University of Michigan contributes $1.26M to City of Ann Arbor projects
The University of Michigan is contributing more than $1.26 million to support several City of Ann Arbor projects that advance shared priorities of public safety, downtown maintenance and recreational opportunity.
The university’s support includes funding for a new ambulance, the installation of retractable street bollards, downtown cleaning efforts, the replacement of solid waste receptacles and Veterans Memorial Park recovery.
“These investments reflect the strength of the city-university partnership and our shared commitment to a safe, welcoming and vibrant community,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. “The University of Michigan is invested in an Ann Arbor that thrives beyond campus boundaries.”
The U-M contributions include:
New ambulance: The university is contributing $346,000 toward a new ambulance for the Ann Arbor Fire Department, supporting emergency response capacity and public safety services in the community. This ambulance will be used to support citywide emergency medical transport surge capacity for events such as Art Fair or concerts at Michigan Stadium. It will also allow the fire department to consistently have two ambulances available for all football home game weekends to account for mechanical and service rotation of the other ambulances.
Downtown bollards: U-M is contributing $200,000 toward the installation of retractable bollards downtown. These bollards support public safety by improving the city’s ability to manage traffic and large public events.
Downtown cleaning efforts: The university is contributing $150,000 to support supplementary downtown street cleanups by city staff during the summer and fall. These funds will help with cleaning high-visibility areas while the Downtown Development Authority and Public Works take the necessary steps to establish a downtown service team pilot program.
Replacement of waste receptacles: U-M is contributing approximately $270,000 to support the replacement of 130 trash and recycling receptacles around downtown and in some parks. The new receptacles will improve the appearance and cleanliness of downtown and the parks where they are installed while also allowing for more efficient collection operations based on the cans’ improved design.
Veterans Memorial Park: U-M is contributing $300,000 in support of Veterans Memorial Park recovery efforts related to the April 15 tornado. The EF-1 tornado caused extensive damage to structures and property throughout the 37-acre site.
"These investments are about supporting the services, infrastructure and public spaces that help make Ann Arbor a great place to live, work and visit," said Chris Kolb, U-M vice president for government relations. "As one of the city's largest institutions, we recognize our responsibility to be a good neighbor and a trusted partner, and we're proud to work alongside the city on projects that benefit the broader community."
The latest contributions build on the university’s broader support for Ann Arbor. In fiscal year 2025, U-M provided more than $32 million in financial support to the City of Ann Arbor, spanning infrastructure partnerships, service payments, capital investments and community initiatives.
“These are practical investments in services and infrastructure people use every day,” Dohoney said. “They demonstrate how collaboration between the city and university can produce tangible benefits for the entire community.”
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Media Contact:
Steve Kilar, Communications Director, skilar@a2gov.org