TOM CRAWFORD

ANN ARBOR, MI — A former Ann Arbor city administrator has a new job with a city-funded economic development group. Ann Arbor SPARK, a public-private nonprofit, has hired Tom Crawford to be its new chief financial officer, the organization announced Friday, Dec. 30. He’s serving under contract via Tom Crawford Consulting LLC, a company he started in 2021 after leaving city government. I look forward to working further with the team and making a positive impact on the company’s future success.”Crawford worked in city hall for 17 years, serving as CFO and doing multiple stints as interim city administrator before becoming the full-time administrator after City Council fired City Administrator Howard Lazarus in 2020. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:30 Ann Arbor developments to watch in 2023, including more high-risesIdea of new high-rise next to downtown Ann Arbor library sparks talksDoes Ann Arbor need more protected bike lanes?

Ann Arbor SPARK has announced that former Ann Arbor City Administrator Tom Crawford will serve as financial officer of the Tree Town development agency.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that claimed Ann Arbor violated the Freedom of Information Act by refusing to disclose unredacted copies of records related to the departure of former City Administrator Tom Crawford. In an eight-page order Wednesday, Nov. 16, Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Carol Kuhnke rejected the case brought against the city by former City Attorney Bruce Laidlaw. Laidlaw has argued the city violated Michigan’s public records law by blacking out 13 blocks of text from a June 2021 investigation report he requested via FOIA, but Kuhnke wasn’t persuaded. The city has argued Laidlaw’s lawsuit was moot since he obtained an unredacted version of the investigation report via a separate Attorney Grievance Commission process. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor’s nearly $3M big dig to fight flooding nears completion‘It’s a shockingly polarizing issue.’ Ann Arbor weighs dog park optionsDivided Washtenaw County board members vote to give themselves $9K raisesCrossing Ann Arbor’s Main Street just got safer for pedestriansRebuilding trust comes first, says new University of Michigan president to campus

ANN ARBOR, MI — Both sides made their cases in court Wednesday afternoon in a lawsuit claiming Ann Arbor violated Michigan’s public records law. Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Richards countered Laidlaw’s arguments, calling his lawsuit moot since he has since obtained an unredacted version of the report via a separate Attorney Grievance Commission process. Redactions included references to an unnamed city attorney and several references to the city’s police oversight commission, he said. Laidlaw wants Kuhnke to rule that the city willfully and intentionally violated FOIA law and order the city to pay $8,500 in fines. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor Trash Talk Tour returns with tours of new city recycling plantAnn Arbor project could replace neighborhood street parking with bike lanesPotential changes to Ann Arbor M-14 interchange could include extended ramps, roundaboutsAnn Arbor vegan restaurant closes after six yearsYpsilanti leaders face costly replacement options for ailing Depot Town bridge

ANN ARBOR, MI — A Washtenaw County judge is slated to hear arguments this week in a lawsuit brought against the city of Ann Arbor by former City Attorney Bruce Laidlaw. From left, Mayor Christopher Taylor and Tom Crawford, the city's interim city administrator, at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting March 2, 2020.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsLaidlaw filed his lawsuit in March and the city filed its motion for dismissal in April. “Plaintiff cannot establish that he is entitled to the information requested under FOIA,” states the city’s filing signed by Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Richards. “Thus, the city’s motion for summary disposition should be granted.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:8-story development called Southtown proposed on Ann Arbor’s State Street‘It never made sense’: Rezoning advances, dealing blow to mobile home park plans near Ann ArborI shot hoops at 30-plus Ann Arbor park basketball courts. 25 proposals headed to Washtenaw County voters in NovemberAnn Arbor renter rights law awaits possible changes based on legal advice

Ann Arbor is one of Michigan’s great cities, so why is its government such a mess? ‘No incentive to remain here’: Scio Township administrator resignsLess than five months into his tenure, Scio Township Administrator David Rowley has announced his intention to resign. Ann Arbor man dies after surfacing from scuba dive in Florida Keys, police sayA 72-year-old Ann Arbor man is dead after a scuba diving incident in the Florida Keys, according to local police. About “Hello, Ann Arbor”: Each week, we deliver the big headlines straight to your inbox via our Friday 3@3 Ann Arbor newsletter. MORE ‘HELLO, ANN ARBOR’:Hello, Ann Arbor: Big plans afoot for Briarwood Mall area; save the bees, don’t mowHello, Ann Arbor: Hash Bash is here; protesters chain themselves to machines to save the treesHello, Ann Arbor: Saline bar featured in TV show; Michigan Stadium’s $41M scoreboard projectHello, Ann Arbor: Common Grill to stay open; the Dexter tornado 10 years laterHello, Ann Arbor: Hash Bash plans for 50th; Dimo’s could be yours for $1MSchool board finally meets; Michigan football benefactor dies: Ann Arbor headlines Feb. 25-March 3

ANN ARBOR, MI — Former City Administrator Tom Crawford is accusing Ann Arbor leaders of “unjustified defamation” against him and calling on the city to stop it. Crawford allegedly expressed caution about hiring minorities, questioned making Juneteenth a city holiday and commented on a lesbian’s “butch” haircut, among other allegations. When Crawford approached him after the followup investigation report, he felt a sense of injustice to Crawford, he said. The letter goes on to argue evidence in Crawford’s favor was either ignored or missed in the investigation report. Crawford was the city’s longtime chief financial officer before becoming administrator in 2020 after council fired City Administrator Howard Lazarus.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials have publicly released a new investigation report with more allegations against former City Administrator Tom Crawford, including potential gender bias and discrimination against an employee of color. Based on witness interviews and other evidence, including Crawford’s own comments, investigator Jennifer Salvatore, an outside attorney hired by the city, concluded the evidence points to violations of the city’s equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination policies.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are preparing to release another investigation report about city hall’s troubles. City Council voted 8-1 this week to waive attorney-client privilege and release a Dec. 7 report from outside attorney Jennifer Salvatore, who was hired by the city to conduct a followup investigation related to former City Administrator Tom Crawford, who lost his job amid controversy last year.

No: Briggs, Disch, Eyer, Grand, Nelson, Radina, Song, Taylor. Putting emergency purchases proposal on November ballot — 9-2Yes: Briggs, Disch, Eyer, Grand, Griswold, Nelson, Radina, Song, Taylor. Putting proposal on November ballot to require fewer city contracts to go to council for approval — 7-4Yes: Briggs, Disch, Eyer, Grand, Griswold, Song, Taylor. Raise for City Attorney Stephen Postema — 9-1Yes: Disch, Eyer, Grand, Griswold, Nelson, Radina, Ramlawi, Song, Taylor. Street closures for Mayor’s Green Fair — 9-1Yes: Disch, Eyer, Grand, Griswold, Hayner, Nelson, Radina, Song, Taylor.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Following the resignation of City Administrator Tom Crawford, Ann Arbor could operate with a temporary city hall leader for the next year. Ann Arbor city administrator resigns, issues apology to communityThe administration committee plans to reconvene Aug. 30 to review the search status. In the meantime, council has appointed Assistant City Administrator John Fournier to serve as acting administrator for the next month, until Sept. 20. In addition to the city administrator search, council is searching for a replacement for Postema, who plans to retire as city attorney in the next year. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Tensions high as Ann Arbor council OKs city administrator separation deal 7-4Mayor calls gay conversion therapy ‘an abomination’ as Ann Arbor OKs ban‘This is yesterday’s business.’ Fur sales ban gets Ann Arbor’s 10-0 final OKMixed-use redevelopment proposed across from Ann Arbor’s Amtrak stationAnn Arbor launches 30-member committee focused on equity and inclusion

ANN ARBOR, MI – Amid reports of racially insensitive comments and messages, Ann Arbor’s city administrator has resigned. Ann Arbor city administrator resigns, issues apology to communityCity Administrator Tom Crawford has formally submitted his resignation to the Ann Arbor City Council following a vote to conclude his employment. The recommendation comes as health officials anticipate Washtenaw County will move into the next tier of transmission, which is classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before and after: See Ann Arbor neighborhood block’s total transformationIt’s been about three years since Ann Arbor residents and businesses on a neighborhood block near Michigan Stadium packed their belongings and cleared out to make way for a large new development. Ann Arbor Public Schools slapped with lawsuit over decision to cancel child care programAn Ann Arbor parent has filed a lawsuit against Ann Arbor Public Schools and its school board, alleging it was in violation of the Open Meetings Act for not deliberating the decision to discontinue its school-aged child care program for the 2021-22 school year.

Tom Crawford formally resigned after City Council voted to terminate his employment over racially insensitive comments.

ANN ARBOR, MI — City Administrator Tom Crawford has formally submitted his resignation to the Ann Arbor City Council following a vote to conclude his employment. Crawford’s resignation as city administrator is effective immediately, though he will stay on the city’s payroll through Oct. 1. “My wife, our children and I are proud to call Ann Arbor home and for nearly two decades it’s been an honor to serve the Ann Arbor community,” Crawford wrote. Reflecting on his time as city administrator through the pandemic, Crawford said in his resignation letter city employees and “so many others across the city” went above and beyond, rising to the moment in service to the community. Council appointed Craig Hupy, the city’s public services administrator, to serve as acting administrator until Aug. 11, after which John Fournier, the city’s assistant city administrator, will serve in the role until Aug. 16.

ANN ARBOR, MI — As Ann Arbor officials argued into the early morning hours Tuesday over parting ways with City Administrator Tom Crawford, Council Member Ali Ramlawi made a suggestion to his colleagues. “The mayor and the mayor pro tem have decided to lead in a way that does not bring people together. “I think it’s time that Ann Arbor gets its own emergency manager.”Council Member Jen Eyer, D-4th Ward, offered sharp criticism of Ramlawi’s idea. In response to Ramlawi’s criticisms, Grand, mayor pro tem, said she admires the mayor’s optimism when it comes to seeing what’s great about Ann Arbor. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Tensions high as Ann Arbor council OKs city administrator separation deal 7-49-page investigation report details allegations against Ann Arbor city administratorAnn Arbor gives initial OK to ban sale of fur productsStreet closures OK’d for return of Taste of Ann Arbor food and music festivalHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for July 2021

ANN ARBOR, MI — There was a fair amount of verbal sparring between members of opposing factions as the Ann Arbor City Council finalized details of concluding City Administrator Tom Crawford’s employment Monday night. Suggesting the council is dysfunctional, Ramlawi lamented the state of politics in Ann Arbor. The Council Administration Committee is expected to bring forward a plan for an interim city administrator at the Aug. 16 council meeting. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor council gets earful from residents at latest meeting on administrator controversyStreet closures OK’d for return of Taste of Ann Arbor food and music festival‘Advisory bike lanes’ coming to 2 more Ann Arbor streets. Before and after: See Ann Arbor neighborhood block’s total transformationHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for July 2021

ANN ARBOR, MI — Following up on last week’s decision to conclude City Administrator Tom Crawford’s employment by Sept. 1, the Ann Arbor City Council met in closed session for over an hour Thursday night, July 29. Some residents lamented Ann Arbor is parting ways with its second city administrator in just over a year, after having fired City Administrator Howard Lazarus last year. Since becoming administrator, Crawford has been accused of making insensitive remarks about women and minorities, including people of color and gay people. “The next city administrator should have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and antiracism. We have to make sure that Ann Arbor is welcoming for everyone.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:How they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for July 2021Catholic church fights Ann Arbor’s new EV parking requirements and winsThese 6 tax proposals are on the Aug. 3 ballot in Washtenaw CountyOver 200 acres by Briarwood Mall may be rezoned for downtown-style development

ANN ARBOR, MI — When the Ann Arbor City Council voted to conclude City Administrator Tom Crawford’s employment last week, council members said he agreed to step down. “As I continue the journey to improve myself and the organization, I’m committed to making Ann Arbor a leader in DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and represent the city in a positive light,” Crawford wrote to council. Salvatore concluded in her report that Crawford’s comments were legitimately perceived as “cringeworthy” or reflective of implicit bias and outdated norms. In addition to the investigator’s report, Eyer said council received human resources advice that was clear. In the case of Crawford, council discussed the investigation report in closed session on June 29 and July 6, and Crawford agreed to take time off for personal growth and committed to significant professional development, Nelson said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — As Ann Arbor’s city administrator since last year, Tom Crawford allegedly expressed caution about hiring minorities, questioned making Juneteenth a city holiday and commented on a lesbian’s “butch” haircut, according to an independent investigation report. The issues with Crawford came to light in May when a number of city employees met with Taylor about their concerns, the report states. Salvatore provided the investigation report to City Council in late June and it’s now public for the first time. Jr. Day, the report states, indicating the same sentiment was expressed in email. With respect to many of the comments — Mr. Crawford acknowledged making them, yet gave a different explanation for their context or his intentions.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is parting ways with City Administrator Tom Crawford after allegations he made insensitive remarks on the basis of race and sexual orientation that caused harm in the workplace. Crawford, who was appointed last year after council fired City Administrator Howard Lazarus, has been well liked among council members in both political factions on council. “This is a place that none of us hoped to be,” Council Member Erica Briggs, D-5th Ward, said of Tuesday’s decision. “We have to follow city policy, we have to follow city precedent, and this is hard,” said Council Member Jen Eyer, D-4th Ward. Crawford has devoted nearly 20 years of his career to the city of Ann Arbor,” said Nelson, D-4th Ward.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Following an investigation into allegations that he made insensitive remarks, Tom Crawford is expected to step down as Ann Arbor’s city administrator. Mayor Christopher Taylor is sponsoring a resolution on City Council’s agenda Tuesday night, July 20, to publicly release the investigation report and work to conclude Crawford’s employment as city administrator. “The report will speak for itself.”Crawford was appointed city administrator last year after council voted 7-4 to fire previous City Administrator Howard Lazarus. Crawford was the city’s chief financial officer since 2004 before becoming city administrator last year. The resolution council will vote on Tuesday night states Crawford will aid in the transition of his work to an interim city administrator who has yet to be selected.

