Recognition and Achievements 

Recognition

The City of Ann Arbor has been recognized as a leader in environmental quality/sustainability by a number of organizations. The following awards were presented by external organizations.

• America's Healthiest Hometowns for Retirement, 1st Place (2008), AARP 
• America's 50 Greenest Cities, (2008), Popular Science
• Best Walking Cities, 3rd place (2008), Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medial Assocation
• Climate Innovation Invitational Award, (2007), ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
• Promoting Active Communities Gold Award, (2006), The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports
• Top 21 Cities for Cyclists, (2006), Bicycling Magazine
• Outstanding Planning Project Award to the City of Ann Arbor's 2006 Northeast Area Plan (2006),  Michigan Association of Planning
• Model Waste Reduction Program of North America, (1999), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Tree City USA, (member since 1982), National Arbor Day Foundation 

The City of Ann Arbor has consistently supported progressive environmental programs and policies.  This timeline shows the history of key policies, ordinances, and plans that guide the city's sustainable practices.

2007	Manufactured Fertilizer Ordinance goes into effect.
	Flood Mitigation Plan adopted
	U.S. Department of Energy selects Ann Arbor as a  Solar America City
2006	Manufactured Fertilizer Ordinance approved
	Environmental Commission develops and City Council adopts Environmental Action Plan Guiding Principles and Goals
	Northeast Area Plan - Named Best Master Plan
	5,000 Solar Roofs Initiative created
2005	Mayor Hieftje issues his Energy Challenge
2004	2004 State of Our Environment Report Released (PDF)
	Green Fleets program initiated to reduce fuel use
2003	Open Space and Parkland Preservation millage approved (Parks and Greenbelt Ballot Proposal)
	Natural Features Master Plan - PDF - Part A - Part B - Part C
2002	Brownfields - City of Ann Arbor joins the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Resolution
	Solid Waste Plan updated for 2002 - 2007
2001	Environmental Commission created as a Chapter in City Code
	Park Maintenance and Restoration millage
	Park rehabilitation and development millage renewed for 6 years
2000	The Nature House at the Leslie Science Center is constructed to demonstrate efficient use of resources and showcase energy systems, building techniques, and recycled materials.
	Ordinance to ban mercury thermometer sale and manufacture in the city - see Chapter 69
1998	Ann Arbor is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as having one of the top twenty waste reduction programs in North America
	Ann Arbor Energy Office establishes the Municipal Energy Fund as self-sustaining source of funds for investment in energy-efficient retrofits at city facilities
	Park rehabilitation and development millage
1996	Landfill Gas Collection System constructed
1995	Park rehabilitation and development millage renewed for 6 years
1993	Park maintenance and repair millage approved
	Natural Area Preservation Program created
1990	Environmental Bond passed - Ann Arbor's Material Recovery and Transfer Facility constructed
1989	Ann Arbor begins composting yard waste
	Park rehabilitation and development millage renewed for 6 years
1983	Park rehabilitation and development millage (6 years)
1981	Ann Arbor develops its first Energy Plan
	Ann Arbor EPA’s Green Lights program
	Parks and Open Space Plan updated - Citizen's Park Advisory Commission created
1971	$3,500,000 bond approved for parks and recreation
1970	Ann Arbor begins street leaf collection
1966	$2,500,000 bond approved for park aquisition and development - 400 acres of parkland, three outdoor pools, three ice rinks, 23 parks developed or improved
1962	Ann Arbor's first Park and Open Space Plan
1905	First Park Commission formed

Below are highlights of current environment initiatives at the City of Ann Arbor. Please contact the City unit of interest directly for more information.

ICMA Ann Arbor Quality of Life Video - Google Video

Energy

• Green Energy Challenge to increase city-wide renewable energy use (ongoing)
• 5,000 Solar Roofs Initiative (ongoing)
• Washtenaw County Wind Project (ongoing)
• LED Street Lighting Pilot (ongoing)
• Biodiesel Plant Feasibility Study (completed)
• ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection (ongoing)
• Green Energy Map (ongoing)
• Biodigester Feasibility Study (completed)

Water

• Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens (2007)
• Phosphorus-free Fertilizer Ordinance (2007)
• Huron River and Impoundment Management Committee (2007)
• Huron River Aquatic Vegetation Study (2007)
• Flood Mitigation Plan (2007)
• Water Treatment Facilities and Water Resources Master Plan (2006)
• Footing Drain Disconnect Program (ongoing)
• Stormwater Rates Study (ongoing)
• Stormwater GIS and Hydraulic Modeling (ongoing)

Transportation

• Non-motorized Transportation Plan (2007)
• Ann Arbor to Detroit Rapid Transit Study with SEMCOG (ongoing)
• Updating Comprehensive Transportation Plan (ongoing)
• Model for Mobility -  Regional Alternative Transportation Vision (ongoing)
• A2D2: Comprehensive Parking Study (ongoing)

Recycling, Reuse, and Solid Waste

• Recycle Right Video - Google Video
• New Transfer Station (2007)
• Expanded Compost Processing Facility (2007)
• Expanded recycling services to City businesses (2007)
• Record-breaking home toxics and e-waste collection event in October 2006
• Compost Pilot Program Information (ongoing)

Land Use and Development

• A2D2: Ann Arbor Discovers Downtown Development Recommendations (ongoing)
• Northeast Area Plan - Named Best Master Plan in 2006
• Detention Pond Survey (ongoing)
• Green Belt Strategic Plan and Advisory Committee (ongoing)
• Tree Replanting following Emerald Ash Borer (ongoing)
• Three approved Brownfield cleanup projects (ongoing)

Parks and Recreation

• Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan approved (2006)
• New raptor home at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (2006)
• Adopt-a-Park program established (2006)
• Frog, Salamander and Toad Survey (ongoing)

Coming Soon

• Green Fair – June
• Anti-Idling Vehicle Ordinance
• Lighting ordinances to reduce energy
• Improved Material Recovery Facility

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