Ann Arbor AF

Learn more and get involved at SupportAADL.comOriginal Episode NotesIn a continuation of our new miniseries, Civic Therapy, we are talking with Dan Adams about WTF, Library Lot.Dan is a corporate attorney, local housing activist, and long-time bike person. He has lived in Ann Arbor since 2008 and grew up down the road in Dexter. In November 2022 he published a long piece in Damn Arbor about the current status of the Library Lot, how we got to this place, and what we should do to get out of it. He's here today to talk about that piece and about the Library Lot, Prop A, and all the big mad feelings.Referenced ArticlesDamn Arbor: Guest Opinion: Desolate and Uninviting—The Failure of 2018's Proposal A and the Future of the Library Lot – Dan AdamsDamn Arbor: Guest article: New Council, Who Dis? A Policy Wishlist – Jessica LetawCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on BlueSky and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the showCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.

Jess and Molly come out of hiatus to share our recommendations for local non-partisan races and ballot initiatives. Move the Needle signup: Zoom or Insta.Get a sample ballot (scroll down)Our list of recommendations (Reminder: These are only the contested races):JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT8 Year TermKimberly Ann ThomasJUSTICE OF SUPREME COURTIncumbent PositionKyra Harris BoldenJUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT22ND CIRCUIT COURTJinan HamoodJUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT15TH DISTRICT COURTS. Kerene MooreLOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLSMegan KanousDon WilkersonLeslie WilkinsCOUNTY PROPOSALSRenewal and restoration of the Enhanced Emergency Communications System MillageYesRenewal and restoration of the Veteran's Relief MillageYesEstablishing an Older Persons Services MillageYesRenewal and restoration of the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation MillageYesA2 CITY PROPOSALSAnn Arbor City Charter Amendment Creation of a Sustainable Energy UtilityYesAnn Arbor City Charter Amendment Authorizing Tax for Park Maintenance and Capital ImprovementsYesAnn Arbor City Charter Amendment Non-Partisan ElectionsNoAnn Arbor City Charter Amendment Fair Elections FundNoINTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICTWashtenaw Intermediate School District Special Education Millage Renewal ProposalYesSupport the showCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.

Check out the week of events and updates at www.dogoodwork.org/housepartyRegistration for Jess' panel: History to Present Day: Race and Housing in Ann ArborCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we talk to Yodit Mesfin Johnson about the problematic promises of community “engagement,” and what it could look like to pivot more towards community-driven planning.  Yodit is presently co-leading (with Jess and developer partners Avalon Housing and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission) a community-driven planning effort for the mixed-use affordable housing project at Fourth and Catherine, a historically Black business and residential area in downtown Ann Arbor. Some programs we mentioned:The affordable housing development at 121 E. Catherine, including the first and second public sessionsNEW's Champions for Change programCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

We continue our Civic Therapy miniseries talking to Ann Arbor Public Schools parent Liz Lin about WTF Schools: amygdala parenting, Zoom kindergarten, why she almost ran for school board, and why she didn't.Links we referenced:The Free Press article that broke the story of the lawsuitThe original lawsuit filing itselfThe form to sign up to make a comment to the Ann Arbor School Board. Next meeting is August 23rd.And you can email thoughts (and big feelings) to the Ann Arbor school board any time at boardofed@a2schools.org.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Our Civic Therapy miniseries continues with Reverend Donnell Wyche about WTF Transportation. We embrace our collective Big Feelings about kids being able to bike to school, e-bikes as a vector of radicalization, the just-proposed Driving Equality Ordinance, and the cost of not taking Vision Zero literally.Links we referenced:Transportation Alternatives Resource HubTransitCenterCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

In a continuation of our new miniseries, Civic Therapy, we are talking with Dan Adams about WTF, Library Lot.Dan is a corporate attorney, local housing activist, and long-time bike person. He has lived in Ann Arbor since 2008 and grew up down the road in Dexter. In November 2022 he published a long piece in Damn Arbor about the current status of the Library Lot, how we got to this place, and what we should do to get out of it. He's here today to talk about that piece and about the Library Lot, Prop A, and all the big mad feelings.Referenced ArticlesDamn Arbor: Guest Opinion: Desolate and Uninviting—The Failure of 2018's Proposal A and the Future of the Library Lot – Dan AdamsDamn Arbor: Guest article: New Council, Who Dis? A Policy Wishlist – Jessica LetawCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

