Ann Arbor sets $500 daily limit for new crypto kiosk users
City Council passed new rules for virtual currency exchanges, strengthened protections for places of worship, and authorized $10 million for park upgrades.
By Lucia Herrera ·
Ann Arbor City Council passed a series of new regulations on Nov. 5.
The council approved an ordinance governing virtual currency kiosks, which allow residents to exchange cash for cryptocurrency. The new rules require kiosk operators to obtain a city license and implement specific consumer protections. These measures include posting fraud warnings, requiring photo identification, providing transaction receipts, and offering access to live customer service.
The ordinance establishes strict transaction limits to protect consumers from scams and limit potential financial losses. New customers are restricted to $500 per day during their first 30 days of using a kiosk. After that initial period, or for existing customers, the daily limit rises to $1,000. A cumulative cap of $10,000 applies over any 30-day period. The regulations will take effect six months after their adoption.
Council members also approved amendments to the city’s disorderly conduct ordinance. These changes strengthen protections for places of religious worship. The new rules prohibit obstructing entrances and exits through force, threats, or physical obstruction. They also ban conduct within 50 feet of a worship site that puts people in reasonable fear for their safety. Such conduct includes assault, threats, harassment, or intimidation involving force or physical obstruction. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
The council authorized the issuance of up to $10 million in capital improvement bonds to finance upgrades to city parks. These bonds will be repaid using revenue generated by the city’s Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage. This funding stream is dedicated specifically to maintaining and improving public park spaces.
In a separate action, the council approved lifting affordable housing restrictions on two city-owned condominiums located at 105 and 166 Ashley Mews. The properties have been difficult to maintain as affