🚨[Action Requested] Tell Council to reject the resolution to restrict housing

July 19, 2025

Neighbors for More Neighbors Ann Arbor supports abundant housing in walkable communities.

That’s why we’re concerned about this just-published resolution that City Council will vote on this Monday (in 2 days). The resolution would delay the comprehensive plan in order to recommend new limits on homes, especially in those neighborhoods where more people want to live: neighborhoods that are walkable to campus and downtown.

What does this resolution do? Where the draft comprehensive plan allows a much simplified and more flexible zoning code, this resolution demands a return to:

  • Limits on the number of units per building and beds per unit

  • Multiple zoning districts for different neighborhoods, which will further delay the drafting of new zoning

  • Tighter limits specifically for “near-campus neighborhoods”--exactly the neighborhoods where more people want to live

These types of restrictions will affect our zoning for decades to come. We need to urge our city council to reject this resolution.

What can YOU do to help?

  • Easiest: Email [email protected] before their Monday, July 21 meeting, to tell them why you believe our downtown neighborhoods should be for everyone. Find details and a sample email template you can use here.

  • A little more work: We are coordinating a mass show of support in chambers on Monday, July 21 at 6:45 pm. We are also planning a demonstration in chambers and need dozens of volunteers to come. If you are able to come to city hall, check out our demonstration plan for more information, and reply to this email letting us know that you’re coming.

  • Most impactful: If you’re up for it, sign up to participate in public comment on Monday evening. You can speak in person or via phone or zoom but you must sign up by calling the City Clerk’s office (734-794-6140) between 8am and 5pm on Monday and requesting to be put on the list of speakers. Tell the clerk that you’ll be speaking on agenda item DC-3. The clerk prioritizes first time speakers so if you’ve never spoken before you have great odds of being chosen!

    • Reply and let us know that you’re speaking!

    • We recommend practicing your speech and making sure you’re under the 3 minute time limit. You can bring up a copy of your speech to read from if that helps.

    • If you’re not sure what to share, it is incredibly helpful to share your personal housing story and how housing scarcity affects you. You can also share why you think apartments belong in existing low-rise residential neighborhoods.

    • Get more details from the FAQ on public comment at city council.

Even if you cannot make the meeting in person you can watch it live on YouTube, CTN, or Zoom. The replay will be available on YouTube. 

Have any questions? Please reach out to us here or on social media (Instagram or BlueSky).

Neighbors for More Neighbors Ann Arbor

Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

Support in one second: Forward this email to your friends and neighbors.