A2 City News Community Newsletter

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​A2 City Ne​​w​​s​, November 20​25​​​​​​ (PDF), Volume 19, Number 11 (originally distributed Nov. 2, 2025, via e​mail to "community newsletter: A2 City News" subscribers​​)​​ ​​​​​​​

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3) in final phase to review and comment

The City of Ann Arbor is in the final phase of the process that will outline the city’s future vision and priorities to guide development to 2050. Through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, community members can review and submit final comments for the Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Draft 3).

Comments may be submitted via the form on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan project page. If visiting the page using a laptop or desktop computer, the form is located in the top-right corner of the page. If viewing the project page using a cellphone/mobile device, the form can be found by scrolling further down the page. Collecting comments using this online form generates a complete, compiled list for the Planning Commission and City Council to then review.

At the close of the 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.

Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel Grand opening

The wait is soon coming to an end for Border to Border (B2B) Trail users and Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area visitors! All are invited to the Barton-Bandemer Tunnel Ribbon-cutting event Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. The celebration recognizes the significance of this project as well as the partnerships that brought the project to fruition with City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

The tunnel will connect the new segment of the B2B Trail in Barton Nature Area with the existing B2B Trail network in Bandemer Park and more than 20 miles to the east. In addition to the new pedestrian tunnel, this project also includes pathway connections and a public art installation entitled “Ode to Huron” on the tunnel's interior. The artist, Tatum Lowry, will be in attendance at the Nov. 5 ceremony to share her inspiration for the artwork.

While event guests are encouraged to arrive via the newly connected B2B Trail, there will be some limited parking options (PDF) in the area.

Learn more about (and attend!) this exciting event! 

County shares seasonal warming center information

Washtenaw County, in support of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) and the Continuum of Care Winter Sheltering Operations, is sharing winter sheltering information, which will operate Nov. 10, 2025-April 14, 2026, pending weather conditions.

Pre-registration is not necessary to use daytime warming centers. Daytime shelter accommodations are available Monday to Friday at rotating locations. Questions may be directed to the Delonis Center at 734.662.2829.

Overnight warming centers are provided at the Delonis Center (312 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor 48103) for people experiencing homelessness. Shelter is available beginning at 7 p.m. every night through April 14, 2026. Please visit https://www.washtenaw.org/2789/Winter-Warming-Centers for overnight warming center information, assistance and procedures or contact the Delonis Center at 734.662.2829.

Ann Arbor Open Data Portal launches

City data in the forms of charts, graphs and maps is now available to the public like never before. The new Ann Arbor Open Data Portal is now live, developed in response to City Council Resolution R-23-331, “Resolution to Improve Data Transparency and Performance Management.” 

The city's first online data catalog launched in 2010, with raw data sets available to the public in the spirit of transparency. Its successor, the new Ann Arbor Open Data Portal, now adds dozens of maps and dashboards that enable residents to engage with and draw insights from the data without requiring specialized technical skills.

The Ann Arbor Open Data Portal provides a central location for all the varied city data products. Users can search by specific keywords or browse by topic, tag or format. Learn more about this exciting new resource, and visit the portal to start exploring!

Stay alert! Fall roadway reminders

With the end of daylight saving time (Nov. 2) and the sun setting earlier, please use extra caution and stay alert when (any time) you’re out and about to help reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.

October–December also typically brings increased activity among the deer population (2 million statewide). In 2024, more than 58,000 vehicle-deer crashes occurred across Michigan, according to Michigan State Police (MSP); with most of the crashes happening 8–9 a.m. and 6–9 p.m. It is more important than ever to stay alert especially during dawn and dusk hours, and be aware of your surroundings, ready to brake if you see a deer (and remember, often if you see one, there will be more).

If a crash is unavoidable, MSP advises motorists (of cars and trucks):

• Do not veer! While it may be instinct to swerve, MSP notes trying to avoid a deer may actually cause a loss of control of the vehicle causing a more serious traffic crash.
• Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane.
• Hold the steering wheel with both hands and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.

Visit MSP online to find additional information for motorcyclists and also what to do if you collide with a deer while driving/riding.

Serve a side of safety this season (especially)

Did you remember to test and/or change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you turned your clocks back an hour for the end of daylight saving time? If not, go ahead; we’ll wait …

Now with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in proper working condition, there are more safety reminders to visit as the holiday season nears. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) notes home cooking fires are more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year and offers tips, these and more online, to cook safely. 

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop.
• When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly.
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven.
• Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels, etc. at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat, keep the door closed and call 911 for assistance.
• NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, which are prone to causing injuries and property damage.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving — and hopes, with these precautions, NOT to see you on the holiday! 

Thanksgiving and expressing thanks

City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trash/compost/recycling collection will be delayed due to the holiday. Pickups regularly scheduled for Thursday will instead take place with a one-day delay, on Friday the 28th; and Friday collections will be delayed to Saturday the 29th.

With the holiday seasons approaching, some residents and vendors like to take this time to show appreciation to the municipal employees who collect the trash, maintain the roadways, keep our community safe and provide other vital city services. While a friendly smile, wave or even a note of thanks are always welcomed and greatly appreciated, anything more is actually prohibited for employees to accept.

