Labor Day

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed, and curbside collection of trash/recycling/compost will not take place, on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 2. Curbside pickups will resume, with a one-day delay, Tuesday and continue through Saturday. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!?

Are you ready for some (college) football?

University of Michigan football season is upon us, which again brings about game-day street closures and on-street parking restrictions in certain stadium-area neighborhoods. Per City Council resolution, street closures begin three hours before each game until the end of the game, except for southbound South Main Street, which will be closed beginning one hour before until the end of each game. The other related closures are:

• Closure of westbound right turn lane of East Stadium Boulevard onto South Main Street just south of Michigan Stadium.
• Closure of South Main Street to both local and through traffic from Stadium Boulevard to Pauline
• Limited access to parking permit holders on Greene Street from East Hoover to Keech

Also note, on-street parking on game days will again be prohibited for residents and visitors in certain stadium-area neighborhoods. Check out the map (PDF), the Ann Arbor Police Department explainer video and visit the parking webpage for details.

Roll out a Midwest welcome

Two University of Michigan home football games, in particular, this month are expected to bring even more fans than usual to the city. U of M will host the University of Texas Sept. 7 and newcomer to the Big10, the University of Southern California, Sept. 21.

It?s true, our community has U of M home football game days down to a science. We can navigate the extra traffic, congestion and crowds with patience and precision. However, these schools aren?t just known for their school spirit, but also for their huge fan bases who travel to away games ? and may have plans to arrive early and stay beyond the football Saturdays.

The city is asking community members to please be prepared for additional traffic and crowds during these times, especially. Visiting fans will readily see for themselves why Ann Arbor is a great destination for all. Let?s also show them a warm Midwest welcome.

Watch the Ann Arbor Police Department?s brief video for visiting and home-team fans, alike, reviewing some game-day basics. And visit the AAPD game day information webpage for more information and a variety of resources. Go Blue!?

2024 Water Resource Recovery Facility Open House

The Ann Arbor Water Resource Recovery Facility Open House is Saturday, Sept. 14! The event takes place at the water treatment facility, 49 S. Dixboro Road, 9 a.m.?noon. Learn how Ann Arbor?s wastewater is treated, and meet the city staff behind the fascinating process.?

Free tours of the plant will be offered, running every 20 minutes, and must be reserved in advance. The last tour will start at 11:40 a.m.?

• Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum activities for kids of all ages
• Interaction with staff to learn about the plant and how things work
• Huron River Watershed Council exhibit
• Light refreshments

Bring the family; all ages are welcome!

Find your happy place: Parks fall round up

School is back in session. The leaves are changing. The days are getting shorter. But what remains are so many opportunities to continue to play, socialize, be happy, have fun, help out and ENJOY everything that awaits just outside your doorstep ... with Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation!?

Program and activity registration is going on now for all ages, interests and abilities that will: Teach you to swim or improve your strokes | Keep you steady on ice skates and even ready for hockey | Harness your creativity and expand your social circles | Preserve Ann Arbor's natural areas and help out our plant and animal residents | And so much more! Check out your options, and get ready to grow.?

Late-summer and early-fall harvests are in season these coming months at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Hours through December are: Saturdays and Wednesdays 7 a.m.?3 p.m. FREE parking in the market lot | Credit/Debit and mobile pay accepted | Food assistance accepted | Service animals only | Accessible restrooms available. Visit the market on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the bounty.??

Golfers, you can still get in a round or two! Cooler temps(?) and color-changing scenery just add to the experience. Book your tee time at Leslie Park and Huron Hills golf courses.?

Also ... Save the date to join the fun ? as a participant or volunteer ? at Trick-or-Treat on the River noon?4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Gallup Park Canoe Livery! Spend the afternoon enjoying the haunting fall beauty of the Huron River while trick-or-treating by canoe or kayak. Paddle in Gallup Pond to encounter creatures handing out treats, and keep an eye out for ducks, swamp monsters, witches and pirates on your river adventure! Feel free to dress up, bring a bag for your candy and your own water bottle. Enjoy lawn games, activities and more. The last boat leaves at 3 p.m. | Cost: The rental fee is $25 per boat | No preregistration required | All ages welcome, but children must be 1 year or older.?Event volunteers are also needed (you even get to dress in costume if you?d like)! Sign up to help out today!?

