Title
Resolution Directing the City Administrator to Explore a Replacement Records Management System (RMS) for the City of Ann Arbor
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor currently participates in the CLEMIS Records Management System (RMS), a regional platform not designed for the specific needs, values, or data priorities of our community;
Whereas, Over time, it has become increasingly clear that the existing system lacks the flexibility to adapt to local policies, limits the city's ability to analyze and report data in real time, and does not support the full scope of public safety initiatives being developed in Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Council has been informed that the current RMS does not allow for capturing or customizing the types of data necessary to evaluate key city programs, monitor equitable enforcement, or build community trust-particularly as we move toward integrated models of unarmed crisis response, community-centered safety, and reintegration services;
Whereas, Modern records systems must not only be functional but also reflect the city’s values around privacy, transparency, and accountability;
Whereas, The City must ensure that any future system provides appropriate encryption, prohibits vendor backdoor access, and secures full data ownership and control by the City-safeguarding sensitive information and upholding public trust; and
Whereas, Now is the time to invest in an RMS infrastructure that is not only technically robust but strategically aligned with the city's long-term goals for safety, equity, innovation, and responsive governance;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to explore options for a new Records Management System that would enable the City of Ann Arbor to phase out its reliance on the CLEMIS platform;
RESOLVED, That the evaluation shall prioritize systems that:
● Grant full data ownership and access control to the City;
● Use appropriate encryption to protect sensitive data;
● Explicitly prohibit vendor access to data through administrative backdoors;
● Allow for real-time data analysis, flexible reporting, and locally defined data fields;
● Integrate with current and future public safety models, including unarmed crisis response, behavioral health intervention, and community reintegration tracking;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall consult with the Ann Arbor Police Department, the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC), City Information Technology staff, and the City Attorney’s Office to assess operational, legal, technical, and community implications of transitioning systems; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall report back to City Council within 120 days with findings, recommendations, and proposed next steps.
Sponsored by: Councilmember Harrison