Your need-to-know for snow

Sidewalk snow/ice removal requirements

The Ann Arbor sidewalk snow and ice removal ordinance requires: Residents to clear sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops with concrete pads within 24 hours of the end of snowfall of greater than 1 inch. Non-residential property: All snow which has accumulated prior to 6 a.m. shall be removed by the owner or occupant by noon the same day. This applies to sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops.

Clearing sidewalks promptly helps keep neighbors, pedestrians, students, transit users and postal carriers safe. If you are able, please check in on neighbors who may need help clearing their sidewalks.

More information is available at www.a2gov.org/sidewalksnow.

How the city plows streets ? and how to track plows in real time

During snowstorms, Ann Arbor follows an established priority-route system for plowing, starting with major streets, followed by residential areas, as conditions allow.

You can follow city snowplows in real time, see which streets have been plowed, and learn about city procedures at www.a2gov.org/snow. This can be especially helpful during storms to understand where crews are focusing efforts.

About on-street snow parking bans

When a storm is forecasted to drop 4 or more inches of snow, the City of Ann Arbor could call an on-street snow parking ban that allows plows to clear streets curb-to-curb, city services to be maintained and access for emergency vehicles. Once an on-street parking ban is declared, vehicles parked on nonexempt streets (map) are required to be moved elsewhere to avoid being ticketed and/or towed. Vehicles with disability plates or placards will be exempt.

When an on-street parking ban is called, an alert will be sent to subscribers via Everbridge to mobile phones (via call or sms/text), email and landlines, depending on the preference selected at signup. Be sure to sign up for these alerts today!?

Ban information will also be provided via the city website (a2gov.org), social media feeds (Facebook, X, NextDoor), email and CTN. These platforms will also be updated, as well as an Everbridge notification sent, when the ban is lifted.

Visit the on-street snow parking ban website for complete information, resources and tips to prepare before the next round of significant snow.

A2 Snow Match

Become a volunteer in the city of Ann Arbor OR receive shoveling services! Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The A2 Snow Match program helps keep sidewalks accessible for all ages and abilities by pairing residents with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist with snow removal.

Recipients of volunteer services must be city residents age 55+ or self-identify as having a disability, and not have other resources (financial, family, friends or neighbors) available to help with snow removal. Volunteers are matched with homes within about a 10-minute walk of their location. Residents can register to volunteer or receive services! Questions? Email [email protected].

Do you want to participate in A2 Snow Match? Register to be a volunteer or to receive assistance with snow shoveling.

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3) - final phase to review & comment

The Draft 3 Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan entered its 63-day review period on Oct. 21. The review period was extended until 9 A.M. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to provide community members with additional time around the busy holiday seasons. The planning team is accepting comments on the draft 3 of the plan submitted via the form on the project page. The location of the comment form on the page may vary: Look for the comment form in the top-right corner of the page if using a laptop or desktop computer, or scroll further down the webpage for the comment form if using a mobile device.

On Dec. 16, the City Planning Commission will review comments received by the public and will discuss any remaining edits they have for the third draft. If you have not yet submitted and wish for your comments to be placed on the commission?s next agenda, Dec. 16, please be sure to submit comments before noon Thursday, Dec. 11. Any comments received after Dec. 11 will be in the Jan. 6 Planning Commission agenda packet.

At the close of the 63-day review period, public hearings will be scheduled in early 2026 for final plan adoption. Please visit the Comprehensive Land Use Plan project page for additional information and resources.

Close of weekly compost collections

Expanded fall leaf services and regular weekly compost collection conclude Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. This expansion includes an increase in the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection to 20; unlimited leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor compost facility, from residents or their landscaper; and free wood chips at four locations around the city.

For information on city trash, compost and recycling services, visit www.a2gov.org/solidwaste.

The Ann Arbor Roadway Rightsizing (A2R2) project wants to hear from you!