A proposed development with robust sustainability and affordability components, considered by many in our community to be a slam dunk for approval, hit a surprising road block this week. Join Jess and Molly for our first Civic Therapy session with Lisa Sauvé and Scott Trudeau: what happened to SouthTown, and why what happened points to some larger problems. And hey, wanna check out HouseParty? Here's how you can.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.(And y'all, yes, we did mark this explicit twice...there are a few more swears than usual in this conversation.)Support the show

We're back! Ann Arbor AF is…the same but different. Molly and Jess catch you up on the haps and where the pod will be going this summer.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are talking with Ben Connor Barrie about yet another blue-language civic engagement media project: Damn Arbor! We cover a lot of ground, including why it's important to say nice things about where you live.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are talking with Jerome Horne about radically abundant transit. We also took deep detours into being vulnerable, what our kid selves would think of us today, and navigating advocacy as and with humans.Links we mentioned:TransitCenter's website and podcast, High FrequencyJerome on socials: Twitter and LinkedInJerome as t-shirt influencer: Fund Public Transit and Build Housing/Ban Cars/Be Queer (need link)Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we talk (and dream a little) with members of the Coalition for Reenvisioning Our Safety. Paul is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and helps to organize the Michigan Chapter of Public Health Awakened. He spends his time thinking about, researching, teaching, and organizing around root causes of health inequities, including policing and immigration policies. You can find him on Twitter.Ryan is an educator, activist, DEI consultant, artist, and community catalyst. He is a trustee for Avalon Housing, an alum of the Nonprofit Enterprise at Work's Champions for Change leadership program, and a founding member of CROS. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and his website.For more learning:CROS: click Sign the Petition for email updates and action alertsMI chapter of Public Health AwakenedPolice Brutality in the U.S. A free online course by Ryan HenyardWhy is there more funding for police instead of public health? a talk by Paul FlemingPolicing is a public health issue, by Paul FlemingNonprofit Enterprise at Work's Champions for Change leadership programStructural Racism: Causes of Health Inequities in the U.S. A free online course by Melissa Creary, William Lopez, and Paul FlemingAvalon HousingDerecka Purnell On Living (and Loving) Outside the Police StateIn a post-Roe world, we need a new emergency number by Lisa Jackson, Molly Kleinman, and William LopezWe Do This Til We Free UsCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com, and keep the conversation going on Twitter and Facebook.Support the show

Today we are talking with Jenny Schuetz! In addition to being the author of the phenomenal book Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America's Broken Housing Systems, she is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro and is an expert in urban economics and housing policy. Before joining Brookings, Jenny worked at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. and taught at the University of Southern California.Wanna buy FIXER-UPPER?Wanna know more about FIXER-UPPER? Wanna know more about America's dysfunction(al housing policies)? To hear Jenny in her own words, you can catch her interviews with Ezra Klein on his NYT podcast and with Rachel, Jasmine, and Amanda on The Suburban Women Problem.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

We'll be talking about the November 2022 general election up and down the Michigan, Washtenaw County, and Ann Arbor ballots, plus some general tips that will help you vote smart no matter where you live.Getting ready to vote (especially in Michigan):Preview your ballotRead answers to the League of Women Voters surveys at Vote411Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

It's a new season of Ann Arbor AF, and with the new season comes a new format! Today we are talking with Aaron Lubeck of Durham, N.C. about Jim Crow zoning, why some advocacy feels so taboo in community conversations, and how churches might be coming to save the day on housing.  We also dropped a hint about the next interview coming to the pod…Here are links to the books we mentioned - Snob Zones by Lisa Prevost, Fixer-Upper by Jenny Schuetz, and Arbitrary Lines by M. Nolan Gray - in case you'd like to pick up copies for yourself. And remember that Economist interview Aaron mentioned? Here's the link to that, too.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Molly and Jess do an impromptu reflection on the excellent election results.  (Brought to you in part by a very good idea from #a2council Twitter, thanks #a2council Twitter; and also car-free streets, thanks car-free streets.)Support the show

Today, we are talking about the climate millage coming up on the November 2022 ballot. Last episode, we interviewed Office of Sustainability and Innovation director Dr. Missy Stults about what passing the millage would accomplish. This time, we get into some differences of opinion about the millage, including a little skepticism and a little hope. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are talking to the director of Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability and Innovation, Dr. Missy Stults, about A2Zero, the climate millage coming up on Ann Arbor's November ballot, and a little big dreaming. This is the first of two episodes where we'll talk about this millage; this one we'll get informed, and in the next episode, Molly and I will talk more about getting involved.Links from today's conversation:Here's the language to order the Millage, which includes the Attorney General's approved ballot language; Here's the resolution which discusses how Council intends to spend the millage if passed; A2Zero (which, as Missy reminded us, is more than a plan, it's a framework and a practice);and information about a prospective sustainable energy utility in Ann Arbor. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are talking about this summer's primary election, coming up in just a few weeks on Tuesday, August 2nd.  Absentee voting is already open, so make your plan to vote! Links we mentioned:Preview your ballotRequest an absentee ballot or find your polling placeLearn about and support the AAATA transit millageBetween now and July 30, vote us as the Best Local Podcast of Washtenaw!Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are rerunning episode 47: That. Damn. Bridge.Support the show

Today we are rerunning episode 35: our conversation with Alex Thomas.Support the show

Today we are rerunning episode 15: our Deeper Dive on Healthy Streets.Support the show

Today we are rerunning episode 7: our Deeper Dive on Boards + Commissions.Support the show

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, May 16th. We talk about the agenda, but the way we do it is that Molly has a rant, Jess has a rant, and then Molly has another rant. At the end of the episode, we'll be looking ahead to the summer, and talking about some changes that are coming to the pod then and beyond!Links we referenced:This week's agendaSurvey is going to be up for just a bit longer. It's annual, so this is your last shot until 2023… Nominate us for Best Local Podcast of Washtenaw; That deflection definition; And we last talked about the resolution to ask the University of Michigan to build more housing in this episode, if you want to go back and relisten. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Thursday, May 5th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including budget, tax collection, and spending…a.k.a.: money, money, and money.Links we referenced:this week's City Council agenda;our annual survey is up. Come tell us things! also, maybe nominate us to be a finalist in the local podcast category of the annual Best In Washtenaw awards? August primary election: Who's running? What's a millage again? and speaking of voting, want to check whether and where you're registered to vote? Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, April 18th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including road bonds, water and sewer rates, and something that may or may not be housing.Links we referenced:NACA resolution, where the whereases are chef's kiss White paper on middle-income needs analysis and NACA championshipOur annual survey is up!  Let us know what you like and what you want more of.Nominate us for Best Local Podcast of Washtenaw (You can nominate us up to once per day per device. We wouldn't be sad if you set an alarm to remind yourself. Not that that's what we do or anything.)Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

