Commissioner Scott's Newsletter

A Note from Commissioner Sanders


Happy Summer District 4 Residents,

I’m hoping that this update finds you and yours well. I’m sorry that several months have passed since our last newsletter but we’re back on track with the administrative support necessary to continue our quarterly community newsletter.

Since the last newsletter, I’ve been busy attending community meetings and events; initiating a Willow Run airport tour to identify an alternative to the proposed expansion of the Ann Arbor airport; touring housing programs and voting in favor of two additional years of funding for Human Service related non-profits; supporting the long delayed implementation of the MAG salary study for all County employees; attending community meetings and supporting the funding efforts to make the East side Community and Recreational Center a reality; and questioning/requiring more accountability for departments and community groups that seek funding from your county.

I’m happy to hear from you regarding your concerns or praise and encourage you to email: [email protected] or call me: 1-734-249-2143.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Washtenaw County Commissioner! 

Sincerely, 

Caroline Sanders 

Commissioner, District 4

Vice Chair, Board of Commissioners
resilient washtenaw logo

Resilient Washtenaw 


In December 2022, the Board unanimously approved the final version of the Resilient Washtenaw Climate Action Plan. The Resilient Washtenaw plan includes a set of aggressive but practical strategies, principles, goals, and actions to help Washtenaw County reach carbon neutrality, as an organization by 2030, and as a community, by 2035. 

Developed from February to October 2022, the Resilient Washtenaw team hosted 17 public events and ensured residents had the opportunity to share how climate change has impacted their personal life and the communities in which they live. The team also worked with key County staff, the Washtenaw Environmental Council, and the Board of Commissioners. 

Learn more about how Washtenaw County is leading the way on climate action
HealthyTogether

Advisory Council on Reparations


The Board approved the establishment of an Advisory Council on Reparations. The Council, aligned with a national trend of the study and repair of systematic and institutional racial injustice, is the next step in an on-going effort by the Board to advance racial equity. 


The Washtenaw Reparations Plan will aim to outline the specific ways that County policies have historically and continually harmed the lives of Black people. It will include specific actions to address redress in the sectors of homeownership and access to other quality affordable housing, increasing business ownership and career opportunities, strategies to grow financial equity and generational wealth, closing the gaps in health care, education, employment and pay, neighborhood safety and fairness within criminal justice. 


Learn more about the Advisory Council on Reparations
$5.8M to housing and human services

$5.8M to Housing and Human Services in 2023 


Throughout the month of April, the Board of Commissioners invested a total of $5.8M to Housing and Human Services. During the April 5th meeting, the Commissioners allocated $3M to organizations that address the housing and homelessness crisis. The funds will go directly to rental assistance, move-in assistance, and extended emergency sheltering through 2023. 

During the April 19th meeting, the Commission funded contracts for the Human Services Transition Program totaling $2.8M. These funds will support critical services and programs for residents in need throughout the County. The agencies funded include Avalon Housing, Ozone House, Food Gatherers, Jewish Family Services, Faith in Action, Manchester Community Resource Center, and the Washtenaw Health Plan. The funding will support these organizations through December 31, 2024. 

Learn more about this historic investment here
Broadband Info

Broadband Investment Update


The Washtenaw County Broadband Project is making great strides in 2023. Last September, the Board of Commissioners allocated $14.6M from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to broadband expansion to get all these areas of Washtenaw County connected to high-speed, reliable internet. 

The Broadband Project is working with five internet service providers to connect all corners of Washtenaw- Comcast, Charter, Midwest Energy and Communications (MEC), Washtenaw Fiber Properties (WFP), and Mercury Broadband. These five providers have all begun work and residents can track the progress done to date by using this interactive GIS map. 

Construction has started in Bridgewater and Manchester Townships and permits from the Washtenaw County Road Commission are in process for Webster, Northfield, and Dexter Townships. Freedom Township Hall, near Pleasant Lake in Southwest Washtenaw, has recently been connected to broadband. Homes around Pleasant Lake are expected to be connected by the end of May. 
Parks 50th Anniversary

Parks 50th Anniversary


In 2023, the Parks Commission celebrates its 50th Anniversary! The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has provided outstanding programs and amenities to residents and visitors since 1973. The Parks commission started as five roadside parks and 205 acres of what would become Park Lyndon, and has grown to a nationally recognized park system offering a wide range of recreation opportunities.  

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation now manages 59 parks & preserves, a vast array of recreation programs from archery to fishing, summer camps for students to young adults, and more than 40 miles of trail that makes up the Border-to-Border Trail.  

Learn more about the 50th Anniversary Events you can be a part of this summer!

Upcoming Board of Commissioners Meetings


All Meetings are open to the public and you can attend either in person or by Zoom. You can find information on how to join here.

  • August 2 at 5:30 PM: Working Session
  • August 2 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Meeting
  • September 6 at 5:30 PM: Working Session
  • September 6 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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220 North Main | Ann Arbor, MI 48104
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