What A Week We Had, Neighbor!

📚 Our First Neighborhood Week is in the Books!

Neighborhood Week was a resounding success! We loved connecting with community members and discussing important topics like housing abundance, transit, walkability, and bikeability.

We were thrilled to see so many people engage with the content, responding with the positivity, honesty, and warmth that good neighbors are known for.

If you missed out on the fun, here is some of the feedback we received:

• "I loved hearing all the speakers and having multiple hours to focus on the future of Ann Arbor. I also like feeling a part of a movement working towards positive change in a rather dark national environment."

• “[I enjoyed the] thoughtful, well-done presentations; hanging out with like-minded neighbors"

• "I wish we could have known how good it would be ahead of time so we have been able to tell others. Now we know so we are ready for next time!!" 

🏢 Come One, Come All!

As there are many new faces here after Neighborhood Week, we wanted to take a moment to reintroduce ourselves!

About Us

Neighbors for More Neighbors A2 is a group of Ann Arbor enthusiasts working together to create a more inclusive and equitable community. We are a special project under the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, a coalition of over 30 non-profit and government entities committed to ending homelessness. We believe that zoning is not just a policy issue, but a moral one that determines who belongs in our neighborhoods. Our current zoning laws have a history of reinforcing racial and class segregation, leading to an injustice that is still felt today.

The housing shortage has a number of negative impacts on Ann Arbor:

• The average home price is five times the area's median income.

• Many workers are forced to commute from outside the city.

• Seniors and families struggle to afford to stay in their homes.

• Public school enrollment is declining.

Ann Arbor's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) offers a chance to address these issues. We advocate for ethical zoning that provides more housing options and homes for families. By increasing opportunities for density in the city, the CLUP promotes sustainability and justice. Our call to action is to rewrite the map with justice in mind, speak up for inclusive zoning, and make room in our policies, practices, and hearts.

How We Get Involved

There are many ways to support our mission and get involved:

• Sign and Share the Petition: We need to show City Council and the Planning Commission that there is strong support for the CLUP. Please sign our petition and ask your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

• Make Your Voice Heard: The next opportunity to speak up will be at the City Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 7th, from 5-7 pm. A third draft of the CLUP will be released, and you can submit written comments or speak during the meeting.

• Raise Awareness: Help spread the word in the community by getting a yard sign or buying a t-shirt. You can also share your vision for Ann Arbor's future by submitting photos of the kind of vibrant, inclusive city you want to see. Snap a picture while you're out and about and share it in the #communications channel on our Discord, or email it to [email protected].

Donate: Did you enjoy the free programming from Neighborhood Week and would you like more opportunities to advocate for more equitable housing with your neighbors? Help make it happen! Please consider contributing via the Washtenaw Housing Alliance and write “More Neighbors A2” in the Designation field. Even a small donation of $20 can cover the cost of yard signs for you and your three nearest neighbors.

🗳️ Make Your Voice Heard at our Next General Meeting

Our next general meeting will take place in downtown Ann Arbor on October 19, 1-3pm. All petition-signers are welcome to attend and vote on proposals. We will host a New Member Orientation beginning at 1pm, serve a light lunch around 1:20pm, and begin a full meeting at 1:30pm. Mark your calendars! Please RSVP so that we know to expect you. Bonus — we’ll send an invitation straight to your inbox so you have all the details.

🎯 September Challenge: Speak With Us

Draft a comment for the City Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 7th. Do you want to influence decision-makers directly? Share your perspective by writing in or speaking at the next Planning Commission. 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.

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

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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.