ANN ARBOR, MI - The Healthy Streets project can start now, as Ann Arbor City Council approved its immediate implementation Monday night. “It needs to go somewhere.”Nelson, who co-sponsored Healthy Streets in 2020, said the pandemic lessened the need for the initiative. This was not a concern brought up during conversations with Ann Arbor Public Schools, said Council Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward. Previous criticisms of Healthy Streets called it a waste of money in a time where the city has a multi-million dollar general fund deficit. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Healthy Streets initiative fails to get support from Ann Arbor City CouncilMore Spin scooters coming to Ann Arbor under approved renewal from city councilAnn Arbor’s third bikeway to be funded by council-approved $554K budget increase

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are taking steps to figure out how to spend roughly $24 million in federal stimulus funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. City Council voted 10-0 Tuesday morning, June 8, to direct City Administrator Tom Crawford to come up with a plan and report back to council by Oct. 1 with recommended priorities. Like municipalities across the country, Ann Arbor received the first half of its American Rescue Plan Act allocation last month and is expected to receive the other half next year. Ann Arbor’s stimulus spending priorities should be in line with the city’s strategic plan, the council resolution states. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor gives initial OK to high-density zoning to end ‘the era of strip malls’Ann Arbor opens door to more accessory apartments in neighborhoodsNeighbor promises lawsuit against Ann Arbor for approving $100M housing complexAnn Arbor OKs $1.5M for new Avalon Housing apartment developmentsAnn Arbor council officially asks Jeff Hayner to resign over offensive language

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials have finalized a roughly $470 million budget plan for fiscal year 2021-22 and it includes late additions of funding for several initiatives. Ann Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central parkThe five against cutting the deer cull were Lisa Disch, Julie Grand, Kathy Griswold, Elizabeth Nelson and Ali Ramlawi. She pointed to the Ann Arbor Skatepark as a model example of a public-private partnership. In a 7-4 vote, council supported Briggs’ proposal to allocate $500,000 in county mental health millage rebate proceeds for pedestrian safety as follows:$135,000 for crosswalk lighting. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor police will no longer attend seminars led by controversial ‘killology’ trainerNew marijuana consumption lounge could be first of up to 28 in Ann ArborChip seal work will affect traffic on several Washtenaw County roadsDiscounted tickets offered as Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum reopens‘Black Lives Matter’ sign outside Ann Arbor-area farm destroyed in less than 12 hours

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Residents who wish to create more equity in the community can now apply for Ann Arbor’s New Equitable Engagement Steering Committee. Members of this new committee will help define what equity and equitable engagement mean in attempt to find pathways to bring a greater diversity of voices and processes to Ann Arbor, officials said. “In 2018, the city passed a One Community resolution aiming to advance racial equity in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County,” Ann Arbor City Administrator Tom Crawford said. Committee members will:Play an active role in refining the city’s community engagement strategy. “The city is aware there are perspectives that aren’t being heard and that not all members of our community are represented within the public processes,” Heather Seyfarth, Ann Arbor special projects manager and community engagement specialist, said.

Community members wanting to steer the future of inclusivity and equity in Tree Town can now apply to be on the city’s new Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials have scheduled a hearing to receive public input on the city’s proposed 2021-22 budget Monday night, May 3. City Council will meet virtually starting at 7 p.m. and members of the public can call in to speak. City Administrator Tom Crawford’s recommended budget includes $470 million in spending, including restoring deer cull funding and millions for the city’s A2Zero carbon-neutrality initiative to reduce pollution and fight climate change. After hearing public comments, City Council will vote to adopt the annual budget May 17. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Proposed Ann Arbor budget includes zero funding for voter-approved central parkStimulus funding uncertain as Ann Arbor officials grapple with budget deficitProposed Ann Arbor budget includes police cutbacks, restoring deer cull programAnn Arbor officials look to enact emergency ordinance to limit food delivery feesNew nonprofit group aims to bring ‘equitable housing’ to Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI — Two and a half years since Ann Arbor voters approved the concept of a downtown central park and civic commons known as the Center of the City, the city has yet to begin designing or implementing it. City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed city budget May 3 before voting on adopting it May 17. Proposed Ann Arbor budget includes police cutbacks, restoring deer cull programCouncil Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, said she plans to bring forward a budget amendment to include funding for the Center of the City initiative. Ann Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central parkTaylor is still critical of the Center of the City initiative. “I think what’s happening down at Kerrytown is working very well and I’d like to see something like that.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:From food carts to live music, Ann Arbor ponders ways to launch future central parkAnn Arbor sets sights on developing affordable housing at three more locationsHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for April 2021Group strives to protect Ann Arbor-area chimneys for migratory birdsProposal would allow over 22,000 homes in Ann Arbor to add accessory apartments

ANN ARBOR, MI — It’s been several weeks since President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act and Ann Arbor officials still don’t know how much federal stimulus money the city is going to receive from it. Preliminary estimates last month showed $11.85 million for Ann Arbor, but local officials have questioned that amount, noting smaller cities are projected to receive significantly more. Proposed Ann Arbor budget includes police cutbacks, restoring deer cull programCity Council will vote next month to adopt an annual budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. General fund recurring expenses are expected to increase by $3.3 million or about 3%, while general fund recurring revenues increase by about $948,000 or 0.8%. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor councilman stripped of committee assignments for homophobic slurUniversity of Michigan warns it may ‘seek recourse’ against Ann Arbor developmentAnn Arbor sets sights on developing affordable housing at three more locationsProposal would allow over 22,000 homes in Ann Arbor to add accessory apartmentsBriarwood Mall encourages in-person returns to curb carbon emissions

ANN ARBOR, MI – Advocates for Ann Arbor’s Center of the City Commons park celebrated Earth Day at the site starting on Thursday, April 22. Alan Haber, who helped put the park concept to voters in 2018, organized an ongoing Earth Day event Wednesday on what is currently the upper deck of the Library Lot. Instructor Megan Sims, who performs as “Me-Again,” recited her poem “Invitation to the Bridge” and performed an interpretive Earth Dance. Sims owns Me-Again Dance Wellness, and is a dance instructor at the Ann Arbor YMCA. Read more about the proposed park on MLive:Ann Arbor administrator tells central park group to temper funding expectationsAnn Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central parkAnn Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central park

ANN ARBOR, MI — With the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting city budget challenges, Ann Arbor officials put the city’s annual deer cull on hold this past year. Council will have the final say when it votes to adopt the city budget in May. As for restoring the deer cull program, Crawford said it was only suspended last year due to the pandemic and the city’s policy direction has not changed. Mayor Christopher Taylor, who has been opposed to the deer cull program since it started in 2016, said in response to Crawford’s proposal he’s still against it. The high reproduction rate of white-tailed deer dictates that deer management is an ongoing city responsibility, Banet said.

In an open letter, the owner of Detroit Street Filling Station and The Lunch Room Bakery & Cafe implored city leadership to stop nonessential activity.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is moving forward with developing an unarmed public safety response program to have non-police professionals respond to certain 911 calls. The availability of unarmed responders for mental health crises would be a step in the right direction, Jackson said. They called the Community Mental Health crisis response team rather than police, she said. “It’s very important to understand the percentage of the jail population that’s there because of a mental health problem,” Griswold said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Women who sued Ann Arbor police for breaking down their door get $50K in settlementAnn Arbor administrator tells central park group to temper funding expectationsDowntown Ann Arbor gets new street mural ahead of FoolMoon eventGallup Park trail pathway closes for improvementsCity withheld police records about Ann Arbor official and ex-senator, citing privacy

ANN ARBOR, MI — Some members of Ann Arbor’s new central park planning group are eager to have the city fund initial improvements to transition the Fifth Avenue Library Lot from a parking lot to a gathering space. Crawford will make budget recommendations for next fiscal year this month and City Council will adopt a budget in May. There’s over $130,000 in annual debt service for the Library Lot parking spaces, officials said. Ann Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central park“With respect to Liberty Plaza, it does need a major redo and it has for probably 20 years,” added group member Rita Mitchell. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Downtown Ann Arbor gets new street mural ahead of FoolMoon eventAnn Arbor police chief says having unarmed responses to some 911 calls ‘makes sense’$2.5M pledge from anonymous donor is biggest-ever boost for Ann Arbor Treeline projectProposed housing, commercial development in rural township north of Ann Arbor ignites debateMan faces felonies for 36-hour standoff, prompts pro-gun protest in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI — Thirteen people who will help Ann Arbor plan a downtown central park and civic commons are now serving on a new Council of the Commons. Haber, 84, moved to Ann Arbor in 1936 when he was six weeks old. She has lived in Ann Arbor for about 20 years and works as executive director of Scenic Michigan. company in the U.K. and Michigan gave him a chance to bring it to Ann Arbor. Zemke served as a state representative from 2013 through 2018 and owns the Ann Arbor Scooter Co.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials have laid out a proposal for an unarmed public safety response program to have non-police professionals respond to certain 911 calls. “Police officers everywhere are tasked to perform many functions better suited for non-police persons with expertise in public health, mental health and human services,” Taylor said. The city does not provide direct public health, mental health or human services programs and those services instead are provided by Community Mental Health, the Washtenaw County Health Department, the county’s Office of Community and Economic Development and nonprofit agencies. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor residents can call 911 to report abandoned rental scooters, officials sayRecords shed more light on outcomes of citizen complaints against Ann Arbor policeAnn Arbor PFAS levels rise again. Judge signals intent to order cleanup plan in Ann Arbor dioxane pollution caseEPA open to Superfund cleanup in Ann Arbor if state is on board

