Erica Briggs

04/30/2026

Orange barrels ahead! Next week, the week of May 4, kicks off more construction in Ann Arbor, especially around downtown. Please plan ahead and add extra time for your travels as you're able.

Why so much work all at once? There's no single answer. Sometimes projects are prioritized to maximize resources and shorten the overall timeframe for disruptions. Other times, urgent needs come up, or project timelines shift from previous years.

Thank you for being cautious in construction zones and along detour routes, for not taking frustrations out on our crews and, most of all, for your patience. We pledge to work as effectively, safely and swiftly as possible.

Find the closure & project map, Waze & subscribe links + details at https://www.a2gov.org/engineering/traffic/road-and-lane-closures/

01/24/2026

Please see this alert and move your car (if you have one) off street in advance of this winter storm. And, please, as we do with any emergency situation, please look after your neighbors.

🚨 On-Street Parking Ban Begins Sunday, 8 p.m. 🚨
The City of Ann Arbor has declared a temporary on-street parking ban starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 to support snow removal.
❄️ No ticketing or towing will occur during this ban, unless a vehicle poses a safety risk or is otherwise parked illegally.
Parking options, exempt streets, maps, and ongoing updates are available at:
👉 www.a2gov.org/snowparking
Please plan ahead and help crews clear streets safely and efficiently.

01/24/2026

1/24/26 UPDATE: A body has been recovered in the 1900 block of Cambridge Road at approximately 12:05pm following an extensive coordinated search effort with the University of Michigan Police Department. The body has been identified as 19-year-old Lucas Mattson, who was last seen at 1 a.m. on 1/23/26 walking alone in the 1700 block of Hill Street without a coat and reported missing to AAPD approximately 15 hours later.

The nearly 20-hour search effort to locate him took place in extreme cold conditions and included officers from AAPD and University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, as well as the University of Michigan Police Department Drone Unit.

There are no obvious signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected at this time. The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine cause and manner of death.

Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson and the Ann Arbor Police Department extend its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as the entire University of Michigan community.
Crisis support is available to students through the following resources: Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service, and Counseling and Psychological Services.

01/23/2026

FYI... to be announced tomorrow

The City of Ann Arbor is considering an on-street parking ban due to anticipated snowfall Sunday into Monday.

A decision will be made approximately 24 hours in advance and announced Saturday, Jan. 24 between noon and 2 p.m. If a ban is called, it will be shared on the city website, by email, Everbridge alerts, city social media channels, and local media.

City staff continue to monitor the forecast and road conditions. Residents who park on Ann Arbor streets are encouraged to begin thinking about off-street parking options now.

In extreme cold, snow does not melt—even with salt. Removing vehicles from streets allows crews to plow curb-to-curb, which is critical for safety.

👉 www.a2gov.org/snowparking

11/02/2025

I'm so excited that Jenn Cornell is running again to represent the 5th Ward. She's smart, brave (always speaking up for what she believes is in the best interest of the City and our residents even when it might be easer to stay quiet), and hardworking . Being a public servant is tough- especially these days- and she balances this job, with her other responsibilities as a full-time ED at the Ann Arbor Art Center and a mom with grace and good cheer.

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/10/ann-arbor-council-member-seeking-reelection-says-shes-proud-of-plan-to-increase-housing

“I’m proud to be advancing a land-use plan to increase housing supply and promote dynamic, affordable and sustainable neighborhoods," Council Member Jenn Cornell said.

07/29/2025

Another Unhinged Political Mailer
*Important Information Pertaining To Our Parks & Proposals A and B* (Ann Arbor friends, please share)

Last Friday, I posted information (see previous post) to correct some misinformation I received in a political mailer pertaining to Proposals A and B. It presented misleading and false quotes and made numerous false connections/claims, including risks facing our City parks if Proposals A and B pass. Yesterday, I received an even more extreme mailer that makes claims about the City's plans to sell and develop specific nature areas, as well as neighborhood parks and City golf courses more generally.

THESE CLAIMS ARE FALSE AND IRRESPONSIBLE. It is important that you know, contrary to the claims made on this postcard, per the City Charter (Section 14.3) City Parks cannot be sold without voter approval. Voting yes on Proposals A and B does not jeopardize any park in the City. And there are no plans to change the use of any park. But, of course, the folks sending this postcard know that. They simply want you to vote no and will say anything to plant seeds of doubt. It's dirty politics by bad political actors.

I will not counter every claim on this postcard. There are numerous false claims and connections being made. It's pure fiction.

For facts about Proposal A and B, go to a trustworthy place, the Library. https://aadl.org/vote

For more information and background, check out my voter guide on Proposal A and B: https://www.ericafora2.com/news/aug52025voterguide

I hope you will join me in voting yes on or before August 5th for a new downtown library with programmed outdoor public space!

07/25/2025

Did you receive this unhinged postcard, that has a ransom note vibe, in the mail today? Should you be wondering if voting yes on A and B is somehow connected to the sale of our golf courses (what?!) - you need not worry.

However, you may be wondering what is happening with City golf courses. The answer: nothing. These quotes were taken from a policy debate in the winter of 2024 about whether Council should commit to renewing leases for gas-powered golf carts for our golf courses (cost = $796k) when they conflicted with our stated carbon neutrality goals. With 700+ acres of land dedicated to golf courses in the City between municipal and U-M golf courses, a parks budget that is falling short of addressing capital needs, and golf course operations that are out of alignment with our climate action goals.... that Council decision spurred lots of comments both from Councilmembers and the public. In the end, Council voted to approve the lease (I voted yes), but many of us raised questions about whether golf courses were aligned with our current land use and recreational goals. However, I and others, said that golf courses should spur a serious policy debate about our land use priorities, but that needed to occur separately from a discussion about golf cart leases. You can watch that discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/-HUnjluKjgQ?si=ADEACOKHSrbx9L3K&t=5274

I must stress that contrary to the claims made on this postcard, per the City Charter (Section 14.3) City Parks cannot be sold without voter approval. Voting yes on Proposals A and B does not jeopardize the City's golf courses. But, of course, the folks sending this postcard know that. This is just a dirty politics mailer.

The reality is that Ann Arbor residents love parks. And golf courses, while not my cup of tea, are valued by many. Honestly, I was a bit surprised how many kids, my son included, told me how much they valued our municipal golf courses following the 2024 policy conversation.

Anyway, back to this postcard, it's pure fiction. For facts about Proposal A and B, go to the Library Director: https://aadl.org/morefacts

And, here's a link to my voter guide on Proposal A and B: https://www.ericafora2.com/news/aug52025voterguide

I hope you will join me in voting yes on or before August 5th.

07/01/2025

Need more information on Ann Arbor Proposals A and B? I've got you covered. Dig in here.

Learn more about Proposals A and B. This summer you have the opportunity to Vote Yes to enable the City to partner with the Ann Arbor District Library to create a new downtown library, with more amenities, programmable open space, and housing. All with no new taxes!

06/18/2025

06/04/2025

Free smoke detectors!

The Ann Arbor Fire Department is offering a free Smoke Detector Installation Program for residents living within city limits. A working smoke detector can cut fire-related deaths in half.

This service includes:
✅ Free smoke detector
✅ Free installation
✅ Testing + placement guidance + fire safety tips

Priority is given to seniors, people with disabilities, and homes without working detectors.

Request your appointment online at https://www.a2gov.org/fire-department/smoke-detector-program/

Note: This program does not cover rental properties. Landlords are required to provide functioning detectors under city ordinance.