The more than 160 Ann Arbor parks also provide a perfect setting for enjoyment simply at your leisure! Enjoy the playgrounds | Stroll, jog or roll along a path and even along the river | Join a pick-up basketball game | Try pickleball or stick with tennis | Or just take a rest and take in nature on a bench. The choice is yours.

This November, Ann Arbor voters will be asked whether to renew the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, to continue to support the principal funding source for park system capital (larger-scale) improvements, ongoing repairs and restoration programs, for the next 20 years, 2025?2044. The current, six-year Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage expires this year. The upcoming millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Millage-funded projects include major renovations to replace aging amenities, to improve accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and to remain current with recreational trends. A renewed millage in November would also allow for an enhanced, proactive approach and planning to protect the structural integrity of buildings, playgrounds, game courts, paths and other park amenities over the next 20 years. Learn more by visiting the park maintenance and capital improvements webpage.

Placement of yard signs

As temporary signs start to dot the landscape ? touting political candidates and proposals, businesses, services, directions, favorite parks(!), etc. ? it?s important to know the rules for where signs may be placed. Please also remember, a temporary sign is intended for a limited period of display. Learn more at url.a2gov.org/a2yardsignguide.

A NOBLE appointment

Congratulations to Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson on his appointment to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) international board! This prestigious appointment highlights Chief Anderson?s exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing justice through action, promoting effective community policing and dedicating himself to the professional development of law enforcement executives across the country.?

Ask Ann

The City of Ann Arbor website now features a 24/7 virtual assistant to help web visitors more easily find information. Introducing Ask Ann, which ?lives? at the bottom-right section of the browser window for both desktop and mobile users. Clicking on the Ask Ann icon launches a chat window, greeting visitors and prompting them to enter their question. Ask Ann understands and communicates in 71 languages, using conversational AI (artificial intelligence) for a more seamless and inclusive visitor experience. Have a question about the city? Go ahead, Ask Ann!

We?re Instagram official

You can now follow the City of Ann Arbor on Instagram! In continued efforts to meet community members where they already ?are,? Instagram adds one more option to keep up with news, opportunities, updates and posts-of-interest directly from the city. Follow us at @thecityofannarborgovernment ? and if you haven?t already, join the city on Facebook, X and, for residents, on NextDoor!

Sustainability corner

Directly from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI), catch up on the latest A²ZERO information, celebrations and opportunities. Visit OSI online for even more details (including registration links when not included in the following).?

Fall 2024 FreeTree Giveaway

Registration (required) for the Fall 2024 FreeTree Giveaway opens Monday, Sept. 9! Register in advance, and get up to five trees to take home and plant on your private property! You must be a resident of Washtenaw County to participate. Once you register, pickup will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at Clague Middle School (2616 Nixon Road). Tree species will include Eastern white pine, Red pine, White spruce and Balsam fir. Go online for more information about these species. Tree planting and care information will be provided with every tree. All trees will be small, bare-root seedlings that will fit easily inside your vehicle. Special thanks to the Washtenaw County Conservation District for partnering with the City of Ann Arbor to provide the trees available at this giveaway event.

Finding an electric vehicle charging station is about to get easier

The City of Ann Arbor is receiving a $2.8 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the city! Funds will be used to install 48 publicly available chargers at public parking lots, multi-unit dwellings and large retail spaces, for example, as part of the city's efforts to increase accessibility ? for all ? to EV charging. This initiative will make driving an EV more affordable, convenient and reliable and supports the city's A²ZERO goal to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality. Read the announcement from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell's office in full!?

OSI is also pleased to announce that applications for the City of Ann Arbor Commercial EV Charger Program are now being accepted! Continuing the goal of increasing the availability of publicly accessible EV chargers, the Commercial EV Charger Program provides an opportunity for commercial and multifamily property owners in Ann Arbor to receive up to four FREE level 2 EV chargers. Visit OSI online to learn more about the program and to get the application.

And there?s so much more good news and progress to share on the A2ZERO front ?

Here?s your ?Green Light? to learn about SEU. Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director Missy Stults was recently featured on Community Television Network?s (CTN) program, Green Light, to share details of Ann Arbor?s proposed sustainable energy utility (SEU). The optional, supplemental, community-owned energy utility would provide 100% renewable energy from local solar and battery storage systems and networked geothermal at opt-in, participating homes and businesses in the city. The SEU proposal will appear on the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election ballot for Ann Arbor voters to consider. Check out this episode of Green Light ? and visit the Ann Arbor SEU webpage ? for more information. The CTN Green Light series digs into sustainability in Ann Arbor with the residents who are envisioning, creating and establishing a sustainable and equitable future for our community. Bookmark ? and check back ? for more episodes!?

OSI has reached a major milestone: 5MW of solar energy generated through the Ann Arbor Solarize program. From a twinkle in the eye a few years ago to one of OSI?s cornerstone programs, Solarize has helped over 690 households install solar ? equating to $2.3 million in upfront cost savings. Learn more about Solarize or whether solar is a good option for you!?

The city is excited to provide a series of home energy rebates to help advance sustainability, and A²ZERO goals. The $1.9 million community investment program is expected to offer over 1,300 sustainability-related rebates to residents across the city. At least 50% of the rebates will be for income-qualified households. Please note that rebates will apply only to projects and purchases completed on or after July 1, 2024.?

The A²ZERO Home Energy Advisor program is now open for all Ann Arbor residents! The wait list has been addressed, and the portal is open. Sign up for your free home assessment, and individualized decarbonization plan for your home. Bring all your questions: Your upstairs is hot? Your bills are high? Your water heater needs replacing soon? Learn more and sign up!?

New state bill enables sustainability activities at HOAs! The Michigan legislature passed, and Governor Whitmer has signed, new legislation that prohibits homeowners associations (HOAs) from limiting access to on-site solar as well as heat pumps, clotheslines and other energy efficiency measures. OSI has published a model energy policy template for HOAs (PDF), and residents living in HOAs who would like to learn more about how the Solarize program might help their communities can contact OSI Energy Coordinator Connor Dailey at [email protected].

The city has just released a request for proposal for a Phase II Municipalization study. All responses are due by Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.

. . . . . Upcoming events . . . . .?

Air Quality Monitoring Forum | Friday, Sept. 13, 6?7:30 p.m. | Ann Arbor District Library, Westgate Branch. Join staff from the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations and the Office of Information Technology to learn about Ann Arbor?s air quality monitoring work. Find details and please be sure to register to attend the forum.?

Climate Action in T?bingen, Germany ? What we can learn from Ann Arbor?s Sister City | Wednesday Sept. 18, 6?7:30 p.m. | Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Branch. Hear from Lord Mayor Palmer of T?bingen, Germany, as he shares what Ann Arbor?s Sister City is doing to equitably address the climate crisis and how it can help shape Ann Arbor?s A²ZERO initiative. This interactive session provides a truly unique opportunity to hear directly from representatives from Sister City representatives about their work to make T?bingen one of the most sustainable cities in the world.