The Ann Arbor Roadway Rightsizing (A2R2) project is creating new concept designs for 10 city roads that have four or more lanes. These roads are associated with higher vehicle speeds and carry a greater risk of severe crashes. The new designs will further the city's safety and sustainability goals by repurposing road space for pedestrian crossings, protected bike lanes and bus priority designs. Visit the project page for details and to take a brief survey. Also be sure to attend the upcoming open house to learn more and ask questions:

A2R2 Open House

• Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
• 5-7 p.m.
• Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.)

Ace the holidays with parks merch

Do you or someone on your gift list have an affinity for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, the city's many parks, programs or teams? Fantastic finds ? from goats to Octopods, "buy local" to Buhr Park ... and everything in between ? are available to purchase at the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation online shop. Browse the fun (and functional) products today, and take your gift giving to the next level this holiday season!

Winter fun in the parks

Save the date: The Great Gingerbread Hunt

Bundle up and bring the family for a festive, free afternoon at Gallup Park (3000 Fuller Road)! Saturday, Dec. 13, noon?2 p.m., the park will transform into a trail of clues for The Great Gingerbread Hunt, a 1-mile search for a mischievous gingerbread character hiding among the trees. Once families complete the hunt, the celebration continues with gingerbread cookie decorating, a seasonal craft, hot cocoa and a chance to meet a life-size gingerbread friend. Admission is free, and advance registration is required for cookie decorating. The final start time for the hunt is 1:30 p.m. Register in advance.

Frosty Friday themed skates return to Buhr Park

Open skate sessions take place every Friday, 7?8:45 p.m., at Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Road)! Come dressed for the night?s vibe and enjoy music to match. December themes include ? Dec. 5: Disney | Dec. 19: Winter Wonderland | Dec. 26: K-Pop. Check out the full schedule of upcoming sessions!

Winter taxes due

Winter property taxes are due by Dec. 31 in order to avoid interest or penalty. For eligible, low-income homeowners, Michigan law provides for a reduction in property taxes, commonly known as a poverty exemption. A poverty exemption application (PDF) must be submitted no later than Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, to allow time for review prior to the Board of Review December meeting, which takes place Tuesday Dec. 9.

Taxes may be paid in person, by mail, by phone (866.890.4982) or online. If choosing to use the online payment platform for property taxes, you have the option (not required) to register your email and/or mobile number to enable notifications and reminders. Payments are also accepted at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) or onsite drop box and at several Bank of Ann Arbor branches. Bank of Ann Arbor will accept full winter tax payments in December only.

Regular business hours at the customer service center are 8 a.m.?5 p.m. weekdays. Please note, the customer service center will be closed to observe the Christmas and New Year's holidays Wednesday, Dec. 24, Thursday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Visit the city?s property taxes webpage for more information, including how property taxes are calculated.

Holiday safety ? A message from Ann Arbor Police Department and Ann Arbor Fire Department

The holiday season is underway, and we want all community members to stay safe. Please keep in mind the following tips and reminders from the AAPD and AAFD.

Fire safety

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders, and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
• Read manufacturer?s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast.
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.
• Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

Public safety

• Always lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of view or in your trunk. Thieves are looking for easy opportunities, and it only takes seconds for a thief to rummage through an unlocked vehicle.
• If you?re out shopping, park in a well-lit area and stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. This means avoid being distracted by electronic devices.
• If you?re not able to be home when a package is delivered, consider asking a neighbor to hold it for you or having the package shipped to work. There is also the option to schedule deliveries for when you are home.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or emails requesting donations or personal information.
• Don?t leave your garage door open and unattended.
• If you are traveling for the holidays, ask a neighbor to watch your home and avoid putting travel plans on social media.
• Report suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately or non-emergency dispatch at 734.994.2911.

CTN highlights

Tune in to watch ?

FYI ? Kristin Danko with the Neighborhood Theatre Group (NTG) shares how this unconventional troupe brings one-of-kind stories to the community; Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel Grand Opening; and the Ann Arbor Emergency Operations Center?

