Bill VanderMolen / Flickr
PLANNING
MATTERS
39%
Ann Arbor's population that is U-M students as of 2020.
That's up from 33% in 2000, because we haven't built enough homes for anyone else.
-21%
Decline in Ann Arbor's under 18 population from 2000-20.
Without more homes for young families, Ann Arbor will continue to become older, wealthier, and less diverse.
4X
More commuters into Ann Arbor than out of the city.
Without more places to live locally, congestion will continue to get worse.
-52%
Decline in homes built in Ann Arbor by year from 1990-99 to 2010-20.
Because we've stopped building the homes we need, the cost of renting and buying is going up.
Zoning isn't just policy. It's a moral question: Who gets to belong in our neighborhoods? Who gets left out?
Zoning has a past—and it's not neutral. Our current zoning originated as a tool to segregate by race and class. It reinforces patterns of exclusion, even today. Exclusion by design results in injustice by outcome.
The housing shortage impacts Ann Arbor in many ways:
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The average home price is 5 times the area median income.
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Workers commute by car from outside.
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Seniors can't afford to age in place.
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Families can't afford to stay.
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Public school enrollment is in decline.
Ethical zoning looks like: More housing options. More homes, more families. Density encourages sustainability and justice.
Our call to action:
Let's rewrite the map with justice in mind.
Speak up for inclusive zoning.
Make room—in policy, in practice, in heart.
GET INVOLVED
EVENTS
Gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and educational events with Neighbors for More Neighbors Ann Arbor. Open to all! Some events may require RSVP. If you have an event idea, please reach out to info@moreneighborsa2.org