Detroit City Council member Saunteel Jenkins is resigning.
Jenkins was first elected to Council in 2009. She was re-elected in 2013 as one of two at-large members on a now mostly district-based Council.
Jenkins finished her first term serving as Council President, after Charles Pugh abandoned the post. She sought the post again this term, but lost a close internal vote to current President Brenda Jones.
During Jenkins’ time on Council, she’s served as a swing vote on a variety of issues related to state intervention in Detroit—decisions that ultimately led to Detroit’s emergency manager and bankruptcy filing.
Jenkins is leaving to take over as CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a non-profit that provides utilities assistance to low-income households.
"I am very excited at the opportunity to lead this high-impact statewide organization,” Jenkins said in a statement. “The THAW organization and its extraordinary mission align well with my own personal passion for helping struggling families in Detroit and across the state of Michigan.
"Although I am leaving my official role as a council member, my commitment to this city remains strong."
Jenkins will resign effective November 7th. The eight remaining Council members will choose her replacement by a two-thirds vote.
