Messages from the Mayor | City Operations & Services | Parks & Recreation Operations |
Courts Information |
Statewide/National Updates | Testing Information |
Assistance |
Resources |
Follow for Updates
State of Michigan COVID-19 response has moved to Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan (PDF) as of June 1, 2020. Groups of 100 people or less may gather outdoors with physical distancing of 6 feet or more, and wearing face coverings when in enclosed public spaces.
(Updated: June 5, 2020)
Please visit the
State of Michigan COVID-19 website for details.
The City of Ann Arbor is actively collaborating with the Washtenaw County Health Department, local hospitals, the University of Michigan and the Red Cross for the COVID-19 pandemic. This page features information from Washtenaw County Health Department,
State of Michigan and
Centers for Disease Control, as well as other community organizations, and also includes city-specific information and recommendations as they become available.
Messages from Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor
On May 18 , 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a video message about Ann Arbor's budget process amidst revenue shortfalls while city staff continue to focus on the city's mission.
On May 11 , 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a
video message highlighting Ann Arbor's postponement of tax payment late fees and how the city is focusing on delivering safe drinking water during this pandemic.
On May 4, 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a
video message explaining the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order update through *May 15 and changes related to city services.
(*As announced May 7, the executive order is extended through May 28.)
On April 30, 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a
video message condemning discrimination against Asian Americans and others of Asian descent wrongfully assigned blame for the Covid-19 pandemic. He says, “Here in Ann Arbor we are fortunate to welcome and be strengthened by a large and vibrant community of people of Asian descent. To you, I say this: you are neighbors and friends. We are better for your presence here, heartened by your choice to make Ann Arbor your home, and absolutely committed to ensuring that in every moment of every day you are welcomed with open arms, secure in the knowledge that you are an incredibly important part of us. If you experience instances of racism and bullying, speak out, let us know, this community has your back.”
On April 27, 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a
video message updating residents on city operations and the budget approval process amid COVID-19 and the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order, extended by the State of Michigan through *Friday, May 15.
(*As announced May 7, the executive order is extended through May 28.)
On March 20, 2020, City of Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor shared a
video message. In his address, Mayor Taylor recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of our community to not gather in groups and limiting trips away from home for only essential needs. Please note, closed captioning will be automatically enabled via YouTube within 24 hours. All necessary resources and information can be found on this COVID-19 webpage.
On March 16, 2020, Ann Arbor City Council supported Ann Arbor Mayor Taylor’s Declaration of a Local State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19. Watch the
mayor’s video statement via CTN to learn what this means, how the city is responding to this pandemic and how our community can stay informed. For closed captioning, click the "play" arrow, and then click the "cc" icon in the lower right of the frame.
City of Ann Arbor operations and services
June 5, 2020: Washtenaw County Courts will not reopen for in-person services when many other government offices do, on June 8. Instead, the courts anticipate resuming in-person services in late June or early July.
June 4, 2020: The City of Ann Arbor
will resume in-person services at Larcom City Hall Monday, June 8, with new
COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Online payments and service requests are
still encouraged, but those who must visit Larcom City Hall will be required to
wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing. In addition, while some parks and recreation offerings remain closed, some have reopened with physical distancing and other restrictions in place. Visit www.a2gov.org/covid19parks for the status of city park facilities, programs and amenities.
May 18, 2020: After much research into CDC recommendations and consulting with industry professionals, the difficult decision has been made to
cancel city pool openings and summer day camps for the 2020 season. Ultimately, the need to maintain 6 feet of distance between participants and to keep shared surfaces sanitized after every use becomes extremely difficult, if not unattainable.
Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses are open, as are same-household use of
tennis courts and
basketball courts. The
Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open and plans to resume on-site sales (phase 2) Wednesday, May 20, with restrictions in place. The number of vendor stalls, for instance, will be limited to manage physical distancing requirements. A complete listing of park facilities, programs and amenities (in alphabetical order) and their current status, along with other relevant information, amid the State of Michigan Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order and/or COVID-19 prevention practices, can be found on the
parks COVID-19 page.
May 15, 2020: Due to changes in transportation patterns, reductions of over 50% of vehicular traffic on city streets and physical distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19, public right-of-way spaces, such as streets and sidewalks, are being used more for biking, walking and other activities. On May 4, 2020, Ann Arbor City Council passed
R-20-158 Resolution to Promote Safe Social Distancing Outdoors in Ann Arbor, including direction to
consider lane or street reconfigurations on residential streets through a public input process.
Share your input for street or lane closures to support public health and safety.
May 9, 2020: Ann Arbor Farmers Market reopens in phases, with safety protocols in place for pickup only - walk in and curbside.Learn more.
May 7, 2020: City Council, boards and commissions meetings will be conducted online through June 30. Please check the city’s meeting calendar for details.
May 4, 2020: Learn about City of Ann Arbor
Parks and Recreation facilities, programs and amenities operations and availability as allowed by the State of Michigan Executive Order, along with other relevant information. Please make sure while engaged in any of permitted activities to remain at least 6 feet at all times from others who do not live with you in your household. Public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons not part of a single household are prohibited. And if you are sick, please do not visit the parks until you are well.
March 16, 2020, *updated 4/24/20, news release - City of Ann Arbor
Non-essential Operations to Close *Through May 28 (*As announced May 7, the executive order is extended through May 28).
April 2, 2020: City of Ann Arbor Response to State of Michigan Executive Order 2020-28,
Water Utility Shut Offs (PDF).
March 27, 2020: City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is proceeding with the
hiring of staff for positions at our golf courses, outdoor pools, day camps, volunteer program and field/maintenance work even amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants can visit
www.a2gov.org/parksjobs to see job descriptions and to apply using the online registration system. Managers at this time are conducting phone interviews until in-person meetings can resume at a future date.
March 27, 2020: While the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is closed, you can
support local farmers (PDF) by buying thier products.
March 24, 2020:
TheRide service reductions, essential travel only.
March 18, 2020: All
public parking at parking decks and in public non-metered parking lots in Ann Arbor is free until further notice. There are bagged meters in front of bars and restaurants in the downtown to assist carryout food pickup. Until further notice, parking enforcement will continue on all other on-street and parking lot meters. For more information, visit
www.a2dda.org
March 18, 2020: The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced a
reduced service schedule.
March 16, 2020: City staff will continue to serve the public and conduct
city business during normal business hours via phone, email and online:
Larcom City Hall is closed to the public until further notice.
The police front desk is open in the Justice Center.
All parks facilities, including the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, are closed and facility recreation events have been cancelled. Parks, themselves, will remain open for general use. The farmers market reopening date is Saturday, May 9, with safety protocols in place for pickup only - walk in and curbside. Learn more.
Not impacted are critical services such as drinking water, waste water, police, fire, emergency operations and waste and recycling pickup, which will continue.
To pay parking tickets, water bills, property taxes, apply for permits as well as other customer service options, residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of online services by visiting
www.a2gov.org/services.
Have a customer service question? Call and leave a message with the Customer Service Center at 734.794.6320 Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. or email customerservice@a2gov.org.
Issues reported via the
report a problem website or the A2 Fix It app will continue to be addressed.
At this time, city building, trade and rental inspections are being scheduled, please call 734.794.6263 or email
building@a2gov.org.
Board and commission meetings : Please check the city’s
meeting calendar for the most up-to-date information.
The City Council meeting will take place March 16 at 7 p.m., however, the public is encouraged to watch the live streamed meetings or utilize ecomment for agenda items of interest. There is a closed session of Council scheduled for 6 p.m. in City Council chambers. Larcom City Hall's public doors will open at 5 p.m. for the meeting and will close again when the Council meeting has concluded.
*The Board of Review meetings will continue at Larcom City Hall on March 16 and 17, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; March 18, 1–9 p.m.; and March 19, 9 a.m.–noon. Participants will need to use the phone in the lobby to be granted access to the building.
March 13, 2020, 3:25 p.m., news release - City of Ann Arbor to Alter Operations to Slow the Spread of COVID-19.
March 12, 2020, 4:10 p.m., news release - City of Ann Arbor to Alter Operations to Slow the Spread of COVID-19.
Courts information
The 14A, 14B and
15th district courts will hold court hearings in only the most urgent matters, such as when a person's liberty interests are at stake. For more information visit:
County/Statewide/National updates
Assistance
Face masks: The CDC recently issued public guidance on the use of face coverings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain. This guidance was issued because recent studies have shown that people infected with coronavirus who are asymptomatic can spread the virus to others in close proximity when speaking, coughing or sneezing. Face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are critical supplies that are being reserved for health care workers and first responders. A face covering is intended to prevent someone who may have coronavirus from spreading droplets in the air unknowingly due to a lack of symptoms. See the
CDC
website for instructions to make a face covering with household materials. You can also watch this instructional video.
Comprehensive - request assistance and volunteer to provide assistance
Barrier Busters (Washtenaw County): Connect with resources for rent, mortgage and utility assistance, transportation, food assistance, and other direct support needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic -
English (PDF) |
Spanish (PDF).
Michigan COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide: Unemployment and worker assistance; food assistance; utility and housing assistance; child care assistance; general assistance; Detroit assistance programs; find local resources; give back.
Washtenaw County roundup of essential services: A variety of services is featured on the county website, including child care, evictions, health insurance, internet, medical, transportation, unemployment, utilities, food distribution and more.
Get assistance
(Support for) Community groups and non-profits:
COVID-19 Community Relief Fund grant portal for support to local nonprofits and community groups working with populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic faced with immediate, emergent and unanticipated community needs.
Community Resources: A variety of assistance is available via the
United Way of Washtenaw County website.
Critical bed need (sleeping on the floor or newly housed and no bed) : Contact Friends in Deed. FID will attempt to resolve the situation. The Furniture Line can be reached at 734.484.7607.
Food assistance: Food Gatherers works with more than 150 partner programs throughout Washtenaw County. Many of these programs are open to the public and make food available to eligible community members.
Food assistance: For Ann Arbor Public Schools students.
Food assistance: SOS Community Services food pantry is available without appointment, located at 114 N. River St., Ypsilanti. Pre-bagged groceries are being provided at the door on Tuesdays, 1-6:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Everyone who needs food is eligible. People are asked to maintain 6 feet of distance from others when collecting their groceries.
Food and diapers assistance: Via SOS Community Services. SOS’ Parents as Teachers program continues to conduct virtual home visits and make porch drops of food and diapers.
Homelessness and housing insecurity:
Housing: Via Ann Arbor Housing Commission. Residents living at an Ann Arbor Housing Commission property or using one of AAHC's vouchers, who have lost income, can contact their case manager as soon as possible for assistance. A message can also be left with AAHC's office at 734.794.6720.
Housing: Via Housing Access of Washtenaw County at 734.961.1999.
Housing - rent and utility payment concerns: Via Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid Michigan, Michigan Legal Help - https://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools/housing/covid-19-coronavirus-and-eviction-cases, https://michiganlegalhelp.org/coronavirus
Housing, tenant rights: Via Legal Services of South Central Michigan. (PDF)
Internet: From Comcast Cable, "In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please be advised that Comcast has increased the speeds of its Internet Essentials home internet service from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps. Additionally, households who enroll now will be eligible for 60 days of complimentary service. As a reminder, Internet Essentials provides $9.95 per month home internet service exclusively to low-income households."
Internet: Free access to
Spectrum Broadband and wi-fi For 60 days for new K-12 and college student households, and more.
Internet: Via a Washtenaw County-compiled list.
Public health: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hotline has public health and other experts available to answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1.888.535.6136.
Small-business assistance: Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or call 888.522.0103.
Small-business resources: Michigan Small Business Development Center.
Services: 2-1-1 for a 24/7 hotline that can connect you to services in the Washtenaw County community.
Social support: Via Community Mental Health, 24/7 crisis services and more.
Social support: Via Ozone House crisis line, available 24/7 for youth in need of support or who are at risk of homelessness.
Social support: Via You Are Not Alone, resources and video for students dealing with depression, grief, loss and other mental health issues.
Urgent needs: Via Ann Arbor Public Schools website.
Utlilities: Via City of Ann Arbor. The city is able to postpone payments on utilities for those who are unable to pay as a result of COVID-19. Please call customer service at 734.794.6320 to request a payment delay on your account.
- Utilities: Assistance with paying for utilities, via Barrier Busters.
Give assistance
Donate food: Food Gatherers is accepting food donations during our regularly scheduled hours. For more information, visit
www.foodgatherers.org/givefood.
Donate food: Lunches with Love - These pre-packed meal bags are a great way to provide ready-to-eat food to our community. Learn more:
www.foodgatherers.org/lunches (PDF).
Donate funds: Slow Food Huron Valley has created an Emergency Relief Fund for local farms and food businesses in the greater Washtenaw County foodshed area who are experiencing financial hardship while unable to access their regular markets in southeast Michigan. This mini-grant is intended to help some through this difficult time until the local food system is back up and running. Learn more: www.slowfoodhuronvalley.com.
Donate funds: Food Gatherers will continuously assess the emergency food needs in our community. In this unprecedented situation, financial donations provide Food Gatherers the most flexibility to best respond to these emerging needs. Donate now:
www.foodgatherers.org/donate or 734.761.2796.
Donate funds: Via United Way of Washtenaw County Communit COVID-19 Relief Fund. 100% of your gift will be used in our community to meet the emerging and critical needs in Washtenaw county by our non-profit partners.
Donate toward utility payments for those in need: Via
Barrier Busters.
Volunteer: Food Gatherers relies on volunteers to support our operations. For the safety of staff and volunteers, we are implementing additional food safety and sanitary measures in our warehouse and Community Kitchen. Learn more:
www.foodgatherers.org/volunteer.
Volunteer: Jewish Family Services is working to support older adults, food pantries, counseling services and more. Various opportunities are in need of volunteers, including ways to support and check in on seniors remotely.
Volunteer: Trained medical professionals can register to serve by assisting hospitals in fighting COVID-19 by signing up via the State of Michigan MDHHS volunteer website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19. Other state residents also can use the site to find out how to help in their local communities, give blood, donate money or needed medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections.
Volunteer: United Way of Washtenaw County is organizing a special
Washtenaw County Coronavirus Volunteer response team - medical and non-medical volunteers are needed.
Resources