We talk about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, April 4th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including ARPA, ARPA, and more ARPA.Links we referenced:This week's agenda.The ARPA funding resolution.Those infamous amendments.Derrick Miller's letter on how Ann Arbor's Community Action Network and Ukraine are linked.Bill Lopez's iconic Twitter thread reinterpreting Oscars fashion as public health graphs.Podkeeping:Fill out our annual survey!Nominate us for best local podcast of Washtenaw!Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, March 21st. We touch on a few interesting agenda items, including parking, police contracts, and a permanent city administrator.Links from today's episode:Vote for us as one of Washtenaw's best podcasts!this week's agendaEve Ewing's article on the concerns of police labor unionsFiona Apple getting informed and getting involved on transparency in courts (spoiler: it's adorable)Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up on Monday March 7th at 7:00pm. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including American Rescue Plan Act funds, infrastructure, and a couple of important rezonings.Links we referenced:This week's agendaThe ARPA Funds Recommendation memoThe Infrastructure memoCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we talk about the next City Council meeting for about one hot second and spend the rest of the time on the one thrilling Top Ten list you didn't know you needed.Municipal reports that made the Top Ten (but actually 3) (but really 6):Moving Together Towards Vision Zero, the city's comprehensive transportation plan published in 2021;Reimagine Washtenaw, a 2014 corridor improvement study;Ann Arbor's Sustainable Energy Utility, a 2021 report on the feasibility of a local SEU;A2Zero, the city's living 2030 carbon neutrality plan adopted in 2020;The 2017 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Survey, an assessment of access to fair housing and community assets, as well as a tool to address and reduce residential segregation and areas of concentrated poverty; and 2015 Washtenaw County Housing Affordability and Economic Accessibility report, Ann Arbor solutions on pages 38-40. Molly's Honorable Mention goes to the City of Ann Arbor 2021 Annual Crash Review.A couple of articles to start your journey with Jess's forever crush Ada Louise Huxtable:The Tall Building Artistically Reconsidered, a human-scaled path into thinking and talking about big structures;A Look at the Kennedy Center, a devastatingly hilarious critique of both bloated buildings and bloated politics.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are recording a special episode, a breakdown (in more ways than one) on the East Medical Center Drive Bridge decision. We'll be talking about how folks got informed and involved, and how it went sideways anyway.  This may go without saying, but there are lots of swears.  Discretion for sensitive ears is advised.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, February 7th.. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including transit-oriented zoning, deer, and That *** Bridge.  (There are a few swears in this episode, so heads up for sensitive listeners.)Things we referenced: - this week's agenda;- a video of the November Transportation Commission discussion of EMCD Bridge;- the staff response to DC-3, a resolution requesting staff generate a report on the 68 parcels affected by the proposed TC-1 zoning district;- the Ann Arbor Community Academy is accepting applications now through February 18th, and everyone should do it;- the community budget priorities survey for Ann Arbor's ARPA funds is live and accepting feedback between now and February 14th;- and, since we referenced CM Erica Briggs' newsletter multiple times, you can read it for yourself if you like, with this week's letter and all her archives here. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Tuesday, January 18th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including memos, memos, and more memos.Links we referenced (or think you might find useful):- this week's agenda;- A Brookings Institute article on workforce housing and middle-income housing subsidies, and a Smithsonian article on company towns; these get at some more reasons why the UM Housing resolutions are problematic that we didn't get to cover in the episode;- the local Affordable Housing learning series; - an article on DTE's proposed rate increase;- the City's sidewalk snow removal report; - and a love letter (aka Twitter thread) full of maps listeners created of AAPS walk zones. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com.   Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook.   And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, January 3rd. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including sidewalks, safety, water, and poetry.Linked in today's episode:- this week's agenda- Unarmed Responder response memo- Coalition for Reenvisioning Our Safety Facebook page- Pedestrian Safety Improvements Around Schools report (the map Molly referenced is on page 3)- Stormwater Management, Soil Erosion, Site Plan code amendment- Energy Commission's love letter to - I mean resolution recognizing the DDA for its decarbonization and sustainability- Eve Ewing's poem, "upon seeing a picture of a car in a school book"Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com.  Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, December 20th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items AND some non-agenda items. +10 Internet Points to the person who finds the "Plowy McPlowface" reference first and tweets it to #a2council. Links we referenced:- the meeting agenda- Michigan's Redevelopment Ready Program- Ann Arbor's work legalizing mushroomsCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up on Monday, December 6th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including sidewalks, dollars for climate, and justice, and offer some ways for you to get involved. A quick process note: we record this a few days before the Council meeting, which means there will likely be some changes to the agenda between now and then.Links we referenced:-Sidewalk snow removal report-September 2021 Transportation Commission meeting video, discussion of sidewalk snow removal- Annual Council legislative policy agenda- Politico article about police reform in Washtenaw County- Coalition for Re-envisioning Our Safety (CROS) Petition- A2Zero plan and A2Zero investment plan- Independent HR investigationCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann ArborAFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, November 15th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including cars, churches, and the return to in person meetings.Links we referenced:- the A2 Humans Who Wonk thread on how to follow along with a development- NYT article about how police spend their time- the brand-new Renters Commission is now accepting applications! Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, November 1st. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including staff changes, a potential sustainable energy utility, and the election that concludes this week, and offer some ways for you to get involved. A quick process note: we record this a few days before the Council meeting, which means there will likely be some changes to the agenda between now and then.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, October 18th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including the "Moving Together" plan, menstruation, and Medical Center Drive.Links: - University of Michigan's environmental metrics and the PCCN (President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality) report- Ann Arbor's A2Zero Climate Action Plan and Moving Together Towards Vision Zero Comprehensive Transportation Plan- the city's Equitable Engagement Initiative - the City Administrator's recommendations on ARP funds- Ann Arbor's crash map! The East Medical Center Drive bridge intersection with pedestrian and bike crashes is on page 32. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we're talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, October 4th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including council rules, sustainability, and a quick rant about fatphobia.Links:- to this week's Council agenda,- to the benchmarking ordinance, and- to the episode previewing the November 2021 ballot.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about Ann Arbor's next election, with applications for absentee ballots going on now and then voting happening from early October through November 2nd. The ballot has been finalized; there are no candidates, only four proposals, all pertaining to amending Ann Arbor's city charter. Proposed Ann Arbor City Charter Amendments: - Proposal A: Best Value Purchasing - Proposal B: Ranked Choice Voting for the Election of City Officers - Proposal C: Emergency Procurement - Proposal D: The $25,000 Dollar Limit Tl;dr: the pod votes YES on all four.How to vote:- by mail: request a mail-in ballot- by dropoff: drop-off a mail-in ballot at the ballot drop-off box at City Hall (301 E. Huron St)- in person (early): in the City Clerk's office at City Hall, M-F 8am-5pm, excluding lunch breaks 12-1pm and holidays, early October through Tuesday, Nov. 2nd;- in person (at the polls): Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, 7am-8pm; find your local polling place- read your ballot in advance: hereCome check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, September 20th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including drive thrus, zoning, and we saved the best for the end of the episode: a preview of the proposed renters commission.Links we promosed:-the 538 article about the NFL's Rooney Rule;-Joyce Parker's withdrawal from the hiring process during the last city administrator hiring, expressing doubts that the city would hire a Black woman;- info on the interim city administrator interviews, coming up Tuesday the 21st, and the meeting link in case you'd like to watch;- and Portland's drive-thru rule, making it against code to deny any drive-through services to cyclists.Check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers onTwitter andFacebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) onwcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted toko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show

