City of Ann Arbor invites residents to help shape the future of stormwater management

The City of Ann Arbor is asking residents to complete a brief survey to help shape the future of how the city manages stormwater and prepares for heavier rainfall.

The survey is available on the City of Ann Arbor Engage Ann Arbor project site.

Every time it rains or snow melts, water flows off rooftops, streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hard surfaces into storm drains, ditches, rain gardens, creeks and eventually the Huron River. How that water is managed affects neighborhood drainage, street flooding, water quality and the city's ability to deal with heavier rainfall.

Ann Arbor's stormwater system was built more than 100 years ago to serve a smaller, drier community. Today, the city receives over 45% more precipitation than it did 50 years ago, placing increasing demands on infrastructure that wasn't designed for today's weather patterns that are changing with the climate.

The city's Stormwater Comprehensive Plan will bring together existing plans, studies and programs into one long-term strategy for managing stormwater. The plan will help guide future investments to reduce flooding, improve drainage, protect the Huron River and strengthen Ann Arbor's ability to adapt.

"Stormwater affects every part of Ann Arbor, from neighborhood streets and private property to our creeks and the Huron River," said Jennifer Lawson, Ann Arbor water quality manager. "This survey gives residents an opportunity to tell us what they are experiencing, what they want the city to prioritize and how they want to receive information about stormwater in the future. That input is essential as we develop a plan that reflects the needs and values of the community."

The survey asks residents about their experiences with drainage, flooding and other stormwater issues, what they think the city's priorities should be and how they would like to receive information about stormwater projects and future engagement opportunities.

Residents do not need any technical knowledge to participate. The city is seeking input from homeowners, renters, students, business owners and people from every Ann Arbor neighborhood.

The survey is part of a broader public engagement effort that has included stakeholder meetings, focus groups, community events and input from the city's Stormwater Advisory Group.

To take the survey or learn more about the Stormwater Comprehensive Plan, visit www.engage.a2gov.org/stormwater.

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Media Contact: 

Robert Kellar, Communications Specialist, 734.794.6000 ext. 41524 | rkellar@a2gov.org