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A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via email o​​r call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. T​he current A2 City News community newsletter articles appear below in plain-text format.

 

​A2 City Ne​​w​​s​, September 20​25​​​​​​ (PDF), Volume 19, Number 9 (originally distributed Aug 28, 2025, via e​mail to "community newsletter: A2 City News" subscribers​​)​​ ​​​​​​​

Labor Day

There will be no trash, recycling or compost curbside collection services in the city of Ann Arbor on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Monday’s curbside collections will occur on Tuesday, and pickups will continue through the week with a one-day delay; Friday’s collections will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6. 

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will also be closed on the holiday Monday. Safety services and utility operations, however, will maintain 24-hour schedules throughout.

All invited to historical marker ceremony Sept. 4

Ann Arbor is inviting the community to join in honoring past city leaders who were pioneers in national LGBTQ+ and human rights history. A special ceremony to unveil a new State of Michigan Historical Marker will take place on the south plaza outside of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. The marker will permanently commemorate the courageous actions of former Ann Arbor City Councilmembers Nancy Wechsler and Jerry DeGrieck, who, in 1973, became the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office, and to honor Kathy Kozachenko, the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States (in 1974). The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer, Jim Toy, for the dedicated advocacy that led to the passage of the first-ever Lesbian-Gay Pride Week Resolution by a governing body and the expansion of the City of Ann Arbor Human Rights Ordinance to include protections for sexual orientation.

The Sept. 4 ceremony will feature remarks from elected officials and community leaders, as well as guests of honor, Kozachenko and DeGrieck and a representative from the Jim Toy Center, a special vocal performance, followed by the formal unveiling of the State of Michigan historical marker. The marker will be installed near where the Huron Street sidewalk and Ann Arbor Municipal Center ramp meet.

Back-to-school roadway safety

Back-to-school season is here! That means more kids, students and families are on the move. It’s more important than ever to plan ahead, give yourself extra time, slow down and always stay alert during your commute or when out running errands — whether on foot or on wheels.

Schools back in session also means school buses are back on the roads. As a motorist, do you know what to do when you see a school bus with its red lights flashing? Whether you’re driving on a two-lane roadway (with or without a center turning lane) or a four-lane roadway (without a median separation), all traffic — in both directions — must stop at least 20 feet back when the red lights are flashing. It’s the law. Also visit Michigan State Police online to find information on school buses and other safety tips.

Are you ready for some Big House football?

University of Michigan (UM) football season is upon us, which again brings about game-day street closures and on-street parking restrictions in certain stadium-area neighborhoods (see the map for details – PDF).  Per City Council resolution, street closures begin three hours before each game until the end of the game, except for southbound South Main Street, which will be closed beginning one hour before, until the end of each game. The other related closures are:

• Closure of westbound right turn lane of East Stadium Boulevard onto South Main Street just south of Michigan Stadium.
• Closure of South Main Street to both local and through traffic from Stadium Boulevard to Pauline
• Limited access to parking permit holders on Greene Street from East Hoover to Keech

UM home football games are scheduled for Saturdays, Aug. 30; Sept. 13; Oct. 4, 18; and Nov. 1, 29. Please also note, the road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect for the major concert event (Zach Bryan) scheduled to take place at Michigan Stadium Saturday, Sept. 27.

Check out the Ann Arbor Police Department’s online Game Day (/stadium special event) in Ann Arbor resource, packed with helpful information.

Free Drop-Off Station pass available for residents

The City of Ann Arbor is introducing a new, convenient way for city residents to access the city Drop-Off Station, the one-stop location for recycling, compost and way to dispose of items such as appliances, electronics, building materials and more. Residents can now apply online for a pass that covers the entry fee at the Drop-off Station to dispose of items that can’t go in curbside carts, including oversized recyclables and special waste materials. This new method of accessing the Drop-Off Station will waive the $3 gate entry fee. Go online to learn more and purchase the pass!

Tour the Ann Arbor compost facility!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ann Arbor’s leaves, grass, branches and food scraps are transformed into valuable compost with a tour of the Ann Arbor Compost Facility Friday, Sept. 19. This event is part of the Great Michigan Compost Tour, a statewide initiative highlighting the vital role composting plays in sustainable waste management and soil health.

