Ann Arbor Council Approved Greenbelt Property Purchase

The city has allocated funds to acquire a 15-acre property for future sale to a farmer under a conservation easement.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food

Isometric editorial illustration of a square plot of farmland divided by fencing, representing municipal land conservation policy. — The Ann Arbor City Council approved the $766,517 purchase of 15 acres on Brookville Road to protect the land for agricultural use. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government use tax funds to purchase and resell farmland to new farmers?

The Ann Arbor City Council has authorized the expenditure of $766,517 to purchase the James R. Gysel property, marking the third such buy-protect-sell project for the city. This initiative aims to increase farmland access and affordability while ensuring the land remains permanently protected from future development.

Why it matters

By placing a perpetual conservation easement on the land, the city prevents encroaching development and secures space for new agricultural ventures. The program directly addresses the challenges new farmers face in securing affordable, tillable land near the city.

The 15-acre property includes 10 acres of tillable farmland and 5 acres of woodland, adjacent to a 375-acre conservation easement. The purchase is part of the city greenbelt program, which has protected over 8,000 acres of land since its 2003 inception.

The players

Ann Arbor City Council

This is the primary governing body responsible for legislative decisions, budget appropriations, and the management of city-wide programs in Ann Arbor.

James R. Gysel

He is the property owner whose 15-acre parcel is being acquired by the city under the greenbelt protection program.

The details

The city will issue a request for proposals from interested farmers to acquire the land, which currently contains an existing home. The final acquisition price for the property located on Brookville Road in Salem Township will be limited to its appraised value.

Voters approved the 30-year greenbelt millage in 2003.
City Council voted to appropriate the acquisition funds on October 5, 2026.

Culture Shift

This acquisition reflects a shift toward active land stewardship where municipalities act as intermediaries to facilitate sustainable local farming. It moves beyond passive conservation by ensuring the land remains viable and accessible for the next generation of food producers.

Local residents and aspiring farmers can anticipate a future request for proposals for the land usage. This project contributes to the regional agricultural economy by keeping land within the local food system instead of allowing it to be lost to residential development.

The takeaway

This buy-protect-sell model demonstrates how municipal programs can bridge the gap for new farmers struggling with land costs. Residents benefit from the long-term preservation of local green space and a stable supply of regionally grown agricultural products.