a2budget was created to provide transparency on the use of public money.
The analysis and reporting on a2budget utilizes the city’s Open-Book data to offer financial insights that are not available on a2gov.org such as matched Revenue vs Expense by Fund, Service Area and Service Unit, 5 year trends and detail down to the account level.
The goal of a2budget is to drive stronger comprehension of the financial health and management of the city’s budget.
Budget Transparency
Drives Accountability
When citizens can track public spending, government serves the people better. A2Budget makes Ann Arbor's finances completely accessible.
Follow the Money
See exactly where revenue comes from and how it's spent—from vendor payments to departmental budgets to service area allocations.
Spot Trends Early
Track 5-year spending patterns, identify budget overruns, compare actual vs budgeted amounts, and understand fiscal health.
Hold Leaders Accountable
Armed with data, residents can engage in informed civic dialogue, ask tough questions, and demand fiscal responsibility.
Understanding Ann Arbor's
Financial Data
Welcome to an in-depth look at Ann Arbor's city finances. This site provides citywide transparency—reporting of public money, broken out by Fund, Service Area, Service Unit, and down to Category & Account detail.
Data includes both budgeted and actual amounts, matched Revenue vs Expenses, 5-year trends, and year-to-date results, empowering you to analyze operations, policy, capital projects, grants, and day-to-day transactions in detail.
Start broad (fund, service area, or year)—so you can see not just "how much" was spent but exactly "what for" and "from where" in the city's structure.
Data Source: All information comes directly from A2 City Open Book
Types of Revenue & Expenses
A2Budget reports provide a multi-level view: first by Entry Type, then Category, and finally Account.
Revenue
Charges for Services
100+ accounts including airport leases, ambulance transport, summer camps, permits, utility services, and parking income.
Intergovernmental
Federal, state, county grants including ARPA/CARES, transportation cost sharing, EPA grants, and HUD funding.
Taxes
30+ forms including property levies, special millages (parks, affordable housing, DDA), and Smart Zone taxes.
Licenses & Permits
Specialized accounts for building, electrical, fire, housing, planning, alcohol, and marijuana permits.
Expenses
Capital Outlay
Land acquisition, construction, major equipment, vehicles, MDOT participation, infrastructure, and structures.
Personnel Services
Salaries, overtime, benefits, FICA, insurance, unemployment, severance, pension, and health plans.
Other Charges
Insurance, software, utilities, contracts, training, professional services, rent, recycling, and technical support.
Materials & Supplies
Chemicals, gravel, repair parts, tree purchases, uniforms, salt, sand, flowers, and graphics supplies.
Funds, Service Areas & Units
Every dollar is linked to a unique path: Fund → Service Area → Service Unit → Category → Account
Funds
General, special revenue, capital, trust, debt, grant, and operational funds with strict tracking requirements.
Service Areas
Major organizational divisions coordinating city operations and services.
Service Units
Operational departments delivering specific city services and programs.
Account-Level Detail
Every report drills down to specific accounts—sometimes hundreds per report—providing complete transparency.
EV Charger Revenue, Ambulance Fees, Hydrant Charges, U of M Football
Chemical Supplies, Legal Expenses, Radio Maintenance, Uniforms, Fuel
How to Use This Website
Browse Reports
A2Budget offers a full range of financial reporting with detail by Fund, Service Area, and Units down to account level. It's recommended to scroll one section at a time to see inflow vs outflow.
Download Data
All reports can be downloaded in multiple formats. Visit a2files.com to access the full repository of source data in AI-friendly formats such as JSON and Markdown.
Explore Insights
Check out The Charts section for visual insights and trend analysis. The Numbers Menu has all available reports in Total, Condensed, and Detail formats.