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor city government employees were paid more than $63.7 million in 2020. That includes all forms of pay, including overtime, to 2,262 full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees, 170 of whom earned six figures, records obtained by The Ann Arbor News/MLive under the Freedom of Information Act show. Overall, the city had 50 more six-figure earners in 2020 than it did three years earlier, up from 120, and the 400 highest-paid city employees had average wages of $100,520. The database below contains a roster of city employees, 2020 total wages and 2021 base salaries. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Tens of millions of dollars in stimulus money expected to pour into Washtenaw CountyAnn Arbor gets pushback from landlords on banning criminal background checksMore garage apartments in Ann Arbor?

“We in Ann Arbor have long recognized that the war on drugs was a failure and worse than that,” Mayor Christopher Taylor said. “Currently we have had incidents where only Ann Arbor police officers are responding to such calls, with the assistance of Huron Valley Ambulance,” she said. Ann Arbor City Council members discuss how to spend new recreational marijuana revenue on March 15, 2021.CTNCouncil Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward, noted the state’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency last year identified 184 Michigan communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement for inclusion in its social equity program. The program has provided discounts on recreational marijuana business application and licensing fees for people with a prior marijuana conviction. “We should also note that that disparity persists even as arrest rates drop in states where marijuana is legalized,” she said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Hundreds of city government workers in Ann Arbor still haven’t been vaccinated and City Administrator Tom Crawford isn’t happy about the slow rollout. He mentioned water department employees as some of the city workers still awaiting vaccination. Gretchen Whitmer allows public meetings to continue virtually through March 31. State Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, tweeted Tuesday that Washtenaw County is now approved for a grant to increase vaccine supply. “When state guidance opens and/or we have enough supply to expand guidance locally,” the health department responded.

ANN ARBOR, MI — After several months of negotiations, Ann Arbor has a new contract with nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor for curbside collection of the city’s recyclables. Even with the change in price, Recycle Ann Arbor’s bid is still lower than the next bidder, she said. The city received three bids for the contract and Recycle Ann Arbor was the lowest responsible bidder, Naples said. Mayor Christopher Taylor said he’s delighted and proud the city will continue working with Recycle Ann Arbor. Under the contract, Recycle Ann Arbor will collect recycling from all single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings of 10 units or fewer throughout the city.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Facing a pandemic-induced budget crunch, Ann Arbor officials are taking a close look at city expenses. Meanwhile, the retiree health care fund had $199 million in assets and $306 million in longterm liabilities, leaving it $107 million underfunded, according to the report. The “funded ratio” for Ann Arbor’s pension liabilities falls in the middle compared to other cites and counties in Michigan, and Ann Arbor is ahead of many local governments in funding retiree health care liabilities, the consultants said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:$5.1M from new Ann Arbor affordable housing tax could go toward downtown high-riseAnn Arbor may trim police and fire budgets while putting millions extra toward climate change10,000 gallons of sewage spill on Ann Arbor’s Main StreetShould police respond to mental health emergencies? Ann Arbor exploring alternativesHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for February 2021

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are exploring launching a pilot program to have a mental health/medical response to psychiatric emergencies instead of armed police. She anticipates it would serve the community at large, in addition to the Housing Commission’s low-income housing properties that have some tenants with mental health issues. The county also is the mental health service provider for the area, Hall noted. Ann Arbor may trim police and fire budgets while putting millions extra toward climate changeAmid calls from the public to defund and reform police, Ann Arbor officials and police oversight commissioners have had conversations in the past year about alternatives to armed responses to mental health crises, such as police social workers or others involved with crisis intervention. It’s a challenging situation.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:‘Being armed is just really a part of our job.’ Ann Arbor police chief weighs in on disarming officersCrisis team talks armed man out of house peacefully in Ypsilanti Township$5.1M from new Ann Arbor affordable housing tax could go toward downtown high-rise71-year-old Ann Arbor Catholic parish expanding with social justice in mindHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for February 2021

