Ann Arbor Council Passes Crypto Kiosk Rules, Worship Protections, and Park Funding

The Ann Arbor City Council finalized a comprehensive package of new regulations and financial authorizations during its meeting on Thursday, November 5. The agenda addressed several key community issues, including the regulation of cryptocurrency kiosks, enhanced legal protections for places of religious worship, and significant funding for local park infrastructure.

A primary focus of the session was the adoption of an ordinance governing virtual currency kiosks. These machines allow consumers to exchange physical cash for digital assets. Under the new framework, operators are required to secure a city license and implement specific consumer protection measures. These mandates include displaying fraud warnings, verifying customer photo identification, providing detailed transaction receipts, and ensuring access to live customer service representatives.

To mitigate financial risks for users, the ordinance establishes strict transaction limits. New customers are restricted to exchanging up to $500 per day during their first 30 days of use. Existing customers may exchange up to $1,000 per day, with a cumulative cap of $10,000 over any 30-day period. The council intends these limits to help prevent scams and reduce potential financial losses. The regulations will become active six months after their official adoption.

The council also voted to amend the city’s disorderly conduct ordinance to provide stronger protections for places of religious worship. The new rules prohibit obstructing entrances and exits through the use of force, threats, or physical barriers. Additionally, the amendments target conduct within 50 feet of a worship site that places individuals in reasonable fear for their safety. This includes actions such as assault, harassment, intimidation, or the threat of force.

Violations of these new worship protection standards are classified as misdemeanors. Offenders face penalties that may include up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both sanctions. The changes aim to create a safer environment for congregants and visitors attending religious services.

In a separate financial move, the council authorized the issuance of up to $10 million in capital improvement bonds. These funds are designated specifically for upgrades to the city’s parks. The repayment for these bonds will be sourced from the revenue generated by the city’s existing Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage.

City officials also explored a new strategy for supporting affordable housing involving two city-owned condominium units located at 105 and 166 Ashley Mews. The council approved lifting the current affordable housing restrictions on these properties. They directed the city administrator to investigate selling the units to the Ann Arbor Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, for a nominal sum of one dollar.

The properties have presented maintenance challenges due to high condominium association fees and mortgage down payment requirements. Under the proposed model, the nonprofit could sell the units at market rates and apply the proceeds toward other affordable housing initiatives in Ann Arbor. The resolution does not finalize a sale, as further procedural steps are required before the properties can be transferred.

The city also received national recognition for its fiscal discipline. Ann Arbor was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2027 budget. This honor recognizes government budget documents that meet high national standards for effective financial presentation and transparency. The award highlights the quality of the budget as a policy document and communication tool.

Residents interested in reviewing the full agenda, supporting documents, and additional details from the November 5 meeting can access this information through the city’s Legistar meeting records.