The Community of Ann Arbor on Solid Fiscal Ground
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Although balancing the budget has proven a challenge, city administrators are confident about Ann Arbor's future. The upcoming 08 budget beginning July 1 is the first since 2002 that doesn't include a reduction in the city's workforce of 800 employees. During a "state of the city" talk, Mayor Hieftje discussed quality of life and new transportation and energy initiatives. Even with the loss of Pfizer's Research and Development campus, Ann Arbor seems well primed to weather a tough economy. Many economic development efforts are moving ahead full force painting bright pictures for our city's future. Some of the current issues facing Ann Arbor council members are:
- Ann Arbor Area Transportation route changes
- recreation
- the police department
- The police-court building
- University of Michigan construction and city noise ordinances
- funding for retiree health
- support for locally owned businesses