FYI ? Tour the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinsons Wellness; get air quality updates in Ann Arbor with the launch of a new Air Quality Dashboard; and take a peek at Cloverdale Park?

FYI ? Brooke Black, editor-in-chief of the Ann Arbor Observer, discusses her new role and some exciting updates on the beloved publication, Travel the World of Art with the Guild of Artists & Artisans; and take a peek at Arbor Oaks Park?

Senior Moments ? Featuring Lindsay Mann-Shanahan from Huron Valley PACE, a unique health plan and care provider dedicated to supporting aging adults with challenging healthcare conditions so they can continue living at home?

Park Peek ? Arbor Oaks Park?

CTN?s Top 10 of 2025

Ann Arbor Community Television Network is taking a look back at highlights that made 2025 a year filled with creativity, collaboration and community connection! From milestone partnerships to inspiring local voices, these are some of the moments showcasing Ann Arbor ? and the people who make it thrive.

1. Milestone moment! Celebrating 10 years of CTN?s partnership with the Ann Arbor Film Festival through the Let?s Watch series ? celebrating creativity and cinematic storytelling.?

2. Spotlight on local talent! A viral hometown creator was featured on FYI, proving community stories can go global!?

3. Honoring history and inclusion! CTN covered the Michigan Historical Marker unveiling ceremony commemorating former Councilmembers and local activists who are national pioneers for LGBTQ+ and human rights.?

4. Art Fair live! Two full days of interviews and coverage were captured ? as only CTN can ? from the Ann Arbor Art Fair ? color, culture and community creativity on display!?

5. Partnering for a fossil-free future! City of Ann Arbor and DTE Energy came together on Earth Day to sign the first heating franchise in the country with a climate agreement ? CTN was there to cover this important, historic event.?

6. Sustainability in action! CTN expanded the Green Light series with the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability ? helping to shine a light on local climate heroes.?

7. Drive smart, ride safe! With the launch of Motorist Safety Campaigns, CTN joined the effort to tackle distracted driving and promote bike safety ? because safety starts with awareness.??

8. Parks & playgrounds! CTN continued to showcase Ann Arbor?s parks system on Park Peek ? celebrating the joy of green spaces and outdoor fun.?

9. For the win! CTN Sports covered the Ann Arbor Public Schools high school sports in football, soccer, field hockey, water polo, and lacrosse.?

10. Elevating Downtown! The DDA?s Elevate Downtown initiative brought Liberty Plaza to life with movement, public art and inspiration ? CTN captured the ?elevation? fueling growth, design and community vibrancy in Ann Arbor?s core.?

Honorable mention: Featured Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation?s newest addition ? Teqball, a fast-growing, high-energy sport for all ages.?

It was a busy year for Ann Arbor and CTN ? Now onto the new stories, people and accomplishments 2026 will bring!

Bird City Michigan

Ann Arbor has been designated an inaugural Bird City Michigan by Michigan Audubon! The city joins four others in the state committed to creating bird-friendly environments to link conservation with economic growth ? Big Rapids, Iosco County, the Village of Roscommon and Sterling Heights. The program helps communities implement conservation practices, educate community members and promote birding tourism. Just some of the efforts in place helping Ann Arbor earn this honor:

• Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation actively works to protect and restore bird habitat throughout city parks. In addition, the city coordinates community science programs that allow volunteers to monitor bird nesting and breeding activity.
• Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation offers many cost-free nature-based programs throughout the entire community, including after-school environmental education programs at Community Action Network (CAN) facilities. Also, the city parks and recreation ADA transition plan will guide investments for removing barriers to nature. As a result, more of the community will have access to opportunities to learn and experience local wild bird populations.
• The city?s A²ZERO plan to achieve carbon neutrality also underpins efforts to support wild bird population biodiversity and ecology.

Learn more about bird-friendly Ann Arbor and how to get involved!?