Ann Arbor, MI partners with Throne on Public Restroom Pilot Program for downtown visitors
A one-year pilot running from June 2024 to June 2025 will place 10 Thrones in areas with high foot traffic. Thrones are available around the clock with entry by scanning a QR code, texting Throne to a dedicated number, or pressing a button on the Throne app. Each restroom can be used without touching surfaces thanks to built-in sensors. Additional features include ADA-compliant portable ramps for accessibility and solar panels for zero-emission power.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI advances plans for a Sustainable Energy Utility following positive survey results
The proposed SEU creates a network of neighborhood microgrids based on solar energy. This utility would use on-bill financing, weatherization programs, and home energy waste reduction efforts for increased participation. A two-month survey found that 68% of the 1,867 respondents were interested in participation if SEU rates were at least equal to current utility rates. Ann Arbor submitted a U.S. Department of Energy grant application in February 2023 to fund microgrids in three neighborhoods.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI Deflection Pilot Program uses marijuana tax revenues to help homeless residents
The Deflection Pilot Program fulfills the council's 2021 commitment to counteracting the impacts of marijuana criminalization with tax revenues. The Ann Arbor City Council allocated $572,000 from its marijuana excise tax for the pilot. Mental health and substance abuse counseling are provided without the involvement of police officers. Referrals by local residents and organizations lead to transportation, housing, and medical assistance by service providers.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI analyzes the results of road condition surveys on its Pavement Condition Dashboard
The Pavement Condition Dashboard uses data from visual assessments of city roads conducted every other year. Each report features a map with color coding based on the Pavement Surface Evaluation Rating (PASER) scale. Dashboard users find average condition ratings for local roads and major roads along with the amount of mileage at each PASER level. The Engineering Department includes previous reports and a map of upcoming roadwork projects in the dashboard.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI mandates free menstrual products in all public restrooms including private businesses
The Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to approve a new ordinance which requires all public restrooms to offer free menstrual products. Ann Arbor is the first city in the United States to pass legislation mandating the provision of menstrual products in not just municipally-owned buildings but also in private businesses. According to the ordinance, each violation will result in a $100 fine.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI considers new ordinance requiring energy/water consumption reports for large buildings
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed the first reading for a new ordinance designed to lower emissions and improve efficiency in municipal buildings. If approved, the ordinance would require city-owned buildings over 10,000 square feet and non-city properties over 20,000 square feet to track their energy and water consumption. Property owners covered by the ordinance would be required to submit benchmarking reports annually.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Ann Arbor, MI created a storm drain scavenger hunt to teach children good environmental habits
The City of Ann Arbor created "Storm the Drains!" a storm drain scavenger hunt to help children build good environmental habits. Residents can download the scavenger hunt checklist online and children can play the game in their own neighborhood. Participating children can see how common items like sticks, rocks, food, and trash can block storm drains, disrupt the stormwater system, and potentially cause flooding in the community.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States