ANN ARBOR, MI — Facing a big budget shortfall, Ann Arbor officials are looking at where they can trim costs. Compared to other similar cities, Ann Arbor has a low number of police per capita, Cox said, noting the population is growing. The sustainability office plans to seek state and federal legislative changes to support carbon-neutrality initiatives, and outside funding, while working with partners like the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority. Other budget ideasMonday’s session also focused on the 15th District Court, parks, building department, city clerk, city administrator office, mayor and council, and finance department. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Q&A: Missy Stults discusses next steps in Ann Arbor’s plan to achieve carbon-neutralityAnn Arbor must look beyond city borders to meet 100% renewable energy goalQ&A: University of Michigan has big role to play in Ann Arbor carbon-neutrality plan538 new houses, condos and apartments proposed on Ann Arbor’s north sideBig zoning changes on the horizon could allow more housing in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI — The citizen-led group that will help Ann Arbor plan a downtown central park and civic commons is now fully formed and expected to start meeting soon. City Council voted unanimously Monday night, Feb. 1, to confirm final appointments to the Council of the Commons, while restating its purpose and creating an additional seat on it. Council also confirmed the appointments of Stephen Borgsdorf as a representative from the Park Advisory Commission and Sara Hammerschmidt from the Planning Commission. Erica Briggs, D-5th Ward, and Jeff Hayner, D-1st Ward, are the City Council representatives on the body, which has 12 voting members, plus City Administrator Tom Crawford or his designee as a non-voting member. Hayner encouraged applicants who didn’t get a seat on the Council of the Commons to stay involved in the project.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is maintaining it will not publicly release internal investigation reports related to citizen complaints against police. The Ann Arbor Police Department last month denied a Freedom of Information Act request by The Ann Arbor News/MLive for copies of the “summary and recommendation” reports that detail lieutenant and sergeant findings from their investigations of citizen complaints. The reason for withholding the reports from the public is to encourage frank communication between officials and employees, Crawford said. “For these reasons, your appeal is denied.”Until recently, the city refused to disclose what discipline, if any, resulted from citizen complaints against police. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor survey shows disparity in how white and Black residents feel treated by policePolice oversight in Ann Arbor challenged by city’s refusal to release officer discipline recordsRecords show wide range of citizen complaints against Ann Arbor policeMLive wins FOIA appeal, gets Ann Arbor to disclose police discipline informationRecords shed more light on outcomes of citizen complaints against Ann Arbor police

ANN ARBOR, MI — An Ann Arbor council member’s allegation that an Airbnb property investor hinted at a potential bribe offer in exchange for her vote has been referred to the city attorney and police chief, officials said. Nelson voted with a majority of council last September to ban them in residential neighborhoods, a move the new council is revisiting. Cox and Postema did not respond to requests for comment from The Ann Arbor News/MLive on whether the matter is being treated as a criminal investigation. Ramlawi suggested incorporating it into the council’s ethics rules and putting more responsibility on council members who are approached with an improper solicitation. “It’s pretty self-explanatory that if somebody tries to bribe you as a council member, you should report it.

ANN ARBOR, MI — It’s been weeks since residents reported a possible water line break in Ann Arbor and a steady stream of water continues to gush out of the ground into the street. The Ann Arbor News/MLive asked the city’s public works department and City Administrator Tom Crawford for comment last week. The leak began after the service valve was used to shut off the home’s water during a routine water meter replacement, Crawford said. “The water line is scheduled to be replaced next week by the city contractor. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Adventurous teddy bear brings joy, whimsy to Ann Arbor neighborhood amid pandemicQ&A: How Eli Savit plans to reform criminal justice in Washtenaw CountyHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for December 2020See plans for 3-story, mixed-use development proposed in Ann ArborAnn Arbor allocates extra funds to help vulnerable residents with emergency needs

ANN ARBOR, MI — After finishing last fiscal year in June with a $1 million surplus, Ann Arbor officials predict things will get harder in the months ahead. The city is facing a potential general fund budget shortfall anywhere from $2.8 million to $9 million next year, depending on what the city decides to fund, according to city projections. “We’re in turbulent waters,” City Administrator Tom Crawford told council at the city’s annual budget planning session over Zoom on Monday, Dec. 14. Matt Horning, the city’s interim chief financial officer, gave an overview of the city’s financial outlook for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which starts next July. The city’s budget model includes a 2.6% increase in property taxes and Horning said he’s confident in that.

