Ann Arbor appoints new chief of police

Ann Arbor City Council has approved the city administrator’s recommendation to appoint Andre Anderson as the new Ann Arbor police chief. Anderson comes to Ann Arbor after serving as the assistant police chief of Tempe, Arizona. He was also previously the executive deputy chief in Rochester, New York, and commander in Glendale, Arizona. The city looks forward to welcoming Anderson in early 2024.

City to ban gas-powered leaf blowers

At the Dec. 18, 2023, meeting Ann Arbor City Council passed a law to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The ban will be implemented gradually, with gas-fueled leaf blowers allowed for use October through May starting in 2024. By January 2028, gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited in the city. The new law is in response to noise and environmental concerns, as the city strives toward carbon neutrality by 2030, per the A²ZERO plan. 

Gas leaf-blower use will be allowed when necessary during emergency situations. Read ORD-23-35 (PDF) for details. 

Bicentennial message from the city administrator

2024 marks Ann Arbor's A2 Bicentennial! Listen in on City Administrator Milton Dohoney's message to learn how the city and its partners are kicking off the historic year with a community event Friday, Jan. 19; other events and initiatives in the works; and ways YOU can join in the celebration throughout the year. 

Plus, shop online, 24/7, for bicentennial clothing, hats, tumblers, bags and more. And stay up to date with all of the bicentennial events on the A200 website, Facebook and A200 Instagram pages. Visit the bicentennial site on a2gov.org for city-specific information.

CTN launches bicentennial series

Take a look back at Ann Arbor's history as the community celebrates 200 years. CTN is launching a new A2 Bicentennial series with episode No. 1, Moments in Time Art Exhibit.

Winter composting program resumes

Now that regular, weekly compost collections have ended for the season in Ann Arbor, the once-monthly winter collection of food scraps in compost carts will resume. Winter compost curbside collections will take place the weeks of Jan. 8, Feb. 5, and March 4, 2024. Go online for details, including helpful hints and tips.

Christmas tree free drop-off sites

Christmas tree disposal drop-off locations are now open in Ann Arbor through Monday, Jan. 15. Four park locations are accepting undecorated Christmas tree drop offs during normal park hours, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Bicentennial Park (Southeast Area Park) located on Ellsworth at Platt. Trees may be left at the dirt lot north of the basketball courts.

West Park parking lot off Chapin near West Huron Street.

Gallup boat launch parking lot (not the Gallup livery), entrance on the southeast side of Geddes Road, East of Huron Parkway. 

Olson Park parking lot, 1515 Dhu Varren Road, near Pontiac Trail.

The collected trees will be chipped on a regular basis at the park sites. Please remember all tree stands, nails, lights, ornaments, tinsel and plastic items must be removed from the trees and discarded before dropping off. Anything left on the tree can ruin the processing equipment, spoil the landscaping mulch and worse, harm the operators. Since wreaths and evergreen roping (garland) are generally made with wire or plastic backing, these items should not be dropped off and should instead be placed inside trash carts.

For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/compost.

Changes for compost collections

As of Jan. 1, 2024, the city’s compost site operator, WeCare Denali (WeCare) is no longer accepting Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified material or compostable plastics of any kind, including plastic liners. The only products accepted at the city site are those with the Compost Manufacturing Alliance – Windrow (CMA-W) certification and are made of fiber (i.e., paper, wood) materials. Bamboo and palm products are also not accepted. The city hosted webinars for business owners in July about this change, and videos of these sessions are available on the city website for all to view.

The City of Ann Arbor realizes this change may cause frustration for some, especially when stock has been ordered in advance. However, the science and real-world experience with compostable plastics has revealed that they cause confusion, contamination and litter, leading to a poor-quality compost as well as a degraded environment.

See the list of accepted CMA-W certified, fiber-only products that will be accepted by our composting partner, WeCare. This list will be updated quarterly.

More information on the switch to CMA-W and the city's compost program can be found at www.a2gov.org/compost.

Washtenaw County winter warming centers

Emergency shelter for homeless individuals will again be provided during the winter months through the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC), in cooperation with the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development and other local organizations. Daytime warming centers do not require preregistration. For access to overnight warming centers (the Delonis Center, 312 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor), call the Housing Access of Washtenaw County (HAWC) to obtain a referral. More information is available through HAWC at 734.961.1999 or www.housingaccess.net. For community members seeking shelter after 5 p.m., onsite assistance will be provided at the Delonis Center.

If you have questions, contact the Delonis Center at 734.662.2829; find the complete and most up-to-date information on the county website.

Find Your A2 Snow Match

The city is working to help residents prepare for winter weather, and the responsibilities that come with the ice and snow. Residents can sign up now for this season's A2 Snow Match program — either as a volunteer or a recipient —which pairs residents with nearby neighbors to assist with sidewalk snow removal.

