Greenbelt Program’s “Bluebelt” Open for Applications from Landowners

At its Sept. 11, 2025, meeting, the City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt Advisory Commission adopted a framework for implementing a “Bluebelt” program focused on sourcewater protection for the city’s drinking water. The Bluebelt represents a significant expansion of the Greenbelt’s reach, though it is not the first expansion in the program’s 20+ year history. 

The Greenbelt district boundary has expanded twice since the program's inception in 2003, each time to accommodate new opportunities, adapt to community and/or program needs, or allow for expanded partnerships and financial leverage. The latest Greenbelt district expansion is driven by these same factors, but this iteration adds a second boundary, the Bluebelt, that will engage in permanent land conservation directly protecting the city's drinking water quality, the top concern voiced by the public across the Greenbelt's 2019 strategic planning process and an original purpose defined in the 2003 Greenbelt ballot language. Though the Bluebelt boundary was approved in April 2024 by vote of City Council as a revision of the City’s Chapter 42 ordinance, the Greenbelt Advisory Commission has now approved the framework developed by city staff necessary for implementation.

The framework adopted by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission sets an eligibility guide based on riparian and groundwater recharge features of agricultural and natural area-dominant properties that may best protect the city’s drinking sourcewater. In development of the framework, city staff collaborated with other land preservation agencies, the Huron River Watershed Council and Ann Arbor Water, to use their understanding of our water systems, agree on best practices and align goals. Similar to the Greenbelt’s efforts, conservation easements and contributions to nature preserve acquisition will continue to be the primary land acquisition tools used in the Bluebelt, and staff will rely on relevant partner agencies for land management and improvement campaigns.

Land preservation within the Greenbelt boundary, as well as work toward more Buy-Protect-Sell initiative opportunities, remain ongoing. The addition of the Bluebelt does not come with additional local tax funding, but city staff hopes to leverage potential state and federal grants concerning water quality protection.

The Greenbelt Program is now accepting applications from landowners within the Bluebelt. Submit an application (PDF) or talk with staff to get started.

The Open Space and Parkland Preservation program (commonly referred to as the Greenbelt) was approved by City of Ann Arbor voters in November 2003 to provide funding for the preservation and protection of open space, natural habitats and working landscapes surrounding the city, and for the purchasing parkland within the city. Voters authorized a one-half mill tax for 30 years, which provides funds for permanent land protection efforts. Now entering its 23rd year, the Greenbelt has protected nearly 8,000 acres of farmland and natural areas in the greater Ann Arbor area.

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Media Contact: 

Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Land Acquisition Supervisor, RPahlDonaldson@a2gov.org