ANN ARBOR, MI — In response to the surge in COVID-19 cases and the state’s new emergency order temporarily shuttering certain workplaces, Ann Arbor is closing city hall again and making changes to city operations. “We are planning to close city hall to the public starting Wednesday for the duration of the three-week period or pause,” City Administrator Tom Crawford said. Essential city services will continue, Crawford said. All the latest on the coronavirus in Michigan: Tuesday, Nov. 17With COVID-19 cases surging, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the new emergency order Sunday. Officials issue open letter after significant rise of COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw CountyAs of 11 a.m. Monday, there were 140 more confirmed COVID-19 cases among county residents in the last 24 hours, the Washtenaw County Health Department reported.

ANN ARBOR – City Council unanimously approved on Monday night the extension of downtown street closures for businesses to continue operating outdoors through Nov. 30. The closures were originally set to end on Nov. 1. The closures include:Main Street from William Street to Liberty StreetMain Street from Liberty Street to Washington StreetWashington Street from South Ashley to Main StreetMaynard Street from East Liberty Street to East William Street (seven days a week)East Liberty Street from Thompson Street to South State StreetSouth State Street from East Washington Street to East William StreetClosures will continue to be in effect from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 8 p.m. on Sundays. The Maynard Street closure will move to a weekend-only closure on Nov. 2. Ramlawi said city administrator Tom Crawford can end the closures at any time if they are deemed unsafe due to weather events.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Tom Crawford will collect an annual salary of $223,600 as Ann Arbor’s new city administrator. City Council unanimously OK’d a contract with Crawford Monday night, Oct. 19, the final step in formalizing his appointment to the position leading city hall on a full-time basis. An Ann Arbor resident, Crawford had been the city’s chief financial officer since 2004 and previously worked as a finance manager for Ford Motor Co. “It has been ever since I showed up on City Council in 2008 and it’s going to be my pleasure to work with him for years in the future.”Why was Ann Arbor City Administrator Howard Lazarus fired? MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Fired Ann Arbor administrator lands new job in Philadelphia metro areaEmails show blowback against Ann Arbor council after firing administrator‘He exemplified service.’ Ann Arbor renames park in honor of Graydon KrapohlBig council vote tonight on legal settlement for Ann Arbor dioxane plumeAnn Arbor awards over $117K in grants for community sustainability efforts

ANN ARBOR, MI — After a standoff with City Council and the city’s police oversight commission, Ann Arbor’s main police union has a new collective bargaining agreement. The commission’s top request was to be able to see police officers' names unredacted in reports when it’s reviewing complaints against police, Jackson said. “There is no legal reason why this community’s oversight commission cannot participate in these meetings. The city and union were not able reach agreement on allowing the oversight commission to view officer personnel files. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:A quick guide to the 2020 election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County‘It’s just not safe,’ Ann Arbor mayor says of Halloween trick-or-treatingVirtual meetings of local government bodies in jeopardy after Supreme Court rulingAnn Arbor accelerates plans for downtown central park as some argue it’s ‘designed to fail’Ann Arbor council votes 9-2 to release confidential legal memo on dissolving DDA

ANN ARBOR – In a unanimous vote on Monday night, Ann Arbor City Council elected Tom Crawford as the new city administrator. A longtime Ann Arbor resident, Crawford has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the city since 2004 and recently filled the role of interim city administrator following the firing of Howard Lazarus in February. Before working for the city of Ann Arbor, Crawford worked at Ford Motor Co. in the company’s product planning, lending and development units. Councilmember Jane Lumm, I-Ward 2, said Crawford is a vetted candidate for the job, having served three times as interim city administrator over the course of nearly two years. After a nationwide search, council voted between finalists Crawford and Cara Pavlicek, the current village manager of Oak Park, Illinois.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Four candidates have been selected by Ann Arbor City Council to be interviewed for the position of City Administrator. Candidates will be interviewed by a panel of Ann Arbor City Council members, community members and city staff. On Aug. 24, a special city council session will be held to discuss finalists and the next steps towards hiring a city administrator. In June, Ann Arbor City Council began searching for a replacement for former city administrator Howard Lazarus, who was fired in February without cause through a vote of 7-4. The following information about the four candidates comes from the City of Ann Arbor:Tom Crawford is currently the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Ann Arbor, since 2004.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbors deer cull will not happen this winter as the city takes steps to reduce its budget for the next fiscal year. Deer management related expenses, like data collection and the cull, costs the city $140,000. A highly debated topic within Ann Arbor, there have previously been five culls in order to manage the citys deer population. In January, 109 deer were lethally removed by sharpshooters from designated parks, nature areas, University of Michigan properties, Concordia University properties and selected private properties in Ann Arbor. The City Council approved a $466 million city budget during its May 19 meeting but is in the process of creating an economic recovery plan to counteract current and anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.