Title
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE COST SHARE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR FOR THRONE SEMI-PORTABLE BATHROOM UNITS
Memorandum
TO: DDA Board
DDA staff recommend approval of a cost share with the City of Ann Arbor for the continuation of the Throne restroom program. The Ann Arbor City Council approved a contract with Throne Labs in June 2025 and the cost share is now ready for your approval.
The Throne program was created in response to City Council direction to investigate additional public restrooms in the Community. The City Administrator initiated a series of downtown listening sessions to better understand the issues. The number one priority identified was the need for additional community restrooms, confirming Council’s direction. A task force worked with the Administrator to review options and met with several other communities to evaluate different facilities. THRONE was determined to be the preferred option based on the City’s current needs and situation. 10 Units were installed as part of the pilot. With well over 100,000 uses through the first 8 months and an average customer ranking of 4.7 out of 5, the pilot program was a success.
The updated contract reduces the number of units to 8, with the possibility of adding more if needed, with the DDA funding two of the downtown locations:
- Unit 1:
- 100 block of East Washington, just east of Main Street
- Unit 2:
- 300 block of Maynard Street, near the Maynard Parking Structure.
As a result of the success of the pilot, DDA staff recommend the continuation of funding two units and corresponding service and relocation fees in FY26, not to exceed $170,000.
Body
Whereas, The DDA’s Development Plan highlights identity, infrastructure, and transportation as overarching strategy areas, which includes improving economic vitality through pedestrian improvements;
Whereas, The City Administrator’s Office convened and conducted listening sessions with downtown stakeholders to determine issues related to the downtown and the need for additional public restrooms was identified as a priority;
Whereas, City Council approved Resolution 22-1810 to Encourage the Development of Public Restrooms in Downtown Ann Arbor in November 2022 directing the City Administrator to explore the addition of public restrooms to the downtown and other applicable areas of the City;
Whereas, The City piloted the Throne in 10 locations in FY25 and based on usage and customer ranking deemed the pilot a success;
Whereas, The DDA funded two of the downtown Throne units in FY25;
Whereas, the DDA recognizes the need for dignified restroom facilities for all people;
Whereas, City Council passed Resolution 25-1133 approving a one-year contract, with the possibility of four one-year extensions, with Throne Labs, Inc. not to exceed $541,000 for installation of public bathrooms in and near Downtown;
Whereas, A cost share agreement (Agreement) has been developed providing that the City of Ann Arbor will oversee the contract with Throne Labs, Inc. and the DDA will fund the cost of two units located in the DDA District for one-year beginning July 1, 2025;
RESOLVED, The DDA Board authorizes the funding of two public restrooms in the DDA District for the pilot period from its General/TIF Fund in an amount not to exceed $170,000;
RESOLVED, The DDA Board authorizes the Executive Director to execute the Agreement with the City and administer the necessary steps to meet the terms of the Agreement.
Prepared by: Maura Thomson, DDA Executive Director