Let WAZE curb your frustration

Getting around Ann Arbor in a motorized vehicle can be a challenge these days, with all the construction taking place on local roadways. Sure, short-term delays will provide long-term results, but it can be difficult to keep this positive perspective while sitting in a traffic jam. A possible way to curb the frustration? Know before you go!

A city webpage, road and lane closures at www.a2gov.org/roads, offers information to stay on track with detours and updates for this and all other planned road and lane closures throughout Ann Arbor. This webpage also features an interactive, live WAZE traffic map. The city partners with WAZE, a crowd-sourced navigation app, to provide a real-time way to learn about road and lane closures, detours and other traffic controls within the city.

In addition to visiting the city website to view the WAZE map, also visit www.waze.com or download the WAZE app on a mobile device. Further, subscribe to receive planned road and lane closure updates via email or text from the City of Ann Arbor by clicking on the envelope icon at www.a2gov.org/roads, or going directly to https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=MIANNA_3.

Among information featured on the roads webpage is the work taking place at North Maple Road and Jackson Avenue, pictured here. In June, a 20-inch watermain broke at the Maple/Jackson intersection causing extensive damage to the roadway, including the undermining of the existing pavement and curbs. The road is now being completely rebuilt from the base up. Work is expected to be completed by mid August, and in the meantime, detours are in place.

The city thanks motorists for their patience while road maintenance, improvements, and the associated frustrations, are in progress.

Online short-term rental licensing system

The City of Ann Arbor is rolling out the latest component of its new online portal, STREAM, with the debut of short-term rental license registrations. This new feature launched July 31.

The application process can be completed and submitted for review from a computer or mobile device. Additionally, documents can be uploaded, payments submitted and issued licenses printed from the customer?s dashboard view. An added convenience is the automated renewal reminder customers will receive via their system dashboard and an email notification, 60 days prior to expiration.

Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=812.

Introducing the Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee

The City of Ann Arbor recently invited community members to apply to participate on the new Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee, and the interest was even greater than anticipated. The city received approximately 80 applications, from which 30 individuals were selected to form the committee. The city is now introducing members of the Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee:

• Noorunnissa Abbasi.
• Regina Addington.
• Devon Akmon.
• Charissa Bass.
• Briana Carpenter.
• Diana Cass.
• Ashley Chang.
• Dandan Chen.
• Laura Custodio.
• Deborah Dean-Ware.
• Ebbin Dotson.
• Amtheyst Floyd.
• Daisy Freitas.
• Lewis A. Gossage.
• Jamila James.
• Donna Rich Kaplowitz.
• Maryam Khodadost.
• Neeki RAD.
• Chloe Root.
• Bilal Saeed.
• Isha Savi.
• Ace Sickels.
• Juliet Slutzker.
• Kathleen Toplin.
• Andre Watson.
• Matt Weber.
• Terra Webster.
• Jacquelyn West.
• Arthur L. Williams.
• Wendy Woods.

The Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Committee?s purpose is to help the city function in a more inclusive manner by defining what equity and equitable engagement mean to Ann Arborites and uncovering appropriate pathways to bring a greater diversity of voices into local processes. Learn more about committee members and this initiative at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=813.

A2 is hiring!

Looking for a job or career change? The City of Ann Arbor has dozens of job/career opportunities now accepting applications. Among areas within the city hiring are Ann Arbor Housing Commission, parks and recreation, public works, human resources, the building department, city clerk?s office, planning and development and the Ann Arbor Police Department. The variety of positions include both full- and part-time. Join this innovative and acclaimed municipality, and apply today! Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Human-Resources/Pages/jobs.aspx.

Now showing on CTN

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

Adventures in Parenthood ?Vlada Vladic, host of Cooking & Kids, shares how to can keep our families happy while maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Tune into CTN Channel 18 to watch Cooking & Kids to get some inspiration in the kitchen! This series will play Mondays at 4 p.m.: https://youtu.be/bqvc0GsoNE4.

FYI ? Take a tour of Ann Arbor?s historical Kempf House with President Ed Rice: https://youtu.be/_qj53SoK6jg.

Green Room ? Kris Olsson, biologist with the Huron River Watershed Council, discusses land preservation, how to and why it?s important: https://youtu.be/gijMIxMLMsA.

Senior Moments ? Jennifer Howard of Turner Senior Resource Center discusses the center's plan for opening the facility, programs and activities that are currently happening: https://youtu.be/PhKqyBHuC-8.

What is a Healthy Street? ? The City of Ann Arbor is bringing back the Healthy Streets program in 2021 in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides additional space for distancing among those who walk or bike. In addition to being responsive to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, these measures also align with the A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan and the Moving Towards Vision Zero Transportation Plan, both of which call for more opportunities for people to walk and bike. For more information about Healthy Streets, visit www.a2gov.org/healthystreets: https://youtu.be/zU5Mo9rkpws.

Good news!

• The City of Ann Arbor has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/financial-reporting/Pages/default.aspx). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org.
• Ann Arbor is 2021's most educated city in America, in a recent study from the personal finance outlet, WalletHub.com. You can find the full study here: https://wallethub.com/edu/e/most-and-least-educated-cities/6656.
• Ann Arbor is the top place to live in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report?s 2021-2022 Best Places to Live in Michigan. Find out why at https://realestate.usnews.com/places/michigan/ann-arbor.

Sustainability update

Catch up on the latest from the city?s office of sustainability and innovations (OSI). For more information, including registration links, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/default.aspx.

Special sustainability seminar: Plant-based diets, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 6?7:30 p.m., Zoom.
Join OSI for an evening exploring plant-based diets. Learn about the health benefits of a plant-based diet and the environmental impacts of animal agriculture, and enjoy a cooking demonstration focused on a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal! Presenters include Dr. Melissa Sunderman from IHA; Marc Ramirez from Chickpea & Bean; Andrea Wotan, RDN with Wotan Nutrition; and chef Jeff Tritten of Washtenaw Optimal Wellness. Register at https://a2gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3qW6TP6uS8Wzr0ZnCj7h4Q.

Ann Arbor Solar Stories, first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Zoom.
This one-hour virtual event is hosted by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) on the first Thursday of each month. Hear from Ann Arborites who have gone solar, and have a chance to ask questions! Register for "Thursday Night Energy Events" at https://www.2glrea.org/events-1/thursday-night-energy-events to receive meeting links.

Climate, Coffee and Conversation, second Thursday of each month, 8 a.m., Zoom.
This monthly recurring virtual event is an opportunity for any and all Ann Arbor residents to enjoy a morning beverage of choice and chat in an informal setting with OSI staff about A2ZERO initiatives and/or sustainability in general. Attendance is free, but registration is required, at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/default.aspx.