Archer Christian Tapped for Greenbelt Group

At its June 18, 2012 meeting, Archer Christian was nominated by the Ann Arbor city council to replace Mike Garfield on the city’s greenbelt advisory commission. Garfield is director of the Ecology Center, a nonprofit based in Ann Arbor, and Ms. Christian is the center’s development director.  The council will vote on the nomination at its July 2 meeting.

The greenbelt advisory commission oversees the proceeds generated by two-thirds of the city’s open space and parkland preservation millage, which is levied at a rate of 0.5 mills.

Garfield is term-limited as a GAC member, having served two consecutive three-year terms. The spot vacated by Garfield is not designated for a representative of the Ecology Center. However, the 9-member commission includes two slots for representatives of environmental and/or conservation groups.

At GAC’s June 7 meeting, Christian briefly addressed the commission, saying that as long as she can remember, she’s wanted to be a farmer. Being able to translate that passion into helping preserve land in the greenbelt would be an honor, she told them. She gave a brief overview of her background, including the fact that she started at the Ecology Center four years ago as grants director, and became development director in January of 2012.

Christian told commissioners that she’s lived in Ann Arbor for eight and a half years, and it feels like home. Being in a forward-thinking community is a delight beyond measure, she said. [.pdf of Christian's résumé]

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]