Aaron Martinez, Novi City Council Member

07/08/2026

Hiya, Novi! I am a little late in providing a City Council update, but I promise it's not been for a lack of working! Since joining Council, I have tried to be clear about how I am approaching each issue. My philosophy has largely been to enforce the City’s rules and procedures, protect residents, insist on real public benefits when zoning changes are requested, invest in our core services, and make sure Novi plans for the future without ignoring the financial realities in front of us. Here is a breakdown of where I've stood these last few months:

PLANNING, ZONING, AND DEVELOPMENT:
Several major development proposals have come before Council.

I supported The Grove at 12 Mile and Meadowbrook after the applicant substantially revised the project, reduced density, added meaningful conservation/open space, provided trail and park connections, and addressed many concerns raised by Council, Planning Commission, staff, and residents. I appreciated the work that went into this because it provided housing variety, environmental preservation, and public benefits in a way that fit the area better than the prior zoning it had for medical buildings.

I supported Mariella Estates in the Southwest Corner of the City because the PRO agreement clearly identified the public benefits, including compatibility with nearby single-family neighborhoods, protection of natural features, and a limited density increase tied to a better overall site plan.

I did not support Camelot Parc at tentative approval. My concern was not that the property could/should never be developed. My concern was that a PSLR overlay requires a higher standard for approval and requires more than just complying with our ordinances. It's a very high standard by design. I did not believe the public-benefit package and substitute safeguards were strong enough yet to justify the requested deviations. This will come back to Council for a final vote in the future.

Providence Meadows has not been voted on, but came to us for initial review with a lot of residents making their voices heard. I made clear that I was not prepared to support the proposal as presented. My concerns included consistency with the recently adopted Master Plan, whether the claimed public benefits were truly usable and substantial, whether “attainable housing” pricing would remain realistic in Novi’s market, and whether this parcel should remain aligned with medical, research, office, and commercial economic-development goals rather than being converted to residential.

INFRASTRUCTURE, WATER, AND UTILITIES
The GLWA water disruption was one of the most serious issues we have discussed. I thanked Novi staff for their work during the emergency, but I also told GLWA directly that Novi residents are rightfully fed up. This is not a one-time inconvenience. Novi has had repeated disruptions, and I agreed with calling it an infrastructure emergency. I pressed GLWA on communication failures, the lack of updated information to Novi, why Novi keeps being uniquely affected, reimbursement/claims issues, and where replacement of the 14 Mile transmission main stands in GLWA’s capital priorities.

I also pulled the GLWA settlement-related legal services item from our consent agenda because I was glad to see Novi protecting its residents and exploring creative ways to recover funds where regional systems have failed us.

On broadband and fiber, I have pressed Ezee Fiber for direct contact information, clearer resident complaint reporting, outage information, and better coordination with Novi staff so residents can get issues resolved quickly.

DATA CENTERS
I also raised the issue of modern data centers, including AI-related facilities, because this is an area where technology may be moving faster than our current zoning ordinance. My concern was to make sure Novi is not caught with a blind spot in its ordinance. Traditional “data processing and computer centers” we have in our ordinance may not be the same thing as today’s high-powered data centers, which can raise different questions about energy demand, land use, infrastructure, noise, cooling, and neighborhood compatibility. Many proposed centers can also fit on just a half-acre of land. This is an issue we should be proactive about.

I pushed for our City Attorney and staff to specifically craft an ordinance for our consideration that would require special land use review so that residents have a meaningful opportunity to evaluate potential impacts and the Council has to go on record with a vote to do so. The City Attorney and staff confirmed they were already reviewing the issue and would bring back a draft for our consideration.

PUBLIC SAFETY
I have supported the work being done to implement the voter-approved public safety building bond, including construction management, bond issuance, technology/security design, 911 phone-system replacement, Fire Station 2 and 3 schematic designs, and related infrastructure work. My focus has been simple: residents approved a major investment, and Council has to make sure the City receives full value from it.

