Midterm Progress Report

February 2023

It has been my honor to serve as your Ward 5 Councilmember over the past two years. I ran for City Council on the promise to improve basic services, while also prioritizing responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and good governance. I was fortunate to be elected to Ann Arbor Council in November 2020, along with four other smart, progressive Democrats. Working with my colleagues, city staff, Ann Arbor’s boards and commissions, and engaged residents we’ve accomplished a great progress since 2020. In November 2022, Ann Arbor voters selected five, wonderful new members to Council… and built the most diverse City Council body in Ann Arbor history.

I’ve worked to keep you updated on our work and the work of government through my bi-weekly newsletters. Below you’ll find an overview (though not exhaustive) of the initiatives, projects, and policies that we’ve moved forward since 2020 . While there is still a great deal to do, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together. I welcome your feedback and thoughts. What issues do you think deserve more Council attention?

For more information about the items below use the embedded links. The highlighted text should link to Legistar on the City’s website with more information on the Council action. While the highlighted date links to one my newsletters with my summary of the issue prior to a vote.

Improving Basic City Services

• Authorized a $15 million bond to accelerate the rate of road repairs (4/18/22)

• Signifiant investments to ensure a  reliable sewer service (1/16/22, 12/4/22)

• Significant investments to wastewater treatment plant (4/3/22)

• Renovated Ann Arbor's Downtown Fire Station (8/13/21)

• Installed fiber optic in downtown Ann Arbor (5/2/21)

• Proactive monitoring and improvements made to water mains (5/2/21, 5/17/21)

• Increased focus on ensuring sidewalks are cleared of snow in the winter (1/16/22)

• Adopted a Vision-Zero centered Transportation Plan (6/5/21)

• Replacement of galvanized water service lines to protect residents any risk of lead in their drinking water (4/3/22)

• Barton Dam Remediation Project (12/20/21)

Housing Affordability

• Developed and instituted along 3 corridors a new zoning district to enable more housing to be built along transit corridors (6/5/21, 3/22/22, 10/2/22)

• Increased supply of affordable senior housing (308 new apartments) – (1/30/21)

• Increased Poverty Exemption Level for Property Taxes – (1/18/21)

• Increased supply of affordable housing by building on city-owned properties 721 North Main, 353 S. Main, & 1510 E. Stadium (4/18/21)

• Reduced barriers for homeowners interested in adding an accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - (4/18/21)

• Increased renter protections (6/5/21, 7/30/21, 10/2/22)

• Expanded opportunities for home-based businesses (7/30/21)

• Established a Renter’s Commission (9/20/21)

• Expedited site plan review of “by right” projects to reduce development costs (01/03/22)

• Eliminated minimum parking requirements in code to reduce development costs (8/13/22)

Equity Initiatives

• Banned housing discrimination based on criminal history (4/5/21)

• Recognized Junteenth as a City holiday  (5/17/21)

• Prohibited racial discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles (6/19/21)

• Banned practice of Conversion Therapy in Ann Arbor (7/30/21) 

• Held City leaders accountable for discriminatory actions, ethics violations, and (4/19/21, 6/5/21, 7/30/21)

• Piloting a Universal Basic Income Program (4/3/22)

• Increased funding for human services (4/3/22)

• Created a new position, Director of Organizational Equity, for the City (5/17/21)

Criminal Justice Reform

• Developed and funded an unarmed crisis response program (4/5/21, 4/3/22)

• Dedicating Funds Received from Marijuana Sales Tax Rebate to Restorative Justice Programming (3/13/21)

• Secured important accountability and oversight changes in AAPD Command Officers contract (6/19/21)

 Environmental Stewardship

• Placed climate action millage on November 2022 to secure stable funding for climate action work (12/5/21)

• $7.5 million investment to solarize city facilities (6/19/22)

• Adopted a more protective flood plain ordinance to ensure more buildings aren’t built in the floodway (1/3/21)

• Restructured parking requirements to require more electric vehicle parking  (1/18/21)

• Established an energy and water benchmarking program for commercial and multifamily buildings (10/4/21)

• Won important concessions from DTE, including lower rates for customers and community solar (4/18/21)

• Adopted dark skies focused lighting ordinance (7/30/21)

• Working to provide residents with access to clean, reliable, locally built, and affordable electricity (1/18/22)

Pro-Worker Policy Reforms

• Placed a charter amendment on the ballot to move from Lowest Cost to Best Value Contracting Policy (7/18/21)

• Required on-site spot checks of contractor compliance with prevailing wage requirements 

Animal Welfare

• Banned the sale of fur in Ann Arbor (7/30/21)

• Increased penalties for dog owners who allow a dangerous dog to attack another dog/human (9/20/21)