Ann Arbor · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ann Arbor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Attorney Salary
Ann Arbor's city attorney just bagged another $30,000 raise, marking the second consecutive year of significant pay bumps funded by your tax dollars. It's a steep increase for a top municipal role that's definitely going to catch residents' attention.
Utility Management
Ann Arbor's new clean energy utility just joined a statewide network, meaning our local green power push is getting some serious backup from across Michigan. It is a big step toward making our city's independent green energy grid a reality.
Energy Generation
Ann Arbor is exploring the creation of its own municipal power source to protect residents from climbing energy bills. This move aims to give the city more control over its energy future and could change what you pay for electricity down the road.
City Administrator Evaluation and Compensation
The city attorney says a performance evaluation is underway and she'll ask for a closed session at the next meeting. Closed sessions exclude the public, so the details won't be visible until the committee reports back.
Legal Ruling
A judge just tossed out a lawsuit targeting the Ann Arbor city clerk over petition signatures for the public power push, completely clearing the office of any wrongdoing. That means the public power effort can move forward without this legal cloud hanging over it.
Ann Arbor for Public Power ballot question
The clerk certified the validity of a petition to put a public power question before voters on November 3, 2026.
Hazardous Materials
Ann Arbor's hazmat team is working overtime this year, and that jump in emergency calls has local leaders worried about public safety and rising city expenses.
University Expansion
Ann Arbor city leaders are clashing with the University of Michigan over its plans to buy a chunk of the Concordia University campus. Because the university is tax-exempt, this purchase could blow a major hole in the city budget and mess with local planning.
U-M Potential Purchase of Concordia University
If the university buys the 187-acre campus, it would likely stay off the tax rolls. Council urged U-M to partner with the city on housing, parks, or other community benefits.
Sign Removal
Ann Arbor dropped $18,000 of your tax dollars to tear down neighborhood watch signs because local leaders flagged them as racially problematic. It's a fast and unexpected hit to the city budget driven by recent social equity debates.
Public Utility Initiative
Ann Arbor activists fighting for a city-owned electric utility claim that energy giant DTE is secretly bankrolling the opposition. If this municipal power push actually happens, it could totally change where your electricity comes from and how much you pay.