Explore the history, economic and political aspects of Ann ArborPolitical aspect and policies of Ann ArborThe history of Ann Arbor is traced back to 1824 through Elisha Walker and John Allen through the land speculation. The town was incorporated under Wayne County as Ann to represent both of their wives who share the common name. Subsequently, it became the seat of Washtenaw County and the University of Michigan was founded in 1837 while the Michigan Central Railroad arrived in 1839. People continued to flow in and the population increased as economic opportunities expanded. Later, in the 1960s, anti-Vietnam War politics, anti-discrimination activism, the Human Rights Party and marijuana/cannabis legalization movements were formed in this city (Encyclopedia Britannica, p2). Since then, significant changes in growth and development have occurred, and this has contributed to the city's current size and status. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Currently, Ann Arbor is governed politically through council management as city council government. It is headed by the elected mayor together with ten members of the city council; two from each of the five wards are elected to represent the ward's residents. The mayor is elected by the entire city and the city council team holds office for a term of four years. During the term of service, the mayor becomes president of the council and has the power to appoint members of the council, commission and committee (Encyclopedia Britannica p3). The council imposes local policies, for example on taxation, in order to raise revenue for the city council. For this reason, businesses must obtain a permit/license for operations by paying the municipality, although the amount depends on the nature and size of the business. Additionally, an income tax is expected to be imposed among residents at a rate of 1% and 0.5% on residents and nonresidents, respectively (Michigan Department of the Treasury, p1). Additionally, there is property taxation and fees for services such as parking (Stanton, p1). Additionally, there are Michigan state policies such as environmental protection. There are state efforts to prevent air pollution to improve air quality in accordance with national EPA standards. This came about through the passage of the Clean Air Act to Control Air Toxics and Permissible Mercury Standards. Additionally, standards have been established to protect the ozone layer from degradation caused by nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide from automobiles, factories, and manufacturing power plants (Ballotpedia, p2&3). The overall goal is to reduce the amount of smog formation in the air and maintain the required standards by 2020. Plans have been established for the adoption of clean energy with the aim of replacing fossil fuels and coal with renewable energy such as solar and wind energy. : This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Housing requirements in Ann Arbor have influenced national housing policy in the state of Michigan with the establishment of the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity program which aims to improve equality in the provision of homes. This is done through the investigation of complaints of discrimination as required by the federal Fair Housing Act (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, p1).