Title
Resolution to Approve Cost Share Agreement with the City of Ann Arbor for Throne Semi-Portable Bathroom Units
Memorandum
DDA staff recommend approval of a cost share with the City of Ann Arbor for the continuation of the Throne restroom program.
The DDA funds two of the downtown locations:
• Unit 1:
o 100 block of East Washington, just east of Main Street
• Unit 2:
o 300 block of Maynard Street, near the Maynard Parking Structure.
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 <https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5921837&GUID=514E84C8-C638-440E-9BE3-A89F813B23F8&Options=&Search=> 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 and FY26;
Whereas, the DDA recognizes the need for dignified restroom facilities for all people;
Whereas, City Council passed Resolution 25-1133 <https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7426048&GUID=C469551B-B885-4D4D-B045-3905A740B8AB> 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, 2026;
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 $180,000;
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, Executive Director