Mai Xong resigns from Eau Claire City Council to pursue position in Evers administration

City Clerk Carrie Riepl received the attached correspondence from former Eau Claire City Council Member Mai Xiong, indicating Ms. Xiong’s resignation from her service on the Eau Claire City Council effective April 9, 2021.

Ms. Xiong’s service on the City Council since her election to office in April of 2020 has been instrumental in the City Council’s development and adoption of the Statement responding to the death of George Floyd in June 2020 and the more recent Resolution condemning violence against the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community in March 2021.

The Eau Claire City Council members, City staff, and the community thank Ms. Xiong for her dedication and commitment to the ongoing growth, development and engagement of the City of Eau Claire and its residents.  Ms. Xiong served on many of the City’s boards, committees and task force groups including the Housing Authority and Housing Opportunities Commission.  Her correspondence is attached.


Terry Weld
City Council President

City of Eau Claire Elections Office
203 S Farwell Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701

April 9, 2021

Dear Elections Office and Eau Claire City Council,

The year 2020 has been a year filled with successes and accomplishments despite the challenges we all faced; It has also been a year filled with positive transitions. This past year, I am most humbled to gain an entire city's trust to serve on a council filled with the most confident, passionate, and dedicated group of elected official colleagues by over 10,500 votes. This trust, I don't take lightly; it gave me hope, and it also gave hope to the emerging young leaders of our city. This year has proven to me that our city is indeed ready to move forward in a way where we will embrace all of our community members and that we are ready and prepared to create a place where everyone matters. However, our work doesn't end there.

While we have established and accomplished many positive initiatives to move our city towards being a vibrant city with exceptional quality of life and services, it is undeniable that this Pandemic, COVID-19, has negatively impacted many lives. While COVID had closed some doors, it has opened other doors for many. As I mentioned, 2020 being a transitional year, it has allowed me to embark on a new career and accept an honorable job opportunity that will continue to advocate for and support equitable, affordable housing creations in the Northwestern Wisconsin Region. I am also honored to share that in January 2021, Governor Evers had entrusted me as one of 30 leaders throughout Wisconsin that have been appointed to serve on the Governor's Equity and Inclusion Council. As of late March 2021, I was honored to accept the appointment to be the Vice-Chair for the Gov. Equity and Inclusion Council. With great excitement, I share these successes and new responsibilities; it is also with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must share with you my decision to resign from my post as your council member in order to continue to serve our community in the most impactful way that I can. This resignation is effective immediately.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all staff members and council members who have worked hard to keep our city safe and moving forward in the right direction. I look forward to the continued working relationship as your regional representative and vice-chair on the Governor's Equity and Inclusion Council and as your Regional Community and Economic Development Officer. I also look forward to other opportunities to serve our wonderful city.

Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity to serve and witness the amazingly inspiring work that goes into making our city a livable, lovable, and fun city.

Sincerely,

Mai Xiong,
Council Member At-Large