January 14, 2025

Mayor Brennan: I will not be seeking a third term as mayor of University Heights in 2025

With goals met and promises kept, Brennan to seek new challenges

Eight years ago, I began the journey of becoming University Heights’ tenth mayor. I was inspired by President Barack Obama, who in his farewell address said, “If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing… grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.”

So I ran for mayor. I sought to provide contrast with what we were seeing in state and national government. I promised that “Together, We Would Reach New Heights.” And I fulfilled that promise. Every goal has been met: reforming and improving the fire department, making the city more bikeable, starting our city’s first economic development department and actively guiding redevelopment in our city, and with that, finally, solving the problem of University Square.

We rebranded the city. We developed a sense of community. We established the Fall Fest and Juneteenth Celebration. We began building homes again. We made University Heights a place that people were willing to buy into again and live. We reformed and modernized every city department. We made University Heights more sustainable.

We restored our relationship with John Carroll University. The University and the City of the future are underway. Bell Tower Center is underway. Two new grocery stores are underway. More housing is underway. Our city grew with the last census and stands to grow again with the next census, because of our work.

Most of all, we persevered together through a worldwide pandemic. We recognized more than ever how we are all in this together.

As mayor I have observed: in this office, no day is routine. Every day is an opportunity to serve and make a real difference.

For eight years I have not held back. You see that in our record and results.

Our city charter allows for three consecutive terms in office. With the strength of my record, I have no doubt that I can make a strong and successful case for re-election to a third term as your mayor.

But as my work here reaches the final year of my second term, I again find myself asking, how can I best serve, make a difference, and be the change I want to see in our world. Eight years ago, after asking those same questions, I laced up my shoes and walked away from my law practice, and walked into city hall.

The things I came here to do, I have done.

The things that remain that I have started, are well underway and will be done.

With goals met and promises kept, I seek new challenges and new ways to serve.

This morning I met with the directors and chiefs of all departments of the City, the team I assembled to achieve our vision, and informed them first – that I will not be seeking a third consecutive term as Mayor of University Heights.

I am stating my intentions now so that others in the community may consider this office, talk with their neighbors, and make plans to run for mayor. It is a serious and consequential job. The next mayor should be someone who, after today, hears the call, and answers it – just as I did eight years ago. The filing deadline is not until August 6th. But the time to begin the work to become the next mayor is here.

When I ran for mayor, I had never run for public office before. I never pictured myself as a candidate for elected office. Those first few weeks as an official candidate, when I would say, I’m Michael Dylan Brennan and I’m running for Mayor – it felt a little unnatural – even after months of talking with friends and neighbors about it. Look, if you find the words “I’m running for mayor” initially uncomfortable to say, I will tell you that sort of humility is a good quality.

I devoted my last eight years to advancing all parts of the community and to leaving no one behind. I believed the mayor’s office was where I could do the most good, and for two terms I have done just that. I use the levers of power every day to make University Heights a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

So now, through the end of 2025, I am free from focusing on a re-election campaign. In this final year as mayor, I will continue to build upon our progress of the last seven years. I also will continue the work of making our city a more just and equitable place for all people of every background. A diverse city that is open and welcoming. A city with high quality services, a strong financial position, and one that is sustainable. And yes, a city that is So Much More Than Home.

At year’s end, I will leave the mayor’s office with the City better than I found it.

It has been my honor to serve as your mayor. I thank my wife, Gina, for supporting me every step of the way. I thank the team I assembled, the directors and chiefs, the department heads of every administrative department, together with our greatest asset, all of the employees of this City.

Finally, I thank the residents of University Heights for believing in me and sharing in the vision of A Better Tomorrow.

Thank you.