12/30/24

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute – the newsletter so good, it should probably run for city council . . . but we’re too busy winning hearts and inboxes. 📨

What’s on tap for today:

• Big plans to fight Ann Arbor’s housing crisis 🏘️👜 

• Missing 82-year-old found safe after heroic police effort 👏 

• Ring in 2025 with these New Year's Eve events! 🎉

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🏠 Ann Arbor Revamps Zoning to Boost Affordable Housing  

Ann Arbor is tackling its affordable housing crisis by updating zoning rules to encourage new development. With the city reportedly 40,000 housing units short, officials, like Councilmember Jen Eyer, are pushing for changes to allow more apartments and homes to be built across the city. Developers have already jumped onboard, planning projects such as a 1,500-resident complex that includes 200 affordable units—the largest in the city’s history. Rising housing costs have been a longstanding problem, especially for essential workers who often can’t afford to live where they work. Critics worry about increased population density, but supporters see this as a step toward keeping businesses and workers in Ann Arbor while addressing supply and demand issues.

(Source)

🏗️ Big Plans for the Future of U-M Campus

The University of Michigan’s newly unveiled Campus Plan 2050 is setting the stage for major transformations over the next few decades. Building on the goals of Vision 2034, this ambitious plan focuses on sustainability, better campus connectivity, and expanding resources for an increasingly diverse and larger academic community. Big changes include connecting North and Central Campuses, enhancing athletic facilities, and fostering interdisciplinary learning spaces. The proposal also prioritizes civic engagement and climate-conscious development. In a recent podcast episode, faculty from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning weighed in on the sweeping changes, offering insights into what these upgrades could mean for students, faculty, and the broader Ann Arbor community.

(Source)

🍕 Funky Pizza and Fun Hangouts Hit Ann Arbor  

Pizza Cat Max has brought its bold flavors and party vibes to the corner of Packard and State streets. This new eatery-meets-hangout is just a short walk from Michigan Stadium and offers 33 unique pizzas like the Flaming Hot Cheese (yes, with Flaming Hot Cheetos) and a hamburger-inspired creation called Slick Willys. You’ll also find retro video game booths, karaoke, and a downstairs space for special events. By day, families and kids dig into inventive slices, while evenings shift to a livelier bar-meets-restaurant vibe. From game nights to Margarita Mondays, Pizza Cat Max is ready to give Ann Arbor’s food and nightlife scene a fresh twist.

(Source)

🚨 Missing Ann Arbor Woman Found Safe on Christmas Day  

An 82-year-old Ann Arbor woman with dementia was rescued on Christmas morning after leaving her home in pajamas, without shoes or a coat. Police launched a coordinated search effort after the family reported her missing at 6 a.m. Despite the frigid conditions, authorities located her later that day, safe and in good health. Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson credited the swift teamwork of officers for bringing her home during the holiday.

(Source)

🚧 Big Plans for Ann Arbor’s Roads and Water in 2025  

Mayor Christopher Taylor is gearing up for major infrastructure upgrades in Ann Arbor next year. His focus? Safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, plus modernizing the city’s water systems. That means continued improvements to the water treatment plant, enhanced stormwater management, and reliable waste treatment systems. Taylor also highlighted the city’s housing crisis, attributing it to years of slow growth. He and the City Council plan to encourage new developments where possible to tackle this issue. It’s a busy agenda aimed at boosting quality of life for all residents.

(Source)

🎓 Ann Arbor School Board Looks Ahead After Tough Year 

After a challenging 2024, the Ann Arbor Board of Education is gearing up for a fresh start in 2025. Board President Torchio Feaster shared his optimism, noting that a $25 million budget shortfall has been resolved, laid-off teachers have been reinstated, and three new trustees—Don Wilkerson, Leslie Wilkins, and Glynda Wilks—are joining the team. Feaster highlighted the unique skills the new members bring, which he believes will help the board focus on improving education. He’s also aiming for stronger collaboration among trustees, prioritizing district needs over personal agendas. Ann Arbor Public Schools are hoping to move forward united and focused after a turbulent year.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌤️ High: 46°F, Low: 30°F

Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon.  

Tomorrow

🌧️❄️ High: 39°F, Low: 31°F

Rain showers early, mixing with snow showers later in the day.

AROUND TOWN

🎉 New Year's Eve Fun for Everyone in Ann Arbor  

Ann Arbor has your New Year's Eve plans covered with options for all ages and styles. Catch a fancy four-course dinner at Venue, or relive 1999 at hear.say brewing's Y2K-themed bash. Love live music? Head to The Blind Pig for local rock bands or dance all night at NECTO's DJ-filled celebration. There's even a Gatsby-style soirée at The Circ Bar with fire performers and karaoke. Families can join kid-friendly Noon Year celebrations at the Ann Arbor District Library, Goldfish Swim School, or a Cinderella-themed balloon drop at Stone Chalet. HOMES Brewery brings Polynesian vibes for tropical food lovers, while Uplift, the city's LGBTQ+ bar, offers a “Wicked”-themed drag night. Whatever your vibe, Ann Arbor is ready to ring in 2025 with style!

🔔 Play a Tune at Kerrytown’s Chime Concerts

Here’s a chance to make music in the heart of Ann Arbor! Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (except for December 25), the Kerrytown Market & Shops invites community members to play its 17-bell chime. With 200 melodies transcribed into numbered keys, anyone can try it out—kids included! More ambitious players can even get creative by adding chords. Concert times are from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Whether you’re a budding musician or just curious, this free event is a unique way to connect with the community and enjoy some musical fun.

👟 Lace Up for Free Ann Arbor Group Runs  

Looking to shake up your fitness routine? Fleet Feet is hosting free group runs every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through the winter (with the exception of major holidays). Runners of all skill levels can join a scenic 3–5 mile run on varied routes. Some runs start bright and early at Dozer Coffee on Sundays (8 a.m.) and Tuesdays (7 a.m.), while others kick off at Fleet Feet on Liberty Street on Wednesday evenings (7 p.m.). It’s rain or shine, so dress for the weather, bring your running shoes, and meet some fellow runners while staying active.

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERYDAY

This New Year's Eve, try writing a letter to yourself for December 31, 2025.

List your hopes, advice, and what you'll be proud to accomplish by then.

Stepping into the new year feels lighter when you already know future-you is rooting for present-you.

Call it time-travel therapy. 

THANK YOU!

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