Tour attendees will have the opportunity to observe industrial-scale composting in action. Whether you’re a backyard composter or curious about what happens to the material in your cart and bags once they leave the curb, this is a great opportunity to learn how it works!

• When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, 10 a.m.–noon
• Where: Ann Arbor Compost Center, 4170 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, 48108

Please note, tour is outdoors in a working compost facility, and conditions will likely be dusty or muddy, depending on weather. Attendees are encouraged to wear pants and sturdy shoes or boots.

2025 Water Resource Recovery Facility Open House

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after water goes down the drain and meet the city staff behind the fascinating process. The Ann Arbor Water Resource Recovery Facility Open House is Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.–noon, at the facility located at 49 S. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, 48105!

• Reserve your free tour spot today; hurry, space is limited! Tours run every 20 minutes, with the last tour beginning at 11:40 a.m.
• Light refreshments provided
• Interactive activities with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Comprehensive plan process update

The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission has completed its review of the second draft of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Commissioners spent several meetings this summer discussing content edits to the document, how to incorporate City Council’s July resolution, and the future land use map. Recordings and meeting minutes are provided on Legistar, the legislative system the city uses for document and meeting management and to post agendas and minutes online for the public to search and view. 

The following documents feature the running list of edits for the second draft and where and how Planning Commission will incorporate Council’s requests, respectively.

• Compilation of Planning Commission edits 
• Response to the Council’s resolution 

The third draft is scheduled to return to the Planning Commission for the Oct. 7 meeting. At that stage, the Planning Commission can choose to formally forward the draft to the City Council. If they do so, City Council decides whether to approve the draft for the 63-day review. This is the state statue’s predetermined period to receive input from stakeholders, residents and neighboring municipalities. It is not until the review period is over that the public hearings begin. A more detailed timeline will be provided after Oct. 7. Please stay tuned and visit the city’s engagement portal for more information about the plan (or other city projects).

Parks fall round up

School is back in session. The leaves are changing. The days are getting shorter. But what remains are so many opportunities to continue to play, socialize, be happy, have fun, help out and ENJOY everything that awaits just outside your doorstep ... with Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation! Check out your options, and get ready to grow.

Here are just some of the highlights to check out …

--- Late-summer and early-fall harvests are in season these coming months at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Hours through December are: Saturdays and Wednesdays 7 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE parking in the market lot | Credit/Debit and mobile pay accepted | Food assistance accepted | Service animals only | Accessible restrooms available. Visit the market on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the bounty.

--- Golfers, you can still get in a round or two! Cooler temps(?) and color-changing scenery just add to the experience. Book your tee time at Leslie Park and Huron Hills golf courses.

--- Veterans Memorial Ice Arena 

Registration is now open for ice skating lessons (Sessions 1 and 2) for all ages and skill levels. View levels and dates before registering. Draft hockey league registration is also underway for the fall season, beginning with two draft skates followed by an official draft. Sign up online.

--- Fuller Park Pool 

The outdoor swim season continues through Sunday, Sept. 14, including the new open swim schedule that started Aug. 25. Private swim lessons are also available through Sept. 14. Call 734.794.6236, or learn more online.

--- Mack Indoor Pool 

Mack Pool opens for the season on Monday, Sept. 22! Registration is underway for the fall session of the Octopods swim team, and group swim lessons for all ages are offered October through December. Learn more and register online.

--- Yoga in the Parks

Join a gentle outdoor yoga flow every Wednesday in September, 8–9 a.m. at Furstenburg Nature Area.  This FREE program is open to new and returning yogis. Please preregister!

--- Guided kayaking adventures 

Explore the Huron River with expert staff through themed paddling classes designed for all levels. From wildlife discovery to leisurely floats, these outings are fun and educational. Register online.

• Birding by Boat: Gallup Pond Exploration — Monday, Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., $32/person, ages 18+. Explore the Stillwater section of Gallup Pond with a local naturalist and spot herons, kingfishers, ducks and more.
• Fall Colors Kayak Tour — Wednesday, Oct. 8, 4:30–6 p.m., $35/person. All ages welcome (children over 1 with a parent/guardian). Enjoy autumn’s vibrant display from the water with guided instruction and breathtaking views.

