Dharma's Council Newsletter, May 31, 2025

Neighbors,

City Council meets next on Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m.. Before my agenda highlights, I have a few updates to share.

First, I'd like to address the recent news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has listed Ann Arbor, along with hundreds of other municipalities across the country, as a "sanctuary" jurisdiction that "obstructs the enforcement of Federal immigration laws." The President has directed federal departments and agencies to identify grants and contracts to these jurisdictions for possible suspension or termination.

To date, the City of Ann Arbor has not received any formal notice identifying specific local policies of concern or detailing which federal funds may be at risk. Let me be clear: Ann Arbor complies with federal law and does not interfere with immigration enforcement.

It is also essential to understand that immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the federal government. Local governments like ours are neither legally obligated nor equipped to carry out that role. Ann Arbor has always operated within the bounds of the law, and our policies reflect that. We do not determine or enforce anyone’s immigration status—that authority lies with federal agencies.

Our police officers are focused on keeping our community safe, not acting as immigration agents. Requiring them to do otherwise would erode public trust, stretch resources thin, and divert attention from the public safety responsibilities we are actually charged with. Our approach is grounded in professionalism, service, and the belief that all residents deserve equal protection and dignity under the law, regardless of immigration status.

Ward 4 Listening Hour, June 15

I'm hosting my next Ward 4 constituent coffee hour on Sunday, June 15 from 10-11 a.m. at Argus Cafe (1200 Packard St). I hope to see you there!

Take the 2025 Ann Arbor Transportation Survey

The City of Ann Arbor is conducting an annual transportation survey as a part of our Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The survey will measure transportation users’ attitudes, behaviors and satisfaction. I hope you'll share your feedback!

5th Annual A2ZERO Week--June 1 through June 7--and a Ward 4 Party

In June 2020, the City's plan to achieve a just transit​ion to community-wide carbon neutrality, known as A2ZERO, was unanimously adopted by City Council. Each year, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations organizes A2ZERO Week to commemorate the passing of the plan and to celebrate the work done by the City and our many collaborators in the community. Learn more about all the events and activities going on this week, and join me for our A2Zero Ward 4 party at Lawton Park, Thursday, June 5th, 5:30-7:30 p.m..

City Council Meeting, Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

• Meeting Agenda

• Responses to Council Member Questions

Agenda Highlights

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

• SPIN License Agreement for micromobility devices (CA-9). City Council will consider a resolution to approve a new Right-of-Way License Agreement with Pheenix (branded as Spin) to continue operating dockless electric scooters and ebikes in Ann Arbor. This updated license agreement includes changes that City Council requested when we considered a renewal of their agreement in June of 2024. At that time, we shortened the term of the agreement to give the City attorney's office time to negotiate items related to safety, nuisance parking, and data reporting. The new agreement includes the following changes:

  • For device parking, this agreement adds rider accountability by requiring users to upload a photo after parking and provides incentives for preferred parking and will regularly report this information to the City;

  • Requires Licensee to implement a public-facing system to report abandoned or mis-parked devices;

  • In handling improper parking reports, it mandates their action within 24 hours of receiving a report;

  • Introduces “SafeStart” or equivalent in-app sobriety checks for late-night riders

  • Requires at least one in-person safety education event during the license term

  • Introduces a helmet discount program to promote rider safety;

  • Requires quarterly reports on rider injuries, including incident details, device involved, and any other parties affected.

• Prepare Plans and Specifications for the Proposed Pontiac Trail Sidewalk Special Assessment Project (CA-11). This resolution would allow city staff to begin planning and cost estimation for a new sidewalk along the west side of Pontiac Trail, from Dhu Varren Road to Montana Way. This segment has been identified as a high-priority gap in the City’s sidewalk network. Because the area includes non-taxable township parcels, the project will proceed as a special assessment district. If approved, City staff will develop detailed plans and cost estimates, initiate community engagement with affected residents, and return to Council for future approval. The sidewalk is planned to be constructed in 2027 in coordination with the Pontiac Trail/Dhu Varren Roundabout Project.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

You need not sign up in advance to comment on a public hearing item.

• Hickory Nature Area Expansion Rezoning (PH-3). This public hearing item is to rezone 2325 Crystal Way from residential (R4A) to Public Land (PL) to formally incorporate it into the Hickory Nature Area. This 9.8-acre parcel was donated in 2020 as part of the adjacent townhouse development and brings zoning into alignment with its designation as a City park. The Planning Commission recommended approval in an 8-0 vote.

• Downtown Library Rezoning from PL to D1 (PH-4). Approval of this item will rezone the 1.21 acre parcel that the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library owns from PL Public Land to D1 Downtown Core to allow the Library to explore public-private partnerships for future redevelopment of the downtown library site. While the current PL zoning is appropriate to the current library building and its exclusively public use, this zoning designation limits the future use of the site by precluding any private uses. The D1 (Downtown Core) zoning is appropriate for this parcel’s location and would allow for a mixed-use building including a new library branch. The staff report notes that it would also "allow for any other permitted use should the library decide to relocate and make the site available for new uses." The Planning Commission recommended approval in an 8-0 vote.

• PUD Modifications (PH-5). City Council will consider amendments to the Unified Development Code to make it easier for property owners to request modifications to existing Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). Currently, all property owners in a PUD must agree to any changes—a barrier for evolving sites. The proposed change would allow individual lot owners or condo associations to request modifications affecting their own parcels, while maintaining Council’s authority to approve or deny. The Planning Commission recommended approval in a 7-0 vote.

FIRST READING ORDINANCE CHANGES

• Green Rental Housing (C-1). You have probably seen the many ads sponsored by the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors making this ordinance will "raise rents," "hurt local families," and "impose unnecessary mandates." I take housing cost concerns very seriously. But after careful review, I do not believe this ordinance will significantly impact rents. Instead, it will raise the performance of our most energy-inefficient rental units to a baseline standard for comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Rental housing makes up over half of Ann Arbor’s housing stock, yet not all units provide safe, comfortable, or energy-efficient living conditions. The proposed Green Rental Housing Ordinance sets minimum standards to ensure tenants can thrive—while also advancing the City’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality goals. Developed with input from renters, landlords, and housing experts, the ordinance is informed by sound building science and lessons from similar programs in cities like Boulder. Ann Arbor’s ordinance would offer two pathways for meeting the new rental permit requirements:

  • Get a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 110 or lower (for reference, HERS defines a score of 110 as "You’re pretty close to bringing your home being energy efficient. However, there’s still a lot of room for improvement, and that can translate directly into an improved quality of life and savings on your home energy bills." OR

  • Receive 110 points on the Green Rental Housing Checklist.

  
  

  Staff has provided a helpful FAQ on this ordinance. Of note, most of our rental housing stock is expected to be able to meet these modest standards, resources being offered to property owners who need to make improvements, and similar programs in Boulder did not result in higher rents. Beyond rent costs, utility bills can be very high in units that are not properly insulated or sealed. Staff do not expect these regulations to increase costs for renters. Of note, some amendments have been attached to this agenda item, which would need to be motioned for consideration by City Council.

I'd love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out any time with your questions, concerns, or ideas:

Email: DAkmon@a2gov.org

Phone/Text: 734-492-5866

There are also several ways to share your thoughts with the full City Council:

• Submit an eComment online

• Email all of Council: CityCouncil@a2gov.org

• Speak at a Council meeting (in person or remote):Call the City Clerk’s office at 734-794-6140 starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the meeting to reserve a speaking time.Note: You do not need to reserve time to speak during a formal public hearing.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged!