You’ve all noticed that Oak Park has come a long way, and in 2025, Mayor pro tem Shaun Whitehead, Council Member Stephanie Crawford and I, Mayor Marian McClellan, are running as a slate to keep the impressive progress going. We are asking for your support.Thank you for the trust you placed in me by electing me your Mayor. It is a special privilege to serve you and represent our great city. In 2021, I’m running for re-election as Mayor of Oak Park and I’m asking for your support.
“Before, we were taking tiny steps forward. But when Mayor McClellan took over, we started running!”
– Sandra Terry
When you look back at the last dozen years, what’s happened in our little city is nothing short of amazing. Look at our award-winning renovation of Nine Mile Road; the playgrounds, art installations, little parks, new lighting and colorful gardens. Up on Eleven Mile, you may have tried the new breweries, the new restaurants or perhaps Mother Handsome’s, featuring coffee drinks, pizza, and an inviting atmosphere for work or play.
I am happy to report that my administration has made significant progress in addressing the problems I inherited. Like many other cities, we faced a huge budget deficit caused by the Great Recession. When I took office the city had a $3million deficit. In addition to bond money for the building, a $2.5 million loan had just been taken out. We had to make painful sacrifices in order to get on the right track, but today we’re operating under a balanced budget with a bright future.
People coming back to our city after a few years are often stunned at this amazing turnaround of what was a drab and fading light industrial strip. The street, like Oak Park itself, has gone from shabby to significant — and inviting.
This summer, the parking lots behind the new restaurants on Eleven Mile will be beautified with new smooth pavement, plantings, water drainage gardens, murals and fun amenities that will make being there an even greater experience.
Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan is focused on the needs of Oak Park residents
Nor is that all. We are building a concert shell and an up-to-date event hub between the library and city hall where we can hold our popular concert series, host city events, and provide a place you can rent for private use. There will be a commercial kitchen and shady places to sit and enjoy summer together.
Oakland County is putting millions into renovating Shepherd Park, making paths accessible for folks pushing strollers or walkers. There will be a renovated shelter with a new commercial kitchen, new play equipment, and places to picnic in the shade. And don’t worry — our beloved historic train will remain!
Your support for our team shows that you value responsive, effective government that is making a positive difference, and that you love Oak Park.
You have my sincere thanks for trusting me with your amazing city. We are on a growth trajectory that everyone is noticing.
Let’s keep it going, and make sure the best is yet to come!
Warm regards,
Mayor Marian McClellan
Cell 248 217 1883