A2 City News Community Newsletter

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

 

​A2 City Ne​​w​​s​, March 2026 (PDF), Volume 20, Number 3 (originally distributed March 2, 2026, via e​mail to "community newsletter: A2 City News" subscribers​​)​​ ​​​​​​​

Share feedback on whether to decommission outdoor warning siren system

Community members are invited to share feedback on the possible decommissioning of the City of Ann Arbor outdoor warning siren system. The city is considering retiring the 22 outdoor warning sirens because newer emergency alert technologies provide clearer, more detailed instructions to residents during emergencies. What do you think? Learn more and provide your input via an online survey, https://engage.a2gov.org/siren-review.

2026 electronics drop-off events planned for March 9–24 and beyond

Several opportunities are coming up for residents to responsibly dispose of household electronics. The Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) is hosting collection events and drop-off receptacles in locations across the city throughout the 2026 calendar year. 

The first opportunity is March 9 through March 24, 2026, at a secure drop-off receptacle located in Larcom City Hall during regular business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). This secure drop-off receptacle will accept household electronics such as laptops, cell phones, tablets, keyboards, hard drives, hotspots, GPS units, routers and modems, cords and cables, media (CDs, DVDs, disks, tapes), alkaline batteries (NO lithium batteries) and consoles. The receptacle opening is 1.5 inches tall, and items that do not fit cannot be accepted. Once the receptacle is full, no additional items will be accepted and that particular collection event will close. Registration is not required for this first drop-off event, but residents interested in dropping off electronics are encouraged to visit a2gov.org/electronics before visiting to ensure their items are within acceptance guidelines.

See the dates for upcoming collection events, registration information and learn more about the effort. 

Registration opens March 16 for Blaze & Blue Career Camp for young women

Blaze & Blue Career Camp for local young women ages 15–18 years old is returning for its fifth year with registration opening at 10 a.m. Monday, March 16. The Ann Arbor Fire and Police departments host the free, four-day program, taking place 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday, June 22–Thursday, June 25. Space is limited, and this camp has filled quickly in previous years. The online signup form will be posted when registration opens. Priority will be given to city of Ann Arbor residents, followed by residents of other Washtenaw County communities. 

Participants will train with Ann Arbor firefighters and Ann Arbor police, led by women who are first-responder professionals and are rising above barriers and stereotypes. Emphasis is placed on an encouraging, educational, hands-on and interactive, supportive environment. The camp itinerary includes the most challenging and exciting hands-on tasks in firefighting, first response and law enforcement, including:

• Vehicle extrication
• 100-foot aerial platform rides
• Rappelling
• Patrol and traffic stop scenarios
• Crime scene investigation
• Mugshots and fingerprints
• Simunitions exercises
• Static Taser deployment
• Alcohol impairment goggles
• Officer body cam reviews

Full attendance at all four days is expected. Lunch is included daily, and participants will receive a complimentary Blaze & Blue t-shirt. Set a reminder! Registration for 2026 Blaze & Blue Career Camp starts at 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, at https://aapd.a2gov.org/blazeandbluecamp.

Express interest — commitment free — in local, renewable energy service through the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility

As the city moves closer to hooking up its first residents to clean, renewable energy later this year, you can be sure to stay in the loop with all the latest Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) news, developments and opportunities. The SEU, which was created by voters in 2024 to accelerate Ann Arbor’s clean energy transformation, is soliciting expressions of interest from residents and businesses, with no commitment to join.

The Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility is an opt-in, supplemental utility offering renewable, clean, reliable and affordable energy to city residents and businesses. Visit the new SEU website and watch an animated video short to learn more: www.a2seu.com. 

CTN highlights

Discover CTN’s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

Ann Arbor Inclusive - Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston is celebrating 50 Years of Impact in 20! Join them all year long as they honor five decades of advocacy and look ahead to the future of independent living in our community. Stay tuned for events and ways to celebrate with them!

Ann Arbor's Sustainable Energy Utility - Geothermal Contractor Workshop 2/20/26 

CTN Sports - Dexter @ Skyline Girls Basketball, February 13th 

CTN Sports - Pioneer @ Skyline Boys Basketball, February 6th 

CTN is Moving Promo #1 

CTN is Moving Promo #2 

FYI - Josiah Jackson, Director of PTD’s Doubt: A Parable shares how this story raises questions for the characters and viewers alike, Theatre Nova presents Kayak, & get details on the 2026 Ice Carving Festival at County Farm Park 

FYI - Attorney, Jordan Ewald, with Michigan Auto Laws give the facts about traveling through roundabouts and the stats on the most dangerous one’s in Michigan. Brightworks Co-Working space, and A Colorful Collection of books

Community Stories at Green Fair 2025- 

Let's Watch with the Ann Arbor Film Festival – Disability Culture Activist Petra Kuppers shares how virtual reality can bridge the gap between the able-bodied and the disabled with Planting Disabled Futures, Off the Screen at the 64th annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, 

Let's Watch with the Ann Arbor Film Festival - Filmmaker, Ellery Bryan, takes a deep dive at the depths of humanity and interconnectedness with the film My Body is the Lens I can Look Through with My Mind at the 64th annual Ann Arbor Film Festival 

Soapbox - Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance 

Ward Talk- Ann Arbor Mayor, Christopher Taylor- 

Senior Moments - Kim McIntire, Recreation Manager of Pittsfield Township and Stacie Jackson, Recreation Specialist, discuss updated information of the Pittsfield Township Senior Center such as upcoming events, current and new programs and classes as well as the "Older Persons Millage," 

CTN Sports – Tops Plays of the Season, Winter 25-26

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