Head downtown for the annual Green Fair Sept. 20! Join us in the heart of downtown for the annual Ann Arbor Green Fair Friday, Sept. 20, 5?8 p.m. Visit more than 80 exhibitors with information about renewable energy, energy waste reduction, the circular economy, local food systems, environmental resources, green transportation, environmental advocacy and justice, urban forestry, and so much more! As you stroll the exhibits: Enjoy live music with the Vicissitones | Join the Bike Parade for the Planet at 6 p.m. | Bring a t-shirt for a sustainable screen print | Bring a gadget to try fixing at the All Hands Active Repair Station | Dance with Huron the Water Drop | Check out a storm drain scope | And test your climate action knowledge at the A²ZERO Trivia Booth! Green Fair also kicks off A2Tech360 and the World Car Free Week Challenge events. We hope to see you there!

Local Food Festival | Thursday, Sept. 26, 5?8 p.m. | Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Join this community celebration of the beauty and bounty of local food and farming. Sample local foods, exchange your gently used cookbooks, purchase a meal or treat from one of our vendors, enjoy live music, play games, and connect with others in the community. Plus, enter for a chance to win prizes from local businesses! Free to attend.

Never miss out on sustainability activities in the community by subscribing to the monthly city sustainability newsletter!

Installation of 58-watt LED streetlights

The City of Ann Arbor Streetlight Conversion Project is moving ahead after approval from City Council to install light emitting diode (LED) bulbs in DTE-owned-and-maintained streetlights within the city. The recommended LED light fixtures slated for installation are both lower wattage (less bright) and a warmer color temperature (more orange, less blue) than current standard LED offerings from DTE. This initiative aligns with the city A2ZERO goal to increase sustainability and decrease the carbon footprint. 4,000 DTE streetlights to more efficient LED technology. Visit the project webpage to learn more.

Save the date! Public Works Open House to offer hands-on fun

All are invited to the Ann Arbor Public Works Open House Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.?1 p.m., 4251 Stone School Road. The family-friendly event will include:

• Paint a city snow plow, and vote on your favorite name for the trucks
• Touch a truck
• Fix a water main break and clogged storm sewer
• Tour of the salt dome
• Operate a solid waste truck

These events are FREE and geared toward adults and kids of all ages.

Prepare for the Nov. 5 General Election

If you still need to register to vote, and if you still need to register to vote in Ann Arbor (residents who?ve recently moved to the city, students, recently eligible voters, for example), you may do so now, in two different ways:

In person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office, second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. The city clerk?s office is open 8 a.m.?5 p.m. daily.

Online at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Registered voters still needing to apply for an absentee ballot can request an absentee ballot online at the Michigan Voter Information Center; by printing out and submitting an application; or in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s office. Visit a2gov.org/elections for details.

Early voting in the General Election will begin nine days before Election Day (on Saturday, Oct. 26) and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 3.

For your complete guide to voting information and resources, visit the Ann Arbor elections website, or reach out to the city clerk?s office with any questions at 734.794.6140 or [email protected].?

New Facebook page for parks

New handle, same great information, opportunities and images ... Follow Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation on their new Facebook page! See you there!

CTN highlights

Check out CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

A2 Bicentennial ? Tree of Life?

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? Know Obstacles Band?

CTN coverage of Ann Arbor Public Schools fall sports games?

City Round Up ? Back to school safety?

CTN App Promo?

FYI ? Rob Meyer-Kukan, owner/healer at 7 Notes Natural Health, shares the many ways to keep the body and mind well tuned and flourishing; Southeast Area Park officially becomes Bicentennial Park; and Ann Arbor Pride

FYI ? Gary Lehman, director of PTD?s Fuddy Meers, shares insight on this dark comedy taking the stage at Riverside Arts Center this August; A2 Bicentennial Tree of Life Sculpture Dedication; and the Home Electrification Expo?

FYI ? Nancy Margolis of Embracing Our Differences Michigan, Labyrinth Walk with 7 Notes Natural Health; and back to school safety tips from the Ann Arbor Police Department?

Green Light ? Dr. Missy Stults on the proposed Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU)?

Park Peek ? Dolph Nature Area?

Park Peek ? Fuller Park?

Park Peek ? Hunt Park?

Senior Moments ? Guest Angela Bingham of Osher?

Soapbox? ? Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy 75 years of excellence