Issue: Parks and Environment
Mayor Hieftje’s Accomplishments:
Mayor John Hieftje has an unmatched record of fighting for world-class parks and progressive environmental policies.
As our Mayor, John Hieftje:
-
Led the development of one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in the nation, including a new commercial recycling program and upcoming single-stream recycling program – all of which reduce landfill deposits and save taxpayer funds
-
Launched the Mayor’s Green Energy Challenge for increased conservation of energy. Ann Arbor is the nations leader in LED street light technology.
-
Championed the Greenbelt initiative, which – in cooperation with surrounding townships and with the support of federal and state grants – will protect thousands of acres of land from future development and provide land for local agriculture.
-
Protected Ann Arbor’s fragile watershed
-
Is leading a partnership with UM and surrounding governments to create a new mass transit system serving Ann Arbor and southeast Michigan, thus reducing the need for future parking garages and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
-
Fought successfully to increase new bike lanes and sidewalks, thereby enhancing pedestrian access and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ann Arbor's bike lane system grew by 600 % in just 5 years with more miles coming on line each year.
Thanks to Mayor Hieftje’s leadership:
-
Ann Arbor’s environmental efforts have been covered by national media outlets, including NBC Nightly News
-
Mayor Hieftje was awarded the 2008 Environmental Leadership Award by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters
-
90% of federal funds allocated to Michigan for farmland protection go directly to Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
-
Three surrounding townships have followed Ann Arbor’s lead by passing their own millages to fund the Greenbelt program
The Future:
Mayor Hieftje knows that investing in a green future is key to saving money and retaining Ann Arbor’s unmatched quality of life. In his next term, Mayor Hieftje will continue to fight for a world-class recycling program, clean and safe parks, and increased use of green energy.