The more than 160 Ann Arbor parks also provide a perfect setting for enjoyment simply at your leisure! Enjoy the playgrounds | Stroll, run or roll along a path and even along the river | Find a pick-up basketball game | Try pickleball or stick with tennis | Or just take a rest and take in nature on a bench. The choice is yours. 

Project updates in and near city parks

Progress continues on Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel project

The Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel project construction is entering the homestretch this fall. When the project is complete and opens later this fall, the tunnel will provide a crucial, safe and legal link in the Border to Border Trail (B2B) on Ann Arbor’s northwest side. Until then, please continue to avoid work areas and follow all posted signs to stay safe. Visitors may continue to experience intermittent/partial closures in the area as a result. Please follow Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation social media for any announcements as they become available as well as see posted signage on site. 

The project is currently on schedule to open later this fall!

Barton Dam embankment construction

Barton Dam embankment construction also continues in areas of Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron, as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). While the river is open for recreation, the city reminds boaters, especially to please plan ahead for where they will enter and exit the water, away from the construction site. Visit the Barton Dam embankment project page for more information.

All visitors to these parks and nature areas, whether by water or by land, should be aware of the potential for construction traffic and adhere to the access restrictions. Your safety is important! The city thanks you for your patience during these necessary projects.

Liberty Plaza’s ‘elevation’ continues

The mural is taking shape at Liberty Plaza, another exciting installment from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s Elevate Program, a public art and placemaking initiative, along with Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation and the Ann Arbor Art Center as a key partner and collaborator. Artist C. Stanley Creative has been hard at work elevating the space into a vibrant array of geometric shapes and patterns that celebrate the beauty of Ann Arbor's parks and environment. The design will ultimately bring a unifying theme to the various levels and pockets of the plaza. The mural is (eagerly!) anticipated for completion in early September. Until then, stop by the plaza to witness how it continues to transform! Can’t make it by in person? Follow Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, DDA and the A2AC on social media for updates and images. 

A2 announces new transportation manager

The City of Ann Arbor is welcoming Malisa McCreedy as the new transportation manager. McCreedy brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in public-sector transportation, mobility systems and community-focused planning, and most recently served as director of transportation and mobility for the City of Gainesville, Florida. Her experience also includes significant roles in Portland, Charlotte, and Orlando, and she served six years as board chair for Get Active Orlando. As Ann Arbor transportation manager, she will collaborate closely with systems planning, engineering and community engagement staff. Please join the city in welcoming McCreedy to Ann Arbor!

Share input in the 2025 Ann Arbor Transportation Survey

How do you get around Ann Arbor? What works well — and what doesn’t work so well for you? The 2025 Transportation Survey is open through Oct. 31, and your feedback will help shape the future of moving around the city.

This annual survey supports Ann Arbor’s Vision Zero goals to make the transportation system safer, more accessible and better for everyone. Your input will help track progress and guide improvements over the next four years.

Relay input on how you travel and where improvements are needed, before the survey closes Oct. 31, 2025.

Special Election is Nov. 4

A Special Election will be held in Ann Arbor Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polling places open on Election Day 7 a.m. –8 p.m. Here are some notes to know now:

Ballot proposal: Washtenaw Intermediate School District Area Career and Technical Education Proposal

Do you need to register to vote in Ann Arbor? Check your voter registration status, and if you're not already, find out how to register online (and when to do so by!) through the Michigan Voter Information Center. City residents can also submit a voter registration form by mail, email, fax or in-person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office.

The Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will have extended office hours leading up to Election Day.

• Wednesday, Oct. 29–Friday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 1: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 2: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

And, as always, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office is happy to answer your questions! Reach out during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon  —and—  1–5 p.m., at 734.794.6140 or cityclerk@a2gov.org.

Green Fair | Friday, Sept. 19, 5–8 p.m. | Main Street Ann Arbor

Join the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations for the annual Green Fair community event in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Exhibitors who are advancing sustainable living will be featured with information about renewable energy, energy waste reduction, the circular economy, local food systems, environmental resources, green transportation, environmental advocacy and justice, urban forestry and so much more! 

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