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*A2 City News June 2025 Community Newsletter* "05/30/2025"



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*The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
JUNE 2025 ? Volume 19 ? Number 6*

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Dexter-Ann Arbor Run [ [link removed] ]
Dexter-Ann Arbor Run

The Annual Dexter-Ann Arbor Run takes to city streets [ [link removed] ] Sunday, June 1, 2025. See the course maps [ [link removed] ] to steer clear of road closures.

Wishing good luck to all participants!



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bandemer [ [link removed] ]
Safety reminders for river and parks visitors

All visitors to the following parks and nature areas, whether by water or by land, should be aware of the potential for construction traffic and adhere to the access restrictions. Your safety is important! The city thanks all visitors to these areas for their patience during these necessary projects.

North Side of Bandemer Park to close for tunnel construction project June 3?5

Exciting progress is happening for the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel project [ [link removed] ]: The tunnel structure is scheduled to be placed! As a result, beginning Tuesday, June 3 (weather permitting), access into Bandemer Park from Barton Drive will be closed [ [link removed] ] to vehicles and pedestrians. This closure is expected to last until the morning of Thursday, June 5. During this time, there will be no through access for the Border to Border (B2B) Trail in Bandemer Park.

While this is an exciting milestone, please keep in mind, this area is still closed for safety reasons, and there is still much additional work needed before this area and the tunnel will be open (fall 2025). Community members are reminded to please comply with the posted signage, barriers and other noted access restrictions and to avoid this active construction site.

Barton Dam embankment remediation construction continues

Please also note, an unrelated construction project is taking place in city parks. Barton Dam embankment construction continues, as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in areas of Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron River. While the river is open for recreation, the city is asking BOATERS, especially, to please PLAN AHEAD for where they will enter and exit the water, away from the construction stie. Please see additional safety notes [ [link removed] ] and also visit the Barton Dam embankment project page [ [link removed] ] for more information.?

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while work takes place to complete these important projects!



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A2ZERO Week [ [link removed] ]
A2ZERO Week is June 1?7

Join the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations for a week-long community celebration to ?zero in? climate action and community! A2ZERO Week will again feature family-friendly events, prizes, resources, food and more, with highlights including: A2ZERO Parties in every Ward, Cargo Bike Rally, All-Electric Home Tour, Trivia, Taste of Ann Arbor and more. Check out the full schedule at www.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek [ [link removed] ].?

June 1 marks the five-year anniversary [ [link removed] ] of the adoption of the A2ZERO Plan to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality in Ann Arbor. A2ZERO Week commemorates the plan adoption and celebrates the work of the city and its sustainability collaborators in unique, fun, interactive ways.

Also ? save the date this fall, when the sustainability celebration continues with annual Mayor?s Green Fair Friday, Sept. 19!

To learn more about A2ZERO and for a full schedule of events, visit www.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek [ [link removed] ].?



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SEU Scenarios [ [link removed] ]
Stay in the SEU loop

The City of Ann Arbor is sharing information and updates with all interested in the Ann Arbor Sustainability Utility (SEU). If you would like to receive SEU updates and information as they become available, please join the list [ [link removed] ]!?



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City-DTE Gas Franchise Signing - April 2025 [ [link removed] ]
City, DTE sign country?s first heating franchise to include climate goals

The City of Ann Arbor and DTE Energy joined together on Earth Day, April 22, to sign a new heating franchise, the first in the country to include a climate agreement with associated activities that will demonstrably improve health, safety and make progress toward addressing the climate crisis. [link removed] Watch the Ann Arbor CTN event coverage to learn more, directly from city and DTE officials [ [link removed] ].?



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Ann Arbor Pioneer High School [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor to conduct active assailant exercise June 24

The City of Ann Arbor is collaborating with Ann Arbor Public Schools, local hospitals, fire, police and EMS personnel to conduct a large-scale active assailant exercise Tuesday, June 24, at Pioneer High School (601 W. Stadium Blvd.). The exercise, for participating emergency responders only, will take place 8 a.m.?2 p.m., during which the Pioneer High School campus will be closed to the public. All are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes due to increased emergency vehicle activity.

The drill will assess the preparedness and coordinated response of participating agencies in the event of an active assailant situation. Participants will focus on interagency communication, swift threat neutralization and the effective treatment and transport of simulated victims.
Learn more about emergency management preparedness in Ann Arbor [ [link removed] ].



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logo [ [link removed] ]
Historic District Commission Awards

The 38th annual Historic Preservation Awards are being presented by the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission during the June 2 City Council meeting. There are 15 award recipients [ [link removed] ] this year being recognized for their preservation efforts and contributions to Ann Arbor's history.?



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Construction barrels [ [link removed] ]
Know where to turn

With construction ?season? in full swing, and community events occupying city streets, find out in advance where detours may interrupt your travels around Ann Arbor. Sign up to receive planned road and lane closure notifications, and see a list of temporary traffic control plans in progress, at www.a2gov.org/roads [ [link removed] ]. In addition, the city provides road closure notices to WAZE. The free app can be downloaded to a phone or other mobile device to further assist you with navigating detours and real-time traffic updates.



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Fireworks [ [link removed] ]
Time for fireworks?

If you?re planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, please remember to do so safely and responsibly. Also remember, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 [ [link removed] ] (PDF) permits fireworks usage only during certain timeframes and only around national holidays.?

Also note, using fireworks without permission is *ALWAYS PROHIBITED* at:


* City parks
* Schools
* All public and private property that isn?t your own

Further, anyone setting off fireworks that cause a fire resulting in property damage will potentially face civil and criminal liability.

Please be aware of these important safety reminders as well:


* Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks. Drench the entire area where you?ve been using fireworks when done.
* Toss used fireworks into a bucket of water for at least 24 hours before disposing.
* Don?t try to reignite fireworks that won?t go off.
* Don?t launch fireworks into forests or fields. Dry grass or leaves could ignite.
* Keep fireworks away from your face and eyes.

More information is available on the National Fire Protection Association website [ [link removed] ].?

Fireworks also pose a risk to pets. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website for tips on how to keep pets safe [ [link removed] ] for the holiday and all summer long.?

If you plan to use fireworks, please follow the laws, do so safely and be courteous by letting neighbors know in advance. This includes being mindful of any military veterans or others who may be sensitive to the noise associated with fireworks.



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Economic Development Department [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor launches new economic development office

Earlier this year, the City of Ann Arbor launched its office of economic development to promote inclusive growth through attainable housing, quality jobs and strong public services. Led by director Joe Giant, the office supports key City Council priorities focused on sustainable development, neighborhood revitalization and strengthening the city?s tax base.

The economic development office will work to streamline development, acquire strategic properties and guide high-impact projects that align with city goals, partnering with organizations like Ann Arbor SPARK to attract and retain businesses, support workforce needs and reduce barriers to growth.

Visit the economic development webpage [ [link removed] ] for more information.



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Ann Arbor Fire Station No. 4 Ceremony - May 2025 [ [link removed] ]

A ceremony was held May 20 to break ground on the new Fire Station No. 4, to be located on the same parcel as the current building, at South Huron Parkway and Platt Road. The new facility will be the first carbon-neutral city building and the first net-zero fire station in Michigan, featuring geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels and other energy-efficiency measures. The current fire station on the site is nearly 60 years old and, in addition to being energy inefficient, lacks adequate areas for contemporary firefighting equipment and for personnel, including gender-appropriate facilities. Once opened, Ann Arbor Fire Station No. 4 will also receive a new name, in honor of Ann Arbor?s first female firefighter, Mindy Kerr, who served with the Ann Arbor Fire Department from 1980 until she retired in 2005

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Emergency Alerts [ [link removed] ]
Attending Ann Arbor Art Fair as a visitor or vendor?

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair returns to city streets July 17?19! There?s a simple step you can take now to ensure you?ll be notified of any emergencies, including severe weather, specifically while the fair is in town. Sign up for the A2 Emergency Alert system! The communications will only be sent to your phone in the event of an emergency during the fair, July 17?19. To register, text A2ARTFAIR (in all caps) to 888777.



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Juneteenth 2023
Juneteenth holiday

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed Thursday, June 19, to observe Juneteenth. Collection of trash/recycling/compost, however, will continue as regularly scheduled.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, following its establishment on the North American mainland in 1619.



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Golden Paintbrush Awards [ [link removed] ]
Nominate a local artist

Nominations for the 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards are now open! The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission?s biennial awards are designed to recognize people in the community who?ve created or fostered art in Ann Arbor?s public spaces. Any individual, group or organization can be nominated for the Golden Paintbrush Award if their art demonstrates civic engagement, creativity or skill, and is publicly visible and maintainable. Learn more [ [link removed] ]!



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MiExcellence Award 2025 - Elections Media Hub [ [link removed] ]
Prepare for upcoming elections

The Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office has already started preparing for the upcoming Special Election scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5. You can prepare, too! Do you need to register to vote in Ann Arbor? Check your voter registration status, and if you're not already, register online to vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center [ [link removed] ]. City residents can also submit a voter registration form by mail, email, fax or in-person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office [ [link removed] ].

