City, DTE sign country?s first heating franchise to include climate goals

The City of Ann Arbor and DTE Energy joined together on Earth Day, April 22, to sign a new heating franchise, the first in the country to include a climate agreement with associated activities that will demonstrably improve health, safety and make forward progress toward addressing the climate crisis.?

In 2023, Ann Arbor City Council requested staff negotiate a new franchise with a focus on finding sustainable ways to heat and cool the community. The new franchise will last for 10 years, shorter than the previous agreement, signaling the exploration of alternatives for heating that support the city?s A2ZERO goals for achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality. (Pictured: Ann Arbor City Attorney Atleen Kaur, Sustainability and Innovations Director Missy Stults, Mayor Christopher Taylor, Public Services Chief of Staff Skye Stewart and Energy Advisor Valerie Brader of Rivenoak Consulting at the franchise signing event on Earth Day, April 22, 2025)

Fiscal years 2026/2027 budget process continues

The City of Ann Arbor two-year budget process for fiscal years 2026/2027 is underway. Fiscal year 2026 begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time, even though the city plans for multi-year budgets. View the Proposed Budget for FY 2026.?

Recorded budget presentations will be available online via the CTN YouTube channel. All presentations and materials will be posted online.?

City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, will vote to adopt the budget at its meeting on May 19.

Budget-related feedback or comments are encouraged and may be submitted via email to [email protected].

Join the conversation about Ann Arbor?s gig workers

What would guaranteed income mean for Ann Arbor gig workers, which includes self-employed freelancers, temporary workers, independent contractors and others? Learn about the Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor (GIG A2) pilot program and the potential of guaranteed income to sustain these self-employed workers in Ann Arbor. Hosted by Groundcover News and the University of Michigan, this event will include a panel discussion, with Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. as a participant, and audience Q&A.

The GIG A2 event is free and takes place Thursday, May 8, 5:30?7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., lower-level multipurpose room. Please register in advance to attend.

Review the draft Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan

One more public engagement session is coming up for the community to review, ask questions and provide feedback about the Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan draft. Join the city Wednesday, May 7, 3?7 p.m. at the Traverwood Library (3333 Traverwood Drive) for an overview of the draft plan and to ask questions. There is no formal presentation, so please come whenever is convenient for you.

If you have one, please bring your smartphone or tablet to participate in the engagement exercises, as most of the activities will be digital. Three tablets and some paper will also be available for use if needed to share input. The exercises at the Open Houses have been posted on the project page, plan.a2gov.org/plan24, so you can also submit your input online regarding the draft?s goals and strategies. Each board has a separate QR code for feedback related to that specific set of goals and strategies. We still encourage you to attend in person if possible to have conversations with staff on these topics.

The Ann Arbor Comprehensive Plan charts the city's course for affordable, sustainable, equitable and dynamic land uses for the next 25 years. The draft will soon go to the City Planning Commission for further review, and public comment will take place before a final decision in November 2025 with City Council. For more information, visit the project page, attend the upcoming engagement session or reach out to Senior Planner Michelle Bennett at [email protected].?

Provide Ann Street project input

Utility upgrades, road resurfacing and an updated streetscape are coming to a downtown Ann Arbor street, and your input is key! The improvements will take place along Ann Street, between North First Street and North Fifth Avenue, to replace the existing more-than-100-year-old water main, fix the road surface and install an infiltrating storm sewer, which catches stormwater runoff, to provide relief to the Allen Creek watershed.

The project team wants to hear about your experiences traveling the Ann Street corridor to help design the streetscape. Please visit the project webpage to learn more and share your feedback by filling out the Ann Street Corridor Experience Form! (Pictured: City staff placed signage to invite community members to share input)

Extra hours, local goods, flower day & construction ? popping up at the farmers market

Ann Arbor Farmers Market hours resume to 7 a.m.?3 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays, beginning May 3 through December! Stop by to check out the local latest, at 315 Detroit St., in the historic Kerrytown District, and also mark your calendars for Ann Arbor Farmers Market Flower Day Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.! Hosted in partnership with the Sunday Artisan Market, you can enjoy live music, kid?s activities and prepared food in addition to vendors from the farmers and artisan markets.

Please note, if visiting by vehicle, the farmers market parking lot is now partially closed, lasting through Wednesday, May 21, due to the office building demolition. Scroll on the park planning webpage to find project details. And scroll on the farmers market webpage for information about alternative parking options.?

Be sure to follow what?s fresh at the market on Instagram and Facebook!?

Fun will flow May 10

Tour the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant, learn from the experts about Ann Arbor's award-winning water and take part in hands-on activities all at the Ann Arbor Water Open House Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.?2 p.m. at 919 Sunset Road. Tours will be capped at 20 participants for each time slot. Scroll to May 10 on the city calendar to reserve your tour time slot in advance and reduce your wait time (last tour begins at 1 p.m.). https://www.a2gov.org/pages/calendar.aspx The annual event is free and takes place in celebration of National Drinking Water Week May 4?10. The event will be held outdoors, rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather!

Construction zone caution

As orange barrels continue popping up across the city, it's important for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. Please remember to:

• Slow down
• Stay alert and never drive distracted
• Follow posted signs
• Give workers space
• Obey detours and lane shifts

Learn more about construction zone safety with a PSA from CTN and Ann Arbor Police Sgt. Pulford.?

Perhaps your route can avoid some or all work zones. Check out the city road and lane closures webpage for regularly updated details on scheduled projects, and while you?re there,subscribe to get notifications directly to your inbox!

Code enforcements to increase safety

The City of Ann Arbor has recently adopted updated city codes. On April 27, 2025, the Ann Arbor Fire Department began enforcing safety requirements outlined in the 2021 International Fire Code. This transition, approved April 7 by City Council, is in place to enhance fire protection operations, compliance with industry advancements and public safety.?

The updated fire code aligns with 2021 Michigan Building Code requirements, which the city building department started enforcing May 1.?

Police & fire departments open house is May 17

Circle Saturday, May 17, on your calendar! That?s when you can meet local first responders, including police K-9 officers, get up close with police and fire vehicles, watch exciting demonstrations and so much more at the annual City of Ann Arbor Fire and Police Open House! The event is free and takes place 11 a.m.?1 p.m. along Fifth Avenue, outdoors, in front of Ann Arbor Fire Station No. 1.

Go fishin? with a cop

Signup is open now for Fishin' with a Cop, a free event taking place Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m.?noon at Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road. Kids ages 7?15 can enjoy a morning of fishing alongside local law enforcement. Space is limited! All participants must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up and learn more!

Construction notes for boaters & park visitors

If your upcoming plans include paddling on the Huron River in A2 or visiting certain city parks along the riverside, this message is for you!

Please remember, construction is underway for the BARTON DAM EMBANKMENT REMEDIATION PROJECT, and public access is restricted in designated areas. The construction site is adjacent to Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron River.

Boaters:

• The dock and boat portage from Barton Pond (next to Barton Dam) to the river below the dam, is CLOSED for the duration of the project.
• Boaters upstream of the dam (e.g., coming from Skips or from one of the Metroparks) should plan on pulling their boats from the water at designated launch points upstream of Barton Pond.
• See the map and learn more about the Barton Dam Embankment Remediation project.

All visitors:

An unrelated construction project is also taking place in city parks along the river, the BARTON-BANDEMER PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL. Visit the project page for the map and details, I including specific access restrictions.?

When visiting any of these areas, by land or by water, please always:

• Heed the posted safety restrictions, barricades and signage on site.
• Use extra caution in areas that remain open and/or are shared by construction operations and construction traffic.

The city thanks all community members for their patience during these necessary projects.

Celebrate Huron River Day with music, fun and more

Get ready to soak in the beauty of the Huron River at the annual Huron River Day (HRD) Sunday, May 18, noon?4 p.m. at Gallup Park (3000 Fuller Road). This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, surrounded by nature, music, including Ann Arbor?s own Laith Al-Saadi, and so much to do. Join the fun with educational and eco-friendly themed hands-on activities, live animals, food trucks and exhibitors.

Whether walking, driving or biking to Gallup Park, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the day, which is sponsored by DTE Foundation. (And cyclists can take advantage of complimentary bike valet provided by Common Cycle, making it easy to park and explore!) More details will be added later in April. Stay tuned for updates on the event webpage.?

Mowing in the Ann Arbor parks

Spring has sprung and, as the weather warms, the grass grows more rapidly. Please know city crews are ramping up efforts to keep on top of this growth. If your favorite park looks neglected or forgotten, it probably means city crews haven?t yet completed all the tasks for that park. The ground may also be too soft or wet to be mowed, and, if that?s the case, crews will wait until the ground dries to avoid damaging the area. This is true for mowing schedules throughout the spring and summer as well.

As always, please use the A2 Fix It app, A2 Fix It on the city website or call the parks customer service office at 734.794.6230 to report any concerns or maintenance issues.?

The Ann Arbor parks system is comprised of more than 160 parks covering more than 2,100 acres. City crews are working to get these cherished green spaces into peak form, ready to be enjoyed for the seasons ahead!

Council approves replacement of Fire Station No. 4

The City of Ann Arbor will replace a nearly 60-year-old, outdated fire station with a more modern, safer and energy-efficient facility. Ann Arbor City Council approved the construction of the new Fire Station No. 4, to be located on the same parcel, at South Huron Parkway and Platt Road.?

The new building will feature updates such as adequate areas for contemporary firefighting equipment and for personnel, including gender-appropriate facilities. And in the theme of inclusivity, Fire Station No. 4 will also receive a new name, in honor of Ann Arbor?s first female firefighter, Mindy Kerr (pictured here). Kerr served with the Ann Arbor Fire Department from 1980 until she retired in 2005. The naming announcement was made at the April 21 City Council meeting (at the 32:00 mark).

The new station will integrate energy-efficient, net-zero features as well, including geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels and other sustainable elements, to produce more energy than used. This will be the city?s first carbon-neutral building, and possibly the first of its kind in the state of Michigan, aligning with city A2ZERO sustainability goals. A new basketball court will also be built at the adjacent Scheffler Park.

Funding for the new Fire Station No. 4 will come from a combination of proceeds: from a city-issued General Obligation bond and General Capital funds that have previously been appropriated.

Sustainability updates

Catch up on the latest information submitted from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI). For details, visit OSI online and sign up for the monthly newsletter to make sure you don?t miss a beat.?

Join the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) waitlist ? The city is currently registering interest in the Ann Arbor SEU. If you are interested in enrolling or getting more information as it becomes available, please fill out the form to join the waitlist.?

A2ZERO Week is coming June 1?7! Join the Office of Sustainability and Innovations and the broader Ann Arbor community for a week-long celebration of climate action and community with family-friendly events, prizes, resources, food and more! Highlights include: Cargo Bike Rally, All-electric Home Tour, ward parties, trivia and more. Check out the full schedule at osi.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek.

New energy rebates available ? OSI is pleased to announce an expansion to the home energy rebate program and the home energy advisor service to provide more money to more residents, with a streamlined process to make the application even easier. To learn more, visit osi.a2gov.org/rebates.

Climate action honors ? OSI was recently recognized with an award for outstanding achievements in climate awareness and action from the Climate Action Museum. Read all about it!?

Final sustainability forum of 2025 is May 29 ? OSI will host the final A2ZERO Sustainability Forum of the 2025 series Thursday, May 29, 6 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch. Join OSI and another expert, engaging panel to learn more about this month?s topic: The SEU and You ? Ann Arbor?s Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). Find details at osi.a2gov.org/events.?

2024 Clearie Award

Congratulations to the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office for being recognized with another U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Clearinghouse Award! The honor is in the Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Efforts category. The city clerk's office notes the recognition is shared with colleagues in the city?s Office of Emergency Management, partnering in the commitment to the safety and security of elections in Ann Arbor. Learn more about this exciting achievement and the EAC, and visit the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office for more information about city elections.?

CTN highlights

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

Ann Arbor Parks Controlled Burn Informational Presentation https://youtu.be/2GtotGbgn4o

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness aims to increase awareness about, knowledge of, access to and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities at the university and in the greater Ann Arbor community. https://youtu.be/07e5VLg_Xz0

City Round Up ? Pedestrian Safety https://youtu.be/QCuHoxjLA6k?si=eIdZibUjCBpsCBJr

City Round Up ? Work Zones https://youtu.be/JBpKjtzFRF8?si=5bKAKScK4FVvuvId

CTN Tours ? Ypsilanti Community Middle School April 2025 https://youtu.be/iGgWT-dV7Mo

CTN Sports 2025 ? Pioneer at Skyline Girls Water Polo, April 24 https://youtu.be/hABgQKOr38M

CTN Sports 2025 ? Huron at Pioneer Boys Lacrosse, April 28 https://youtu.be/zcK2DXS43QM

FYI ? Attorney Josh Terebelo with Michigan Auto Law shares details on the state?s new car seat laws; Ann Arbor?s Earth Day Festival; and the Ann Arbor Fire Department trains for dangerous fire emergency response https://youtu.be/KItSnQpaz0c?si=mpha36upteXUGQdy

FYI ? Derrick Miller with Community Action Network (CAN Washtenaw) shares a sobering update on the organization and food insecurity in our area and beyond; Theatre Nova presents Eclipsed; and the 2025 Susan B. Meister lecture on Child Health Policy https://youtu.be/9d_PQtZYpdk

FYI ? Kim Korona with VegMichigan and Azella Markgraff with the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet; Washtenaw Community College?s Free College Week; and tips to safely travel in work zones https://youtu.be/PxvH_Zpbbr0?si=YnglcIYLlOrwBbhl

FYI ? Sarah Stanton and Sarah Tear with Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley give an update on this fulfilling program; A Colorful Collection Book Launch; and Arbor Day https://youtu.be/OZtljAy6k4g

FYI (Coming May 2!) ?Attorney Jordan Ewald from Michigan Auto Law explores laws and statistics related to distracted driving; Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival; and the recent Labyrinth Walk with 7 Notes Natural Health. Watch the full episode, starting Friday, May 2, on CTN?s YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/ctnannarbor

Green Light ? Julie Roth, energy manger at the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, and Swen Hendrickson, program manager at Walker-Miller Energy Services, discuss energy efficiency at home through the Home Energy Advisor and Home Energy Rebate programs. https://youtu.be/nPkGvKcAESU?si=pHhDFspGlwGgTOeX

Senior Moments ? James Giodani of Askevin Inc. discusses support for seniors with their smartphones, computers and other tech devises and how to prevent frauds and identity thefts. https://youtu.be/VXQQYGEDT1g?si=PdAA2Z8bsarfDhRG

Washtenaw County Cleanup Days are back!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Washtenaw County Cleanup Days! These events, exclusively for county residents, will take place June 28, July 26, Aug. 9, and Sept. 27, 2025, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Preregistration is required to participate.

Accepted items for disposal include:

• Appliances
• Bulky waste
• Electronics
• Household hazardous waste
• Scrap metal
• Tires

For event locations, details on what can be disposed of and to register for a slot, visit washtenaw.org/cleanup.?