Ann Arbor Curb Management Study

Walker worked with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority to develop Ann Arbor, MI’s first comprehensive curb management plan to rethink how curbs function to support the city’s rapid growth and dynamic curb demands. The plan provides a framework for prioritizing finite curb space, a playbook of 21 curb strategies, new ordinances, and a toolkit for implementation.

Walker conducted a comprehensive review of curb allocation, use, policy, programs, and practices. Downtown curbs were inventoried, mapped, and digitized in the Curb Data Specification to understand how curb space was allocated. Analyzing the collected data revealed short-term curb sessions, significant violations, and safety issues. Walker provided recommendations that brought balanced solutions that work in real life, focused on supporting walking and biking while also providing needed space for parking and delivery to support business.

A toolkit was provided to support staff for decision-making practices as well as updated street design policies and ordinances. An implementation toolkit provides a foundation for staff to work with the community and navigate potential obstacles.

The City of Ann Arbor now has a policy strategy for prioritizing and allocating curb space for new development plans and day-to-day management. Walker’s micro and macro insights on curb use supported place-based strategies that will have the highest and best impact on the curb.