Archived News Release: November 9, 2022 - Yesterday, Ann Arbor voters joined a small but growing number of communities to pass a local millage to fund climate action. Through the Community Climate Action Millage, Ann Arborites will invest an estimated $7 million per year for 20 years to fund local clean energy, waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable food, and resilience programs and services.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time. I am delighted and proud that Ann Arbor has passed the Community Climate Action Millage to ensure we do our part to equitably address the climate crisis," said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “This millage will enable us to accelerate our efforts to effect real change — aggressive and sustained climate action to demonstrate what is possible when we work together to create a more just, equitable and sustainable future."
The newly adopted millage will support programs and initiatives such as:
Direct rebates for home, rental, and business energy improvements, including rebates for energy waste reduction, renewable energy installations, appliance electrification, and energy storage systems.
Year-round composting and recycling collection for commercial and multi-family units.
Renewable energy deployments at affordable housing sites, community centers across the city, and the city's capped landfill.
Support for resilience centers, local food production and heat and flood preparedness initiatives.
The installation of more streetlights, crosswalks and protected bike lanes across the city.
More electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives to support multi-modal transportation.
Funding for these programs will be included in the upcoming city budgeting process and be available for expenditure starting July 1, 2023.
“The passing of this millage marks a monumental step forward in our collective efforts to achieve A2ZERO and our goal of a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030," said Dr. Missy Stults, City of Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations director. “We have a lot of work to do, together, to achieve this audacious and scientifically essential goal, and the passage of this millage provides critical funding to move us that much closer to success."
To learn more, see a preliminary two-year budget, and gather details about expected uses of the millage, please see: www.a2gov.org/2022CommunityClimateActionMillage. To learn more about the city's climate and equity activities, known as A2ZERO, please see www.a2gov.org/sustainability.
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