During our January goal setting, I also raised the issue and concern over our public safety staffing. If Novi builds modern public safety facilities, we need to continue planning for the people who will work in them. I will continue to push for this issue to ensure Novi residents get the full value of their public safety proceeds.

BUDGET, TAXES, AND LONG-TERM FINANCES
The 2026-2027 budget discussion was pretty sobering. I supported the budget for the next fiscal year, but I also make clear that I believed the City’s “check engine light” is on. Novi is not in crisis, but recurring expenses and recurring revenues are moving in the wrong direction. Novi is not alone in this and many cities are seeing it far worse than we are. Before asking residents for more, Council needs to make sure the City has tightened its belt responsibly.

I supported separating the 2026-2027 budget from the uncertain out-year forecasts so staff could keep working through the longer-term projections. The updates we've received from the City administration indicate that all of our departments are taking this seriously and working to find ways to reduce our overhead without reducing services.

I supported putting the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) millage question on the November ballot. I originally raised concerns about putting it on an August ballot because November will have higher turnout and gives residents more time to hear the full story of what the CIP millage has funded over the last 10 years. I support the millage because it funds major capital needs like fire apparatus, parks, facilities, pathways, and preservation projects without forcing those costs into the general fund. I fully support this millage being passed in November so we can continue to future-proof our city.

I also supported the library millage adjustment because the current library debt millage is falling off, and this allows long-term maintenance planning while still reducing the overall library-related tax burden compared to the expiring debt service. Fewer taxes, and maintained library services are a win-win.

NOVI ICE ARENA
No final sale has occurred. Council discussed whether to solicit bids. I said I am willing to see what offers come in, but I have real concerns about any future resale, protecting the dog park parcel, and making sure Novi does not lose hockey and skating access. This is a “head and heart” issue for me because I grew up spending time there as a kid, but I recognize Council has to evaluate the long-term cost and risk of owning aging facilities. The City continues to explores its options here and we have heard from a lot of residents.

SMALL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
I supported K-Bunsik’s liquor license because the business is local, unique to its area, and adds to economic activity in that part of Novi. Because Novi had only one quota license available, Shake Shack’s request then had to be denied because there were no remaining licenses to grant.

I also supported creating a path toward a Novi Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. This will allow us to receive dollars that would normally go elsewhere, and can help the city to encourage redevelopment of existing spaces, and to have more local control when redevelopment opportunities arise.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY QUALITY
I supported the food-scrap composting pilot program because it is a practical, low-cost way to test whether residents will use a food-waste diversion program. Residents can now drop off food compost at Ella Mae Power Park and MSU Tollgate. I also supported neighborhood entryway grants and appreciated the discussion about encouraging more native plantings.

THAT IS A LOT OF WORDS TO SAY...
I have tried to keep my approach to the issues as consistent as possible. I will support projects that meet the standards, improve Novi, and provide real public value; push back when the record is not strong enough; and keep residents informed before major decisions are made. Several important items are still coming back, including Providence Meadows, the Ice Arena discussion, infrastructure planning, and ongoing public safety construction. I will keep sharing updates as those decisions move forward.

Let me know if you have any questions! Our next Council Meeting is on July 13, 2026 at 7PM.

04/01/2026

Our City Council's Long Range Strategic Planning Committee needs your input to develop the Novi 2050 Strategic Plan. The Committee is working to help guide City leaders toward a shared vision for the next 25 years.

Many residents ask for opportunities to be involved and give feedback - this is one of those important times.

What are Novi's strengths? Where are our opportunities to become better? Your feedback on these points (and more) will directly help the Committee and the Council moving forward. Take the survey and make your voice heard:

This plan will help guide City leaders toward a shared vision for the next 25 years – building upon a tradition of excellence and planning for a future we can create together.

03/19/2026

Last November, Mayor Fischer appointed me to serve as the City’s delegate to the SEMCOG, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments - a non-partisan organization representing our region’s municipalities, counties, and schools. Today I am attending my first General Assembly meeting on behalf of the City of Novi.

