⚡️Lightning Talks, Parents, Cost of Living, and more!

Your bi-weekly newsletter from More Neighbors A2

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More Neighbors A2 Newsletter
August 07, 2025

⚡️ Call for Lightning Talk Speakers at Neighborhood Week!

Presented by More Neighbors A2, Neighborhood Institute, and U-M Urbanism Club, Neighborhood Week will be a week-long series of activities and events focused on building Ann Arbor’s future.

Are you passionate about great neighborhoods, sustainable communities, housing, walking, biking, and/ transit? Are you willing to make your case in a 3-5 minute “lightning talk”? Then we want to hear from you! 

Submit your idea at MoreNeighborsA2.org/LightningTalk by August 24.

Lightning Talks will be featured on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business Robertson Auditorium.

👨‍👦 Neighbor Spotlight: Parents

As we begin to look at how different neighbors feel about the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), we are focusing on parents this week. Hear what Salomé Viljoen had to say at last month’s City Council meeting:

“I am the mother of a young child, and how do I feel about twelve new strangers living next door? I feel great about it! That’s twelve opportunities for new friends, kids close enough that I don’t have to get into my car for a play date. That’s grad students who can earn extra cash babysitting for us. And it’s new young couples who can walk over for game night or a drink. 

At the very least, it’s twelve new neighbors who don’t have to drive into work anymore, who I can bump into at a coffee shop or a restaurant that our denser neighborhood can support and keep in business. When I think of threats to my child, apartment dwellers rank low on the list; compared to spending life in and around cars and other problems that come from low density culture like social isolation and climate change. Our schools are facing declining enrollment because Ann Arbor’s population is aging. Young couples and families are priced and pushed out of the city… 

…I get that to many of my neighbors, especially long-time residents, change is scary, but living things are supposed to grow. Ann Arbor is lucky, young people and young families want to live here. We want to keep these neighborhoods vibrant, and alive, and growing, but you need to let us.”

Salomé Viljoen - Photo Courtesy of Salomé Viljoen

Do you want to influence decision-makers directly? Share your perspective by writing in or speaking at Planning Commission or City Council meetings. We're here to help you every step of the way, from crafting your message to ensuring your voice resonates with those in power. Need some more inspiration? Check out these clips of what these neighbors had to share.

💸 Washtenaw is the Most Expensive MI County to Live In

MLive published an article about a new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition that confirms what many of us already feel: Washtenaw County is the most expensive place to live in Michigan.

The report shows that to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment without being "cost-burdened," a Michigander needs to earn $24.46 an hour. But here in Washtenaw, that number jumps to a staggering $30.90 an hour! This affordability crisis means that many of our neighbors are being priced out of our community.

Via MLive - Jul. 22, 2025

The good news is that we have the power to change this, we can help build a more inclusive, affordable Ann Arbor for everyone. To truly make an impact with Neighbors for More Neighbors, signing the petition is your most vital step. This isn't just a signature; it's how we directly show policymakers the strong community support for more housing options, transforming our shared vision into undeniable action.

The current draft of Ann Arbor's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), a document required by state law to guide the city's future development, reflects this need. After extensive public feedback, another draft will be released soon. By adding your name to the petition, you're joining many others who support an affordable, equitable, sustainable, and dynamic future for all our neighbors.

🌍 Meet the Climate-Concerned Ann Arborites

A group of passionate climate advocates have been working hard to show how increased density is a powerful tool for fighting climate change. They've created a new website filled with personal stories that connect the dots between having more neighbors and reducing emissions.

We know many of you are concerned about the climate, but might not have realized the direct link to local land use policies. This website is a great resource to share with friends and family who want to see a greener Ann Arbor.

☑️ Election Results: Props A & B

Proposals A & B passed on Tuesday’s Election, which will shape the future of the downtown library and potential housing above. Proposal A passed with 58.25% of the vote, and Proposal B passed with 57.58% of the vote. Regardless of how you voted, thank you for making your voices heard!

🎯August Challenge: Sponsor A Sign

It is very important to our mission that yard signs remain free - and you can help with that! Please consider chipping in to help cover the costs - write “More Neighbors A2” in the Designation field. Just $20 would cover the cost of signs for you and your three nearest neighbors.

Thanks for being part of this movement. We’re building something special together—and it’s only just getting started.
—The Neighbors For More Neighbors A2 Team
🖥️ moreneighborsa2.org | Donate | Sign the Petition | Order a Tee Shirt | FAQs

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

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