Mayor frames Ferndale as a 'destination,' highlights volunteers, ballot measures and centennial plans

Mayor Rayon Le opened Ferndale’s 2026 State of the City address by calling the city a “destination” that continues to attract residents and visitors.

“People are choosing Ferndale, and data speaks for itself,” Mayor Le said, citing a Detroit Free Press report that Ferndale was one of three inner-ring Detroit suburbs to gain population since 2020, with a 1.3% increase. The mayor framed the evening around volunteerism and community connection, thanking boards, commissions and the volunteers “who are the backbone of this community.”

The mayor recognized state and local officials in attendance, including State Representative Helena Scott and Mayor Pro Tem Laura Makowski, and acknowledged departing council members Donnie Johnson and Greg Pollica.

Le also outlined two charter amendment questions that will appear on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. The first would allow the city to adopt an ordinance combining the police-and-fire retirement system with the general employee retirement system; Le said the change would not alter retiree benefits but is intended to improve the system’s funded ratio and reduce pension payments from the general fund. The second proposal would remove outdated language regarding the civil service board, transferring those duties to human resources because those responsibilities are already carried out administratively, the mayor said.

Looking ahead, Le invited residents to help plan Ferndale’s centennial celebration next year and closed by urging continued civic engagement. “Whether you’ve lived here 40 years or 40 days, something about the city called to you,” she said.

The address included a series of departmental recognitions and program updates; the mayor said more specific project timelines and community forums (such as the school-district “Soup with the Schools” events) will provide additional detail in coming weeks.