Today we are having a conversation with Alex Thomas about all things Ypsi Township.Alex's references:- Liberate Don't Incarcerate- the 2015 study on housing affordability and economic equity in Washtenaw County- the aborted move to rename Ypsi Township to Ford Lake Township - the Observer article documenting the 86% of the township's revenue that comes from law enforcement citations-Washtenaw County commissioners (next election is 2022!)He also hopes you'll check outYpsi Can I Share, a grassroots organization founded to encourage civic engagement; and theHuman History of Ypsi Special for Black History Month; and an alternative, authentic perspective on Ypsi, What's Left, for local grassroots online news. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with Council recaps and other civic goodies on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Tuesday, September 7th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including Dark Sky, DEI, and our forever fave, sidewalks.Here are the links we mentioned, to Scott Trudeau's blog post on the home occupations ordinance, and the MLive article on the equity-driven pay moves the City is making.Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook, or catch cohost Michelle with music by women (and the occasional Council recap) on wcbn.org Tuesdays 6am-9am. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help us with hosting, we wouldn't say no. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, August 16th. We touch on a bunch of interesting agenda items including conversion therapy bans, fur bans, and broadband, ending on the infamous COTC (Circus of the City). Links from today's show: -this week's agenda- Michelle's WCBN radio show recapping Council meetings: Tuesday mornings, 6-9am- Molly's Green Room interview- A2 resident Scott Trudeau's blog post on the current COTC resolution, "A Solution In Search Of A Problem" Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Monday, August 2nd. We touch on a bunch of interesting agenda items. Links from today's show: - the investigation report on the soon-to-be-former City Administrator,- the Ann Arbor Humans Who Wonk facebook thread from the last episode discussing the City Administrator firing/resignation, - more about poet Robert Hayden,- Scott Trudeau's blog post on the Home Occupation ordinance, - an LGBT map project, including conversion therapy, and - a little more info on Michigan Dark Skies.Support the show

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Tuesday, July 20th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including water main breaks, city charter amendments, and a little light fangirling. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today we are talking about the next City Council meeting, coming up Tuesday, July 6th. We'll be touching on a few interesting agenda items, including transit-oriented zoning, rentals, municipal solar, and a couple of city commissions. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today's episode is a rerun of Deeper Dive Episode 20: "Master Plan + Zoning." Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)

Today's episode is a rerun of Deeper Dive Episode 13: "Power, Personalities, and Perceptions." Support the show

Today's episode is a rerun of Deeper Dive Episode 9: "Budgets and Budget Season." Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/annarboraf)