Jon Mallek

Jon Mallek was elected to Ann Arbor City Council in November 2024 and has enjoyed meeting residents across the city while representing Ward 2. His policy priorities include environmental and infrastructure improvements, housing affordability, and ensuring a sound budget and transparent budget process. Jon is a lifelong public servant with experience in federal and state government, specializing in agricultural policy. Originally from Junction City, Wisconsin, Jon grew up on his family’s dairy farm, which sparked his interest in agriculture and instilled a strong work ethic. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Studies, and French from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. After graduation, Jon served as a Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer in Senegal with the United States Peace Corps, followed by environmental conservation work as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Nevada. Jon later completed a master’s degree in International Economic Relations at American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C. He applied that expertise in federal roles, first as a Research Assistant in the Agriculture Office at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and then as an International Economist with the Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In that capacity, Jon represented the United States in agricultural trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. He has also consulted extensively with the World Bank on topics ranging from global technological adoption and housing trends, to demographic and infrastructure challenges in Latin America. Today, Jon serves as Policy Director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in Lansing, where he oversees federal and state agricultural policy for the state and leads initiatives on emerging issues in food systems and climate resilience. Outside of his professional work and Council duties, Jon enjoys going on runs throughout the city and on the Border to Border Trail. In 2024, he completed the #VisitEveryPark challenge by visiting all 160+ public parks in Ann Arbor on runs starting from his home. When he isn’t running, he also enjoys gardening, visiting the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, and indulging in his love of ice cream. Jon lives in Ward 2 with his husband, Jason, and their two cats, Doug and Joey.