Adjunct faculty

John Hieftje

Lecturer in Public Policy

John Hieftje, Ann Arbor’s longest serving mayor (2000-14), is a lecturer at the Ford School. In 2001 he initiated a long-term drive for greater efficiency that prepared the city for the Great Recession. Hieftje championed the successful Greenbelt Campaign of 2003 and the "Mayor's Green Energy Challenge” that established Ann Arbor as one of the nation’s leading “green” cities. He was also a leader in the successful push for the expansion of public transit, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian safety. He has been recognized for his service with the Greater Detroit Audubon Society Conservation Award, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Environmental Leadership Award, and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Leadership Award, among others. Currently, Hieftje is co-chair of the Washtenaw County Continuum of Care Board of Directors and continues his work with other activists on state and local environmental issues. 

Professional affiliations

Co-chair of the Washtenaw County Continuum of Care Board of Directors