Title
Resolution to Approve the Ann Arbor Sustainability and Transportation Commissions Joint Statement of Support for the Implementation of Sidewalk Gap Filling Projects
Staff
Prepared by Erin Donnelly, Environmental Services Manager, Public Services Administration
Body
Whereas, the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Commission (Sustainability Commission) serves as an advisory body to City Council on matters related to sustainability, climate action, and environmental stewardship; and
Whereas, the Sustainability Commission is guided by an annual work plan that establishes goals and success metrics for the Commission’s work; and
Whereas, the 2025 work plan includes a goal to collaborate with the Ann Arbor Transportation Commission (Transportation Commission) to develop a joint statement of support for how the city considers environmental factors in the implementation of sidewalk gap filling projects; and
Whereas, the Transportation Commission serves as an advisory body to City Council on matters related to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of sustainable and resilient multi-modal transportation network; and
Whereas, a small working group consisting of members of the Sustainability Commission, Transportation Commission, and city staff developed a Joint Statement of Support for the Implementation of Sidewalk Gap Filling Projects to address public concerns regarding impacts to the urban tree canopy and to improve public understanding of the city’s approach; and
Whereas, the statement is intended to serve as a public engagement tool to increase awareness of protections for city-owned trees while supporting the development of an all-ages-and-abilities transportation network that encourages walking, biking, and other non-vehicle travel; and
Whereas, the statement also identifies opportunities for the City to improve procedures and policies related to the evaluation of trees and environmental considerations in sidewalk gap filling projects;
Resolved, that the Sustainability Commission hereby approves the “Ann Arbor Sustainability and Transportation Commissions Joint Statement of Support for the Implementation of Sidewalk Gap Filling Projects,” attached here and incorporated by reference; and
Resolved, that the approved statement shall be forwarded to the Transportation Commission for its consideration as a joint statement of the two commissions; and
Resolved, that upon approval by both Commissions, the Joint Statement shall be transmitted to City Council as a formal expression of joint support.
See Attached Joint Statement.