Novi’s relationship with SEMCOG has been very fruitful over the past several years, especially under the leadership of SEMCOG Chair Commissioner Gwen Markham. At our last Council meeting, Commissioner Markham was on hand to present the City with a check for $1.4 Million in federal funding to help with road improvements to address congestion and improve air quality.

SEMCOG is also one of the organizations leading the charge against 9 bills in the Michigan Legislature which would take away the City’s decision-making authority to regulate zoning and housing development. SEMCOG is supporting a counter-proposal with bipartisan support that emphasizes local and state partnership to solve the housing crisis through innovative funding plans, and keeping control in the hands of your local elected leaders.

03/07/2026

02/25/2026

We’re following the reports on the lockdown in Novi. No danger to the public is believed to exist and precautions are being taken. Follow City of Novi - Government & Community Services for updates as they become available.

A shooting at an apartment complex in Novi has caused lockdowns at schools in the area, according to a source.

02/12/2026

Love is in the air at Meadowbrook Activity Center! Our Older Adult Services team threw a great Valentines Day celebration with music from the Harmonytown Chorus. So many residents and visitors who love our city and the opportunities they’ve found here.

02/02/2026

Happy February! Here’s an update from the City Manager about what’s happening in Novi.

01/15/2026

Good morning, Novi!

Our Snow Team has been working through the night and early morning as more than 6 inches of snow fell across the city, with heavy drifting in some areas. As of this morning, crews have made a first pass through about 75% of neighborhoods and will continue working to complete all residential areas, along with keeping major roadways clear.

With temperatures dropping into the single digits and wind chills well below zero, salt isn’t very effective today. That means some snow and icy spots will remain, and roads—especially where snow is packed—may look rough as conditions change. Please take it slow, allow extra travel time, and use caution when driving.

Thank you to residents who moved cars off neighborhood streets—it really helps our crews do their jobs.

If you’re able, check in on a neighbor and help with a driveway or sidewalk.

Stay warm and safe!

01/14/2026

The snow is coming down but our DPW Team has been ready for what’s in store since early this morning! Thanks to Director Herczeg and Chuck for letting me get a front row seat to the prep work happening behind the scenes.

01/14/2026

This past Saturday, I participated in my first Council Goals Session since being elected - and the first City Council meeting of the new year! These goals are important because they set the tone for our priorities for the year and they directly inform budget planning, work plans, and how staff time is spent. The goal of the Council was to sift through all of the goals introduced by each member and present the staff with 6-10 overarching goals to work on through this year.

Going into the goal session as the new guy, I aimed to introduce goals that I believed were both aspirational but measured. I introduced 7 goals on a wide range of issues including a joint session of the City Council and Planning Commission for the purpose of increased resident education on planning and zoning; increased fire department staffing; increasing parks and recreation event space through the CIP millage, and more.

Council reached consensus on a package of “passed goals” that focus on (to paraphrase):

(1) modernizing how we measure resident satisfaction through a recurring citywide survey similar to what was done in the past;
(2) developing a public art strategy, including a sustainable approach to funding and grant/donation opportunities;
(3) completing a community needs/scope study in coordination with Novi Schools while exploring shared-use opportunities;
(4) bringing forward the analysis and planning needed to place the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) millage renewal before voters in August 2026;
(5) developing strategic plans for key City-owned properties so we are ready when opportunities arise;
(6) resetting Novi’s economic development strategy to place more of a focus on added commercial and less on residential; and
(7) creating a five-year plan to address compensation and benefit costs to support long-term financial stability.

I am proud that I was able to co-sponsor the Public Art goal with Mayor Pro Tem Casey, who has long been a proponent of Public Art in Novi. I also joined several of my colleagues in co-sponsoring the continued collaboration between the City and the Novi Schools. Council also unanimously supported the CIP millage renewal planning goal sponsored by Mayor Fischer.

An important note on process: Council is always free to adopt and implement additional priorities and programs later, even if they weren’t adopted as one of the goals during this session. Goals help set the roadmap for the year, but the Council is able to respond as situations arise and develop.

I’ll continue providing updates as we move forward with the goals and our upcoming budget season! Next meeting of the City Council is Monday, January 26, 2026.