within the community. As the election date approaches, the discussion around housing and other pressing matters is likely to take center stage in the campaign.
