Jennifer Andress, an advocate and two-term Homewood council member representing Ward five, has announced her candidacy for the city’s mayor.

Her campaign will focus on strengthening public safety, supporting local schools, protecting parks and neighborhoods and providing responsive, transparent leadership for residents, she said.

Andress said she hopes to make history as the city’s first female mayor and lead Homewood through its transition to a new form of government.

“Homewood is entering a new chapter,” Andress said in a statement. “I’m ready to run! With important decisions ahead and a new form of government taking shape, we need steady leadership, practical experience and someone who’s ready to get to work on day one.”

The municipal election, happening on Aug. 26, marks the city’s shift to a manager-council form of government, combining the mayor and council’s leadership with the professional experience of the appointed local government manager.

With the new structure comes a reduction to the council, from 11 members to four, each designated to represent one of four wards, instead of the current five, with the mayor serving as council president to increase efficiency within city government.

The current mayor, Alex Wyatt, announced that he does not plan to run for re-election, according to the Homewood Star.

Andress is the director of external affairs for the Freshwater Land Trust, where she leads efforts to expand trail systems, preserve natural spaces and connect communities across the county.

She and her husband Keith raised their two sons in Homewood. And Andress said she is a mom on a mission.

“I’ve been in the meetings, on the trails, in the neighborhoods, and out doing the work,” Andress said in a statement. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about service. And I have the energy, the drive, and the experience to lead Homewood into its next chapter. This will be a new way to be Homewood’s mayor and it is what our community deserves. ”