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The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan FEBRUARY 2026 ? Volume 20 ? Number 2
Comprehensive Land Use Plan draft review process update
The public hearing for the Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan draft is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. City staff and consultants are continuing work on the fourth draft and plan to publish it for community review at least a week prior to the public hearing.
If the Planning Commission recommends approval at the public hearing, the draft will go to City Council in March for a decision. Visit the project page to learn more and stay informed about the Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
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Learn about the south Barton pedestrian bridge replacement project
The south pedestrian bridge along the Border to Border Trail in Barton Nature Area has reached the end of its useful life, and planning is underway for its replacement. Community members are invited to an informational meeting to learn more:
- Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., online (only) via *Zoom.
The meeting presentation will explain reasons for the bridge replacement, the anticipated project process and funding considerations and will share early, draft concepts for the new structure. Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions and provide comments.
*As the meeting time nears, the link to join will be posted on the South Barton Bridge Replacement project page.
Visit the project page for details, and click the ?follow? button to receive project updates as well.?
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 Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility ? Local, reliable, clean, renewable. All city residents and businesses can participate. Rooftop solar. Geothermal. Battery storage. The future of energy lives here. Express your interest ? commitment free ? and learn more today! www.A2SEU.com
On-street snow parking ban
On Sunday, Jan. 25, the City of Ann Arbor called its first on-street snow parking ban in more than 22 years. The ban was activated because packed snow had built up on many residential streets ? a situation that would have been made even more challenging with the additional 4?6 inches of snow expected Sunday into Monday.
Although the ban was not accompanied by ticketing or towing, residents responded beyond expectations by moving vehicles off the street. Thanks in part to this cooperation, dedicated city public works crews ? working very long hours and even facing some equipment challenges ? were able to plow streets curb to curb by Monday evening.
The city is grateful to all who took the time to move their vehicles, helping to make snow removal more efficient. Much appreciation also goes to city crews for their tireless efforts before, during and after the storm.
With more than two decades since the last ban, this was a learning opportunity for both the community and city staff. And since it won?t be the last, residents are encouraged, in the meantime, to learn more and, most importantly, sign up for on-street-snow parking ban alerts at www.a2gov.org/snowparking.
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Sign up to attend the Ann Arbor Community Academy
The Ann Arbor Community Academy (A2CA) is returning for its ninth year to provide a close-up look at local city government. The popular program is free and for adults ages 18 years and older. Nine weekly sessions will be held either online or in person 6:30?8:30 p.m. Wednesdays throughout March and April.
Optional, in-person, small-group tours of city facilities will take place on select Tuesdays via a separate signup, and on a first-come basis. More information on the in-person tours will be provided to participants after sign up.
Get a first-hand look at what goes into long-term planning and day-to-day operations throughout Ann Arbor directly from various city leaders. Registration, while spaces are available, is open until Monday, Feb. 16! Visit www.a2gov.org/A2CA for session topics and details.
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City and Ann Arbor Public Schools officials convene to align 2026 priorities
Leaders from all City of Ann Arbor departments and from Ann Arbor Public Schools met recently to strengthen ongoing collaboration and align planning efforts for the year ahead. Topics discussed included:
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Road and sidewalk construction affecting schools and bus routes
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Urgent communications related to snow emergencies and water main breaks
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Renewable energy projects and how they could be used to teach students about sustainability
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Public safety initiatives intersecting with school safety and emergency preparedness
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Scheduled elections that may affect district operations or facilities
City and school leaders expressed a shared commitment to collaboration in service of Ann Arbor residents and committed to remaining in regular communication as projects move forward throughout the year.
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Fall in ?love? with February in the parks
Cold weather doesn?t mean staying idle. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation brings new ways to stay active, learn a skill and get involved throughout February (and beyond!). Some highlights ??
NEW Learn to Knit:
Learn to knit in a fun and friendly environment with an experienced instructor. Whether you?re picking up a new hobby or brushing up on your skills, this class offers a relaxed way to learn while meeting new people. Supplies are provided to get you started. Preregistration is required. The three-week class series takes place on Feb. 12, 19 and 26 at the Burn Park Shelter, 1300 Baldwin Ave. Register today!?
Free family trivia night
Bring the whole crew to the Ann Arbor Senior Center for a free night of family trivia. Questions are designed for all ages, from age 4 to adult. Teams or families may register together, with up to six people per group. Preregistration is required.
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Ann Arbor parks: Now hiring!
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Office of Volunteerism is hiring two full-time temporary positions to help grow and support volunteer programs. The volunteer program specialist role is ideal for someone with experience in volunteer coordination who?s ready to coach volunteers, track progress and help shape meaningful experiences. This is a great fit for an entry-level candidate eager to assist with onboarding, events and community engagement. Apply today and join the team that makes A2 parks thrive!?
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CTN highlights
Discover CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now!
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Bryant Community Geothermal Grant Celebration?
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CTN Sports ? Pioneer High School at Huron High School Boys Basketball?
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CTN Sports ? Skyline High School at Pioneer High School Boys Basketball, Jan. 9?
FYI ? Lilliane Webb, getDowntown program director, shares the many ways we can Conquer the Cold; National Girls & Women in Sports Day on the campus of EMU; and learn about the Ann Arbor Community Academy?
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FYI ? Gail Lesser-Gerber and Robyn Weber share the legacy of Ben Lesser, their father/grandfather and holocaust survivor, and the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and the positive impact it has had on the Jewish community and beyond; and the Bryant community geothermal grant celebration?
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Green Light ? Interview with Bryce Frohlich, City of Ann Arbor community resilience specialist, and Bonnie Billups Jr. of the Peace Neighborhood Center, one of Ann Arbor?s Resilience Hub facilities?
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Senior Moments ? Courtney Vanderlaan of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels talks about the organization and their services.?
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Soapbox ? Conquer the Cold?
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Soapbox ? MacTehnics?
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County shares seasonal warming center information
Washtenaw County, in support of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) and the Continuum of Care Winter Sheltering Operations, is sharing winter sheltering information, which will operate through April 14, 2026, pending weather conditions.?
Pre-registration is not necessary to use daytime warming centers. Daytime shelter accommodations are available Monday to Friday at rotating locations. Questions may be directed to the Delonis Center at 734.662.2829.
Overnight warming centers are provided at the Delonis Center (312 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor 48103) for people experiencing homelessness. Shelter is available beginning at 7 p.m. every night through April 14, 2026. Please go online for the most up-to-date overnight warming center information, assistance and procedures or contact the Delonis Center for details at 734.662.2829.
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Presidents Day
Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. Trash/recycling collection will continue as regularly scheduled, with no planned delays.
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A2 City News is emailed monthly to?newsletter subscribers?from the?City of Ann Arbor. Comments or questions about this publication are welcomed.
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