Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Brownfield redevelopment in Ann Arbor
The board debated and approved brownfield plan amendments for the AC Hotel on E. Huron Street and the Village of Ann Arbor housing project, facing resident pushback over natural gas heating and tax capture.
Healthcare Access Response
The county approved a $1.5 million healthcare access response proposal to fund new health department and Washtenaw Health Project positions, helping residents navigate coverage losses and healthcare costs.
2027-2030 Quadrennial Budget adopted
Chief Financial Officer presented the recommended quadrennial budget, focusing on stabilizing 2027 operations amidst economic uncertainties and funding key board priorities.
East Side Homeless Shelter at Arnett Street
A $30,000 sponsorship of a homelessness fundraiser sparked debate over whether sponsorships should be budgeted or awarded by RFP. Comm. Sanders argued the money could fund a poverty simulation or direct housing instead.
Federal HUD funding instability
Federal HUD changes threaten up to $3 million in permanent supportive and rapid rehousing funding, with a $432,000 immediate gap starting April. County staff and providers asked the county to lead a bridge-funding response; commissioners signaled support but no vote was taken.
Data center tax revenue uncertainty
The board reversed course, withdrawing its resolution welcoming U-M's computing center at Willow Run after learning U-M closed on the Textile Road site, and instead voted to support local data center moratoriums. Residents from Ypsilanti Township opposed the project over neighborhood impacts, militarization concerns, and safety.
Community Mental Health funding
The board approved a $156.5 million operating budget for Washtenaw County Community Mental Health for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget includes position reclassifications, creations, and eliminations to support mental health services.
Healthcare millage for November 2026 ballot
Multiple residents urged the board to put a healthcare millage on the November 2026 ballot to counter federal Medicaid cuts that could strip coverage from 15,000–18,000 county residents. The board took no vote yet, but the idea drew broad support from community advocates, the Shelter Association, and United Way.