Neighbors,
The first two weeks of the new federal administration have been a chaotic whirlwind of, frankly shocking, executive orders and federal memos. While many of these orders are already facing legal challenges, at the City level, we're navigating--with the expertise of our City Attorney and City Administrator--the potential impacts to Ann Arbor, which remains committed to equity, sustainability, and the health and well-being of its residents.
Many of you have reached out about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Action. A 2017 Resolution passed by City Council stands: we require a judicial warrant prior to detaining an individual or in any manner prolonging the detention of the individual at the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection; City of Ann Arbor officials shall not arrest, detain, or transport an individual solely on the basis of an immigration detainer request or other administrative document issued by ICE or CBP; and the City shall not enter into any agreement under 8 U.S.C. Section 1357(g) to have local police assist in the enforcement federal immigration law. In short, it's not the City's job to help the federal government enforce immigration law.
However, residents need to also be aware that ICE does not need the City's involvement to carry out immigration enforcement. Everyone--including immigrants--in the U.S. have constitutional rights. Residents with concerns about immigration rights or who would like to learn more should reach out to the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, which also has an emergency line: 734-355-2707
I remain committed to transparent communication with you about any changes that may affect our community; and steadfast in my commitment to our community's shared values.
City Council meets Monday, February 3 at 7pm. Here are some updates before a preview of our agenda.
Newly Launched Community Engagement Platform
Ann Arbor recently launched Engage Ann Arbor (EA2), intended to enhance how the City shares information and gathers input on city projects and programs. You can easily access information about private developments, transportation projects, and much more!
City Council Work Session, February 10
City Council meets on February 10 at 7pm for a work session. Topics include the comprehensive land use plan and solid waste.
A2Zero Home Energy Rebate Program Expands to All Households
The A2ZERO Home Energy Rebate program has expanded to provide more services and more funding to residents. These updates make it easier for residents to complete energy efficiency upgrades in their homes. Changes include increases to rebate dollar amounts for projects such as weatherization (insulation and air sealing) and cold-climate heat pumps. New rebate measures have been introduced for induction cooktops/ranges and heat pump dryers. Rebates are also now available for individual Ann Arbor residents living in multi-family buildings, with rebates for whole multi-family buildings and complexes rolling out soon.
It's Not Too Late to Join the Conquer the Cold Challenge!
The Conquer the Cold Challenge runs through February 20, and it's not too late to sign up, log miles, and win prizes and bragging rights. To participate, community members log whenever they take trips using sustainable forms of transportation and can win prizes. If you'd like to join my Ward 4 team, send me your email, and I will gladly add you!
City Council Meeting, Monday, February 3 at 7pm
Responses to Council Member Questions. There were no questions submitted by council members for this agenda.
Agenda Highlights
Approve Purchase of Tiller Fire Truck from Halt Fire and Appropriate Funds ($2,384,695.00) (CA-6). This purchase would be to replace an existing ladder truck with a vehicle that is able to better maneuver the streets in our downtown.
Grant Agreement with the James L Crawford Elks Lodge (CA-10). This grant agreement would provide a $200,630.00 contribution from the City toward the restoration and repair of the Crawford Elks Lodge as an A200 Legacy Project.
Resolution to Direct City Attorney to Provide a Public Legal Memorandum Regarding City of Ann Arbor's Intervention in DTE Proceedings before MPSC (DC-2). Something most residents may not know is that the City of Ann Arbor is an intervenor in many cases involving DTE before the Michigan Public Services Commission (the state body responsible for regular oversight of DTE) to advocate on behalf of the City and its residents. Some of this information is publicly accessible but some of the information is contained in confidential legal advice provided to City Council. Because it is in the public's interest to know about the City's arguments in these cases, this resolution directs the City Attorney to provide a public legal memo summarizing the arguments advance by the City in proceeding since 2022. (Sponsor: Taylor)
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