Ann Arbor residents urge city council to address airport expansion health concerns after 17 years

The Washtenaw County government meeting on January 10, 2025, featured a discussion between Commissioner Sanders and Andy McGill, focusing on the lack of collaboration between local Democratic-run governments. McGill expressed frustration over the absence of meaningful dialogue between the Ann Arbor City Council and other local entities, despite their shared political affiliation.

McGill highlighted that in the past 17 years, there has been minimal engagement from the city council regarding community concerns. He noted that while there was a brief period of cooperation when former Councilman Steve Council was in office, such opportunities have since dwindled. He praised Mayor Taylor for meeting with community representatives on two occasions, acknowledging his willingness to listen to public concerns. However, McGill lamented that this level of engagement is not reflected across the council as a whole.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the lack of studies conducted by Ann Arbor on the health and safety impacts of proposed airport expansions. McGill pointed out that despite the University of Michigan's strong actuarial science program, the city has not undertaken any research to assess how these expansions might affect residents living near the airport or those who use its services.

The discussion underscored the need for improved communication and collaboration among local governments, particularly in addressing community health and safety issues. As the meeting concluded, the participants emphasized the importance of fostering a more inclusive dialogue to better serve the interests of the community.