Evan Pratt - Ann Arbor

Evan Pratt is the Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, a full-time elected position. A Democrat and Ann Arbor resident, Pratt was elected to his first four-year term in November 2012 and took office on Jan. 1, 2013. He replaced long-time water resources commissioner Janis Bobrin, who did not seek re-election and who endorsed Pratt in the race. He ran unopposed in November 2016 and was re-elected to a second four-year term.

Evan Pratt at a February 2013 meeting of the Washtenaw County board of commissioners. (Photo from The Ann Arbor Chronicle.)The county's office of the water resources commissioner oversees a range of programs and services, including design, construction & maintenance of more than 500 county drains; emergency flood response; maintenance of seven court set lake levels; financing drain projects through sale of notes and bonds; recovering costs of operation by levying special assessments on private property, local government, and others who benefit from drainage and storm water management improvement projects; implementing the federally-mandated Phase II Stormwater Permit Program; reviewing & approving plans for private storm water systems in new developments and redevelopments; soil erosion and sedimentation control; public works programs; watershed plan development and implementation; and public education programs, including the Community Partners for Clean Streams Program, RiverSafe Homes Program, and Rain Garden Program.

Prior to his election, Pratt worked as a civil/environmental engineer and served on the Ann Arbor planning commission for about eight years, from 2004-2012.

Pratt serves as chair of the nonprofit Huron River Watershed Council board of directors – he has served as a board member since 2003. By virtue of his position as the county's water resources commissioner, Pratt also serves on the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission.

He plays the saxophone, and performs at local venues – including with the band Hullabaloo and as a soloist at Ray Detter's annual Old Fourth Ward party.

Pratt is married to Ann Taylor-Pratt, a teacher. The couple has three children. The family lives on Ann Arbor's near north side, in the Lower Town neighborhood.

Timeline

Jan. 1, 2013: Takes office as Washtenaw County water resources commissioner.

Nov. 6, 2012: Wins election as Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, defeating Republican Eric Scheie. Pratt gets 108,442 votes (68.77%) compared to 48,507 votes (30.76%) for Scheie.

Aug. 7, 2012: Wins Democratic primary for Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, defeating Harry G. Bentz. Pratt gets 13,784 votes (72.20%) compared to 5,215 votes (27.32%) for Bentz.

Evan Pratt as a candidate, walking in the July 4, 2012 Ann Arbor July 4th parade. (Photo from The Ann Arbor Chronicle.)

February 2011: Joins the Spicer Group as senior associate, responsible for the Belleville office.

June 7, 2010: Is re-appointed to the Ann Arbor planning commission in a unanimous vote by the Ann Arbor city council. This third term runs from July 5, 2010 through June 30, 2013.

July 16, 2007: Is re-appointed to the Ann Arbor planning commission in a unanimous vote by the Ann Arbor city council. This second term runs from July 16, 2007 through June 30, 2010.

March 2005: Becomes co-owner & board member of Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment (now called OHM Advisors). Stays at the firm through October 2010.

July 6, 2004: Is appointed by the Ann Arbor city council to replace William Hanson on the Ann Arbor planning commission. The term runs from July 6, 2004 through June 30, 2007.

2003-2012: Member of the American Public Works Association's executive committee, including terms as president (2005-2006) and treasurer (2006-2012).

February 2000: Is promoted to group director, account manager at Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment.

1989: Moves to Washtenaw County. Joins Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment. Over the years, works as client representative, project manager, project engineer and surveyor.

1987-1989: Works as field engineer for Turner Construction Co.

1987: Graduates from MIT’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program.