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Evolution of the Controversy

This section describes the events, in chronological order, that led us to the current state of the controversy over how the 2017 Millage funds should be spent. A lack of adequate communication from public officials and advocates of a "yes" vote caused voters to have different understandings of what they were voting on. Inevitably, the election was not an accurate reflection of preferences -- at least in the City of Ann Arbor.  Not surprisingly, citizens continue to disagree on the use of the millage revenues in the perceived absence of a fair, transparent election.

This section also describes the events leading to controversy at the County level concerning support for mental health services.

June - July 2017

Final stages of crafting ballot language &

City Council resolution of intent

September - October 2017

November 7, 2017

January - March 2018

April 2018

May 21, 2018

August 7, 2018

October 15, 2018

April 1, 2019

April 5, 2019

September  2018

FY 2018 deficit causes WCCMH to exhaust its reserves and the County to allocate $3.7 million to WCCMH

April 15, 2019

April 15, 2019

May 20, 2019

Spring 2019

Summer 2019

August 2019

September 2019

Late 2018

Janary - March 2019

March 11, 2021

April 5, 2021

May 18, 2020

May 17, 2021

November 3, 2020

City voters approved overwhelmingly a 20-year one mill levy for affordable housing (Proposal C).  Many households with a member living with a mental health condition find it difficult or impossible to afford market-rate safe, stable housing.  This measure should help.

City Council adopted the FY 2022 Budget and included the 40-40-20 allocation of Millage funds -- thus $1 million for climate action (pp. 7-9 in linked source)

Mid-2021

WCCMH fiscal situation was much improved from 2019

February 15, 2022

A City survey of how residents would like American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be used showed the number one and two priorities are i) human and social services and ii) affordable housing.

October 1, 2021

The Assistant City Administrator provided the City Council the preliminary recommendation for the allocation of ARPA funds.

December 21, 2021

Interim City Administrator issued his Interim Report on Unarmed Police Response

February 25, 2022

The City Administrator provided the City Council his final recommendation for the allocation of ARPA funds.

April 4, 2022

The City Council took final action on the allocation of $24.1 million of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  Click here for the allocations.  Click here for a report of the proceedings.

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