Recipients of the volunteer assistance must be city residents 55+ years of age or older OR who self-identify as having a disability; and who do not have access to resources — neither finances to hire a service nor nearby family members or friends to help out with snow removal tasks. Volunteers are matched with homes within a 10-minute walk from their location.

Registration is open now for residents to volunteer –or– for residents who would like to receive snow-clearing services. Learn more and register today! 

Learn more about snow and ice management tips and residents' responsibilities to keep sidewalks, etc., clear.

Free residential sand/salt

During the winter, the city provides residents with up to 5 gallons of a sand/salt mixture, per visit, at locations around Ann Arbor (PDF). Residents must bring their own shovel and bucket as well as load material themselves from the marked boxes. Sand/salt mixture is not for contractors or landscapers. 

Locations:

• Veterans Memorial Park.
• Gallup Park.
• Allmendinger Park.
• 721 N. Main St.
• Buhr Park.
• Burns Park.
• Leslie Park.

Winter reminders

Snow and ice management

Please review these reminders regarding snow and ice management.

Property owners are responsible for removing and/or treating snow/ice on sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops. Residents are also encouraged to help neighbors clear sidewalks, as they're able, to create a safe and walkable community for all ages and abilities during the winter months.

For residential properties:

Within 24 hours, any accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch must be cleared from adjacent sidewalks, concrete bus stop walks and crosswalk ramps. Any ice accumulations must be treated within 18 hours of forming with sand, salt or other substance, to prevent it from becoming slippery. The city is not responsible for clearing mailboxes of snow and/or ice.

For nonresidential properties:

All snow/ice which has accumulated prior to 6 a.m. on a sidewalk adjacent to property must be removed by noon the same day. Snow and ice from walkways and ramps that are at bus stops or that lead to a marked or unmarked crosswalk must also be removed. The owner or occupant must keep the sidewalk effectively treated with sand, salt or other suitable substance in such manner as to prevent ice from being dangerous until such time as it can be removed.

For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/sidewalksnow. To report a problem sidewalk, please use the A2 Fix It app at www.a2gov.org/a2fixit or call 734.794.6942.

Help keep fire hydrants clear

Residents who are able are also being asked to help keep fire hydrants adjacent to their property or in their neighborhoods free from snow and ice. Leaving a 3-foot clearing around hydrants can provide easy access to firefighters in the event of fire. The city thanks you in advance for your assistance!

Winter weather alerts

Sign up now for emergency alerts from the City of Ann Arbor, via Everbridge, to be notified in the event of a weather-related or any other emergency. 

Washtenaw County has set winter-weather condition categories and accompanying actions necessary.

Red: Extremely hazardous driving conditions exist on major highways and roads with heavy snow and/or ice, severe drifting and/or extremely limited visibility. Motorists are urged not to drive.

Yellow: Very hazardous driving conditions exist with heavy snow, ice, drifting or limited visibility. Motorists are urged if they must drive, use extreme care, and allow for significant drive time.

Warning: Hazardous weather has arrived and poses a threat to life or property. Take protective action.

Advisory: Hazardous weather is imminent or likely.

Watch: The risk of hazardous weather has increased but occurrence, location or timing is uncertain.

Visit the city website for more information and the michigan.gov website for the "How to Prepare for a Winter Storm" packet.

CTN highlights

Discover CTN’s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

FYI — CEO of Recycle Ann Arbor Bryan Ukena gives an update on the Materials Recovery Center (MRF); the Moments in Time Art Exhibit at Concordia University celebrates Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial; and snow removal guidelines. 

FYI — Dan Cairns with Oxford Companies shares how the property management company earned the honor of Best Places to Work in 2023 by Crains Detroit Business; the National Chinese Orchestra in Taiwan; and snow removal guidelines in Ann Arbor. 

Santa Satellite Network 2023! 

Christmas at the Petting Farm. 

City Round Up — Tips to prepare for winter weather.

City of Ann Arbor cart placement animation: Right or Wrong. 

City of Ann Arbor bike lane cart placement animation. 

CTN Bicentennial Series, episode 1, Moments in Time Art Exhibit. 

Soapbox: Tops Club. 

Soapbox: Passion Hero. 

Ward Talk – Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. 

National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan (NCO) Residency and Gala Performance at the Ann Arbor District Library. 

CTN Winter Sports Coverage Schedule. 

A²ZERO news

Catch up on the latest from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI). For more information, including registration links, visit OSI online. 

Sustainability series

The Ann Arbor Sustainability Series is back for another season at the Ann Arbor District Library! Attend these public events to learn more and ask questions about exciting new programs, initiatives and updates from the city and community collaborators.

1. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6–7:30 p.m. Topic: Electrification.
2. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6–7:30 p.m. Topic: Home Energy Rating Disclosure.
3. Wednesday, March 27, 6–7:30 p.m. Topic: Circular Economy and e-Waste.
4. Wednesday, April 24, 6–7:30 p.m. Topic: Equity in Action through A²ZERO.
5. Wednesday, May 29, 6–7:30 p.m. Topic: Rebates and Home Energy Advisor Services.

Calling future A²ZERO Ambassadors

The A²ZERO Ambassador Program applications are now open for assembly of the sixth group! If you or anyone you know is interested in being an A²ZERO Ambassador, please visit the ambassador website.  Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 14. As part of the program, ambassadors can opt into assisting on a sustainability related project with other members of their cohort supported OSI staff or community partner. If you have an idea for a sustainability-related project that could use a team of dedicated volunteers, please reach out to OSI at [email protected]. Join now to be a part of the group that will achieve the goal of 100 trained A²ZERO Ambassadors by 2025!

Good news on solar

Ann Arbor has installed 218 solar systems as of Dec. 13, making 2023 the biggest year for solar installations in the city’s history. Combined, the installations added over 1.8 MW of solar in Ann Arbor and brought solar adoptions rates to 4% of all residential households. With yet another strong year of solar installations, Ann Arbor continues to be a leader in solar adoption as we strive toward achieving our A²ZERO goals. But let’s not stop there; let’s make 2024 even better! Consider joining OSI for a Solarize group in 2024 by learning more and registering your interest at www.a2gov.org/solar or by contacting OSI’s Joe Lange at [email protected].

A2 Votes 2024

Take a look ahead at elections in 2024, including what you need to know and how to prepare in advance for voting ease.

2024 state and federal elections

• Presidential Primary Election — Feb. 27, 2024.
• State Primary Election — Aug. 6, 2024.
• General Election — Nov. 5, 2024.

Introducing: Early in-person voting

With the passage of Proposal 2 in 2022, voters now have the right to vote in-person at an early-voting site prior to Election Day for all statewide and federal elections. 2024 early voting begins Saturday, Feb. 17, for the Presidential Primary Election. Voters who have received a **ballot in the mail and want to cast their ballot in person can do so at an early-voting site.

Early voting sites will be open nine consecutive days beginning the second Saturday prior to the election and ending the Sunday before Election Day. More information, including hours for each election, is available at www.a2gov.org/earlyvoting.

Residents registered to vote in the city of Ann Arbor can choose to early vote in 2024 at one of these locations (PDF): 

1. Larcom City Hall.

2. Traverwood Library.

3. Mallets Creek Library.

4. Westgate Library.

5. *University of Michigan Museum of Art.

6. *University of Michigan Pierpont Commons/Duderstadt Center.

*Open for February and November elections only.

Prepare now, save time later

The city clerk’s office is predicting a/another busy election year with high voter turnouts, particularly for the February and November elections. Here are some steps to take now to help ensure casting your ballot can be hassle free.

Register to vote

Check your voter registration status, absentee ballot status and view sample ballots at the online Michigan voter information center: www.michigan.gov/vote.

Voter registration may occur at the city clerk’s office in person and up until 8 p.m. on Election Day (but why wait and risk long lines?).

Those who wish to register to vote can still do so in person and with a photo ID at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office. During the last 14-days prior to an election, voters will also need to provide proof of residency in order to register to vote. The city clerk’s office is on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. On-street or lot parking is located on Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue.

Voting options

Decide the best voting option for you, based on your personal preference, situation and circumstances. Will you vote by mail, vote at an early-voting site, or vote in-person at your polling place on Election Day?

**Want to vote early or vote absentee? Choose one of these ways to get a ballot.

1. Apply online at the Michigan Voter Information Center site. 
2. Call to request an application be sent by mail: 734.794.6140.
3. Apply in person at the city clerk's office. Ballots issued in person are only given to the voter. Spouses and family members may return applications, but may not pick up the unvoted ballots for each other.
4. Fill out, print, sign and return the online application form to the city clerk via email [email protected], U.S. mail or fax. An official form, however, is not required. Any written request for an absentee ballot, signed by the voter, will be accepted. Voters requesting and picking up absentee ballots in person at the city clerk's office will be subject to the Michigan voter identification requirement. 

Stay informed all year long

• Complete information on all elections in Ann Arbor can be found at www.a2gov.org/elections.
• The Michigan Voter Information site shows your voter registration status, absentee ballot status, your polling place location, your specific ballot for the current election, and more. 
• Follow the Ann Arbor City Clerk on Instagram. 
• Follow the City of Ann Arbor on Facebook, X, and, city residents, find “City of Ann Arbor” on NextDoor.
• Subscribe to “elections” updates right to your email inbox.

Extended hours

The Ann Arbor City Clerk's office often extends its hours leading up to elections. For February 2024, the city clerk’s office will have special hours for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests, in addition to its 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday regular hours. The office will also be open ahead of the Presidential Primary Election Day 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17; Sunday, Feb. 18; Saturday, Feb. 24; and Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.

Questions?

Call the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office at 734.794.6140.