Ann Arbor Council Caps Crypto Kiosk Limits and Funds $10M in Park Upgrades
New ordinances regulate digital currency exchanges and protect worship sites while authorizing bonds for infrastructure improvements.
By Amit Chukwu ·
The Ann Arbor City Council set a ceiling of $10,000 for virtual currency transactions over any 30-day period in an ordinance passed on Nov. 5. The measure aims to curb fraud and protect consumers using cash-to-crypto kiosks within city limits.
The council first considered the need for clearer rules as these machines became more common in local businesses. They approved the specific regulations during their regular session last week. The new framework requires operators to obtain a city license and provide live customer service.
Operators must also display fraud warnings and verify customer identification. The ordinance establishes tiered limits for users. New customers face a daily cap of $500 for their first 30 days. Subsequent transactions are limited to $1,000 per day for all other customers.
The council simultaneously tightened the city’s disorderly conduct code to safeguard places of religious worship. The amendments prohibit forceful obstruction of entrances and exits. They also bar conduct within 50 feet of a worship site that places individuals in reasonable fear. Such actions include assault, threats, or physical intimidation. Violators face misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.
In a separate action, the council authorized the issuance of up to $10 million in capital improvement bonds. These funds will finance upgrades to municipal parks. The city plans to repay the debt using revenue from its existing Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage.
The council also directed the city administrator to evaluate a new model for affordable housing involving two city-owned condominiums at 105 and 166 Ashley Mews. The resolution lifts current restrictions on these units. The city may sell the properties to the Ann Arbor Community Land Trust for $1. This nonprofit could then sell the units at market rate and use the proceeds to support other local housing initiatives. The resolution does not finalize the sale but moves the process forward.
The city also received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2027 budget. The award recognizes compliance with national guidelines for financial transparency and presentation.
The crypto ordinance takes effect six months after adoption. Residents can access the full agenda and supporting documents through the city’s Legistar meeting records.
