Title
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment for the 2027 New Sidewalk Construction Millage (7 Votes Required, Roll Call Vote)
Memorandum
In 2011 the City Council approved a resolution in support of the Complete Streets philosophy for a safe and balanced transportation system that would accommodate all modes of traffic. The filling of sidewalk gaps is a community goal that is consistent with this and other policy documents, including the Vision Zero Transportation Plan.
In 2020, voters in Ann Arbor approved the collection of up to 0.20 mills annually, the purpose of which was to fill gaps in the City’s sidewalk network. This millage raised approximately $1.4 million of revenue annually. Prior to this millage, on City-initiated sidewalk gap filling projects (as opposed to those being constructed by private development projects), benefitting property owners were specially assessed for the new sidewalks in accordance with Chapters 12 and 13 of City Code.
From 2021 through 2025, the City used revenue from this millage to construct approximately 6.8 miles of new sidewalks, with an additional 1.85 miles anticipated for construction in 2026. Some of these funds were used to leverage grants and other outside sources to make that revenue go further.
The attached resolution includes the proposed ballot language for the New Sidewalk Millage, for the years 2027 through 2032. This millage, if approved, will be used only for constructing sidewalks adjacent to properties that are on the City’s tax roll, which excludes schools, churches, and those owned by the University of Michigan.
Under the previous millage, sidewalks adjacent to City-owned parcels were not eligible to use millage funds. However, we are proposing language in the 2027 millage use resolution that would change this. Since finding alternative funding sources for constructing sidewalks at these locations has proven challenging, this change would remove a barrier to constructing new sidewalks along City-owned parcels, such a City parks.
Adoption of this millage will not change the obligation of developers to install sidewalks along a parcel's right-of-way frontages when those parcels are developed or redeveloped.
Should the 2027 New Sidewalk Millage pass, sidewalk gap filling projects would go forward each year guided by the City’s sidewalk gap prioritization (currently being updated) and capital planning processes. The cost of projects executed on average each year will be limited to the amount of revenue generated by the 0.20 mils.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, In 2011 the City Council approved a resolution in support of the Complete Streets philosophy for a safe and balanced transportation system;
Whereas, The filling of sidewalk gaps is a community goal that is consistent with various policy documents, including the Vision Zero Transportation Plan, Complete Streets, and Sustainability Framework; and
Whereas, Section 8.24 of the Ann Arbor City Charter currently reads:
Funds for the Construction of New Sidewalks
SECTION 8.24. In addition to any other amount which the City is authorized to raise by general tax upon the real and personal property by this Charter or any other provision of law, the City shall, in 2021 through 2026, annually levy a tax of up to 0.20 mills on all taxable real and personal property situated within the City for the purpose of providing funds for the construction of new sidewalks.
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council proposes that the City Charter be amended by adding section 8:24 to read as follows:
Funds for the Construction of New Sidewalks
SECTION 8.24. In addition to any other amount which the City is authorized to raise by general tax upon the real and personal property by this Charter or any other provision of law, the City shall, in 2027 through 2032, annually levy a tax of up to 0.20 mills on all taxable real and personal property situated within the City for the purpose of providing funds for the construction of new sidewalks.
RESOLVED, That November 3, 2026 is designated as the day for holding an election on the proposed Charter amendment;
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk shall transmit a copy of the proposed amendment to the Attorney General and the Governor of Michigan and shall perform all other acts required by law for holding the election;
RESOLVED, That the proposed Charter amendment shall appear on the ballot in the following form:
ANN ARBOR CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT
TAX FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SIDEWALKS
Shall the Charter be amended to authorize a tax up to 0.20 mills for the construction of new sidewalks for 2027 through 2032, to replace the previously authorized tax up to 0.20 mills for the construction of new sidewalks for 2021 through 2026, which will raise in the first year of levy the estimated revenue of $1,809,900? In accordance with State law, a portion of the millage may be subject to capture by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
¨ Yes ¨ No
RESOLVED, That the proposed Charter amendment and proposed ballot question shall be published in full not fewer than two times in the Washtenaw County Legal News;
RESOLVED, That if the amendment is adopted, it shall take effect on January 1, 2027;