Voters on the permanent absent voter (AV) application list should see AV applications in their mailboxes in late May or early June. For voters who have converted over to the automatic ballot mailing list (skip the application process!), absentee ballots will be mailed in late June.

More information will be coming soon about early voting options, including the return of early voting sites at Ann Arbor District Library branch locations! Each Ann Arbor household will receive a postcard in the mail in early June announcing the dates and times for early voting.

Voters in Precinct 5-50 who are assigned to Haisley School will be temporarily reassigned to Forsythe Middle School for this election only, due to construction at Haisley. All affected voters will receive a postcard notice in early June about the temporary change.

Details about the upcoming election, including drop box locations, early voting dates and times and how to apply for an absentee ballot, can all be found at a2gov.org/earlyvoting [ [link removed] ] or a2gov.org/elections [ [link removed] ].

And good news from the city clerk?s office: The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks has presented the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office with the 2025 MiExcellence Award in the category of Excellence in Use of Technology and Innovation! Coordinating with the City of Ann Arbor Communications Office, an elections media hub was launched on the city website as a multimodal resource for local and national news agencies to use during the busy 2024 election season (and beyond!). You (media or not) can also check out the information and activity [ [link removed] ] that was maintained in real time on the page during the last election. The elections media hub will be up and running again in time for the Aug. 5 election.



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New city flag 2025 [ [link removed] ]
New city flag for sale

In the U.S., Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14, commemorating the 1777 adoption of the American flag?s stars and stripes design. Flash forward nearly 250 years, the City of Ann Arbor adopted its new flag design as part of the city?s bicentennial celebrations in 2024. Now you can also "fly" the new city flag; two sizes are available for (in-person-only) purchase ? a ?parade? size for $10 and a 4-foot- by 6-foot flag for $65. Visit the city clerk's office, second floor at Larcom City Hall, to purchase. A FREE laptop sticker can also be picked up from the city clerk's office counter.



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CTN 2025 Commencements Schedule [ [link removed] ]
CTN highlights

CTN has hit a milestone! Subscribers to the CTN YouTube channel are steadily climbing! Approximately 3,000 viewers are tuning in to watch City of Ann Arbor meetings and other local programming. If you haven?t yet, join in [ [link removed] ] to catch the latest happenings!

Find out for yourself why so many are tuning in. Check out CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now.?

Adventures in Parenthood ? Hands Across the Water [link removed]

Ann Arbor/DTE Franchise Agreement Video [link removed]

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness [link removed]

CTN Sports ? Skyline at Huron Girls Water Polo, May 8 [link removed]

CTN Sports ? Huron at Pioneer Girls Lacrosse, May 5 [link removed]

CTN Sports 2025 ? Pioneer at Skyline Girls Water Polo, April 24 [link removed]

CTN Sports 2025 ? Huron at Pioneer Boys Lacrosse, April 28 [link removed]

CTN Sports 2025 ? Pioneer at Skyline Girls Lacrosse, April 30 [link removed]-

CTN Tours ? Ypsilanti Community Middle School April 2025? [link removed]

FYI ? Attorney Jordan Ewald with Michigan Auto Law shares the laws and stats when it comes to distracted driving; Ann Arbor's Earth Day Festival; and take a labyrinth walk with 7 Notes Natural Health [link removed]

FYI? ? Get the scoop on PTD's newest play at Riverside Arts Center, Welcome to Paradise, from co-directors Laura Bird and Janet Rich? [link removed]

FYI ? Allie Schneider, with the Huron River Watershed Council, gives all the exciting details on the 2025 Huron River Day.? [link removed]

Green Light ? Mike Garfield, director of the Ecology Center, discusses the history of Earth Day in Ann Arbor and the founding of the Ecology Center. [link removed]

Senior Moments ? Ann Arbor multimedia artist Joan O'Connell discusses her artistic journey, her current exhibit at the Ann Arbor Senior Center and her deep passion for creating art. [link removed]

Soapbox ? Ann Arbor Black Film Festival [link removed]

Soapbox ? Ya?ssoo Greek Festival [link removed]

Soapbox ? MacTechnics [link removed]

FYI ? Sarah Stanton and Sarah Tear with Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley give an update on this fulfilling program, a Colorful Collection Book Launch and Arbor Day.? [link removed]

CTN YouTube hits 3,000 subscriber milestone - May 2025 [ [link removed] ]
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