All Blog Posts

Since November 2018, I’ve shared Ann Arbor City Council agenda summaries, voting records, community announcements, and in-depth analysis of issues and policy.

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (October 18, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (October 18, 2026)

This week, Ann Arbor City Council considers a very long agenda. There will be five public hearings: three for final approval for two new ordinances and the rezoning of Woodbury Gardens, one for the vacation of a public right-of-way and another for a brownfield plan at University Inn. At first reading, Council will consider a new ordinance to regulate cryptocurrency and a new definition of disorderly conduct for activity around houses of worship. By resolution, Council will direct the acceleration of rezonings near downtown and central campus, asking that they be sent to Council in the next three months.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (October 4, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (October 4, 2026)

The Consent Agenda includes a consulting contract to rapidly rezone the city and rewrite the development process to accelerate approvals. The regular agenda includes the rezoning of individual parcels and the purchase of another parcel to manage stormwater. A late addition to the agenda will purchase land for the Greenbelt District. By resolution, Council asks the City Administrator to study and consider a “reimagining” and potential closure of public facilities at Veterans Park. Council takes a strong stance against public power, urging voters to oppose the citizen petition for the formation of a Municipal Electric Utility Board to consider potential next steps.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (September 20, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (September 20, 2026)

A long agenda includes one public hearing for an ordinance amendment, two public hearings for amendments to brownfield plans, and another hearing on updated fees from the Ann Arbor Fire Department. At first reading, Council will consider a rezoning of over 40 acres at Woodbury Gardens. This rezoning will redevelop current residential units in order to add density for a TC-1 zoning district.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (August 5, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (August 5, 2026)

Tomorrow, Ann Arbor City Council considers a long agenda and hosts public hearings on three rezonings and an ordinance amendment. Additionally, Council will consider extra permit requirements for special events (including neighborhood block parties) and new rules that will make it harder for a new composition of Council to debate and discuss agenda items. For more on that, see my Additional Thoughts.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (July 18, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (July 18, 2026)

This week, City Council agenda includes three public hearings for rezonings at Wagner Road, 3785 Varsity Drive, and 700 N Main; two public hearings for ordinance amendments regarding sustainable developments and oak wilt prevention; plus one public hearing for the issuance of $18 million in bonds for affordable housing. Resolutions direct City staff to develop tenant protections and a six month moratorium on short term rental licenses.

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Hollow Hype: Council’s Sudden Concern About Short Term Rentals

Hollow Hype: Council’s Sudden Concern About Short Term Rentals

On the July 20, 2026 agenda, Ann Arbor City Council will consider a resolution that proposes a six month moratorium on the licensing of short term rentals, in order to provide time for an analysis of their impact on housing in Ann Arbor. This agenda item appears to have been hastily and sloppily written, like several other recent resolutions in anticipation of elections on August 4.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (July 5, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (July 5, 2026)

Tomorrow, Ann Arbor City Council votes on a relatively short agenda: amendment to bicycle parking requirements postponed from a previous meeting, zoning for two recently annexed parcels, and a rezoning that anticipates the demolition and redevelopment of the LIVE club and Last Word bar. At first reading, Council will consider a new ordinance to prevent the spread of oak wilt. For the third time since 2004, City Council will discuss a resolution calling out protests at a local synagogue. That resolution directs City staff to model a local ordinance after a fairly controversial New York law.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (June 14, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (June 14, 2026)

City Council is voting on a long agenda, including three rezonings and two City charter amendments for the November ballot. A resolution directs the City Administrator to report on a potential “Anti Displacement Plan” in response to recently approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Consent Agenda this week includes a new development agreement for Southtown, which is currently in bankruptcy, a contract for water main replacement near the Enclave development on Packard, and a $200,000 consultant contract for the study of local reparations.

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Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (May 31, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council Newsletter (May 31, 2026)

Ann Arbor City Council considers a very short agenda. There will be two public hearings, on ordinance amendments updating terms re: solid waste containers and clarifying reviews for stormwater management systems. There’s a more significant item on the consent agenda, expanding eligibility and funding for a grant program through the Office of Sustainability and Innovations.

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