Now that the August primary is done, it's time to look to other civic events, such as filling vacancies in advisory groups, learning about affordable housing, and caring for local parks. WEMU's David Fair and the CivCity Initiative's Mary Morgan will discuss these topics and give some more post-election analysis in this week's "Civic Matters."
Mary Morgan brings a wealth of experience to the airwaves. While heading up the CivCity Initiative now, Mary was previously co-founder and publisher of the Ann Arbor Chronicle. Prior to that, she served as a reporter and editor for the Ann Arbor News when it was a daily, print edition newspaper.
This Week's Topics:
• Washtenaw County government is accepting applications for vacancies on 3 advisory groups: The Board of Heath (Aug. 24 deadline); Food Policy Council (Aug. 24 deadline); and Solid Waste Plan Implementation Action Committee (Sept. 3 deadline). Appointments will be made by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Interested in advisory positions for the City of Ann Arbor? Click here to find vacancies and learn how to apply.
• One of the city's appointed boards – for the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority – is meeting this week. Thursday's meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown library, includes a public hearing on the AAATA's FY2019 budget and strategic plan. Click here for details. There will also be some celebrating, as the AAATA's millage renewal passed overwhelmingly on Aug. 7.
• This week, a series called "The ABCs of ADUs" explores how accessory dwelling units – also known as granny flats or carriage houses – can provide options for homeowners and expand local housing options. The sessions are free, but reservations are requested. They are organized and moderated by Jessica Letaw, an Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority board member, and funded in part by a DDA mini-grant. Click here for details.
• Last week, we highlighted Ann Arbor's GIVE 365 program, which is one of two programs coordinating volunteers for the city's parks system. This Saturday, you can help out at stewardship events in their sister program Natural Area Preservation: In Olson Park and the Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area. Both sessions focus on pulling non-native, invasive weeds. Bonus: you'll get snacks!
• Finally, now that the elections are over, here's something else to think about: "Seeding an Oasis in Our Local News Desert – How to grow an independent news source for the Ann Arbor area."
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu
