📝 Memo to the City - Public Comments Put It On the Record
Memo to the City was entered into record as concerns over Ann Arbor's comprehensive plan took center stage at the May 6th, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
Key concerns highlighted by community members included:
Data Accuracy and Projections: Assertions were made that the plan's population and job growth forecasts are inflated and conflict with data from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
Methodological Flaws: Speakers raised concerns about the lack of a transparent methodology for assessing housing needs and the apparent failure to incorporate the University of Michigan's own housing development strategies.
Infrastructure Costs: The plan drew criticism for not adequately addressing the substantial financial investment required to upgrade essential infrastructure (such as water, sewer, and road systems) to support the projected increase in housing and population.
Affordability and Displacement: Worries were prominent regarding the plan's approach to affordable housing, with residents expressing fears that it might not effectively lower housing costs and could lead to resident displacement. Some argued that an emphasis on market-rate housing would not suffice.
Insufficient Community Engagement: A recurring theme was the perceived inadequacy of the city's outreach efforts. Multiple speakers contended that most residents remained unaware of the plan and that robust efforts to inform or directly engage the public were lacking.
Compliance and Consistency: Questions emerged about the plan's adherence to the initial RFP proposal, the contractual obligations with the consulting firm, relevant Michigan laws, and established professional planning standards. Furthermore, it was argued that the plan did not align with its own declared values of affordability, equity, and sustainability.
Call to Action: The collective sentiment from the speakers was a strong appeal for the Planning Commission to halt the progress of the comprehensive plan. They urged for the correction of identified errors and discrepancies and a commitment to a more comprehensive and inclusive community engagement process. A memo outlining these concerns was reportedly submitted to city hall.