According to the City of Ann Arbor’s Conflict of Interest employee policy, city personnel are not permitted to accept gifts, meals and food items, gift baskets, gift cards, etc., of any dollar value. This policy is not intended to diminish the importance of the work city staff does, but instead is in place to protect transparency in city operations and to maintain the public trust.

City budget recognized with GFOA award

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the City of Ann Arbor for the fiscal year 2026 budget. GFOA notes recipients of this award have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. 

CTN highlights

On Oct. 20, the nation observed Community Media Day, an annual celebration to underscore the importance of free speech, accessible media and ensuring everyone has a voice in their community. Among the many city forums and opportunities for residents to openly express viewpoints, perspectives and input, on Community Media Day, Ann Arbor’s own Community Television Network (CTN) stands out!

CTN has been in operation since 1973 and is one of the oldest access television operations in the country. Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channels on CTN bring city meetings to residents' homes, give a voice and a platform to all in the Ann Arbor community who want to be heard and share the latest and greatest city news and features to viewers around the globe. Applause goes to the multi-award-winning and dedicated city staff behind the cameras and behind the scenes for their work to advance community media here in Ann Arbor.

Here are some of the latest programs to watch now on CTN!

• Adventures In Parenthood - Heather Martin and Chinelo Onuigbo from Youth Arts Alliance (YAA) share how creativity can heal, connect, and empower. Learn about the therapeutic nature of the arts and discover the many ways you can get involved in YAA’s diverse community programs. https://youtu.be/bUQgS5C-T4M 
• City Round-Up - Engage Ann Arbor https://youtu.be/MI8n8oyNi1E 
• City Round Up – Air Quality Dashboard https://youtu.be/cJdg8b2tzPo?si=UnSe6YHUd3wwE8SI 
• CTN Sports - Skyline @ Huron Boys Soccer, October 7th https://youtu.be/m_vnkZWMlPE 
• CTN Sports – Pioneer @ Skyline Field Hockey September 29 https://youtu.be/CQRBSox5wAU 
• CTN Sports – Huron @ Pioneer Football, September 26 https://youtu.be/-XsRP0Hrq0I 
• CTN Sports – Pinckney @ Pioneer Football and Halftime Show, October 25 https://youtu.be/eL_Xk-kZA2w 
• CTN Top Sports Plays of the Season https://youtu.be/G0Q8zuBZdLY 
• FYI- Director of the Ann Arbor District Library, Eli Neiburger, gives an update on the Library Lot Parcel & acquiring the Ann Arbor Observer, Artoberfest, & learn about projects and programs through Engage Ann Arbor https://youtu.be/5ISKJBYkwyE 
• FYI - Sarah Miller & Chad Wiebesick with Destination Ann Arbor share how Washtenaw County welcomes all regardless of physical abilities, LGBTQ+ State of Michigan Historical Marker at City Hall, & explore Furstenberg Nature Area https://youtu.be/RLz4fkPJUNY 
• Green Light -Special episode from Zingerman's Roadhouse https://youtu.be/gkcgJOt09cI 
• Park Peek -Cloverdale Park https://youtu.be/vZLj3aTN6k4 
• CTN Promo – Electronics Collection Event Nov. 15 - https://youtu.be/Qeh_5GfSHMU 
• Soapbox – Elbert Williams Voting Corner https://youtu.be/00hS_4dt7ME 

Resilience Revealed honored in global film competition

The film, Resilience Revealed: Ann Arbor's Disability Legacy, of Zach Damon Productions, has won a prestigious Award of Merit from The Accolade Global Film Competition! The award was given for Zach Damon's exciting documentary, Resilience Revealed, which highlights the role Ann Arbor has played in the world of accessibility and disability activism. Resilience Revealed features interviews with Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, Ann Arbor City Councilmember Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, Disability Network Executive Director Alex Gossage and other advocates.

In addition to being an award-winner, the film’s producer also happens to be chair of the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues, member of the Ann Arbor Cable Commission, broadcaster, including past host of Ann Arbor Inclusive on CTN, advocate and more. Visit the Ann Arbor District Library online for the film and transcript. 

Please join the city in extending congratulations and appreciation to Chair Damon for this honor and being a champion for disability rights.

Dispose of household hazardous waste for free — Keep our community safe and clean!

Do you have old paint, cleaners, automotive fluids or batteries sitting in your garage or basement? Don’t toss them in the trash or pour them down the drain — Washtenaw County offers a FREE Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal program for residents! 

This program helps prevent harmful materials from polluting our environment and is available to Washtenaw County residents by appointment at two convenient drop-off locations. The service is not available to businesses or organizations.

What’s accepted:

• Paints and stains
• Household cleaners
• Automotive fluids
• Batteries
• Pesticides and more

Two drop-off options

• Weekday appointments — Northville HHW Center: 10843 W. Five Mile Road, Northville, open to Washtenaw County residents as well as Northville city and township residents.
• Saturday Collections (April–November) – Home Toxics Center — 705 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, available to Washtenaw County residents on select Saturdays.

Appointments required. View accepted items and schedule at washtenaw.org/hometoxics. This program is administered by the Washtenaw County Water Resources – Materials Management Division. The City of Ann Arbor is pleased to share this resource with residents. Let’s work together to keep harmful waste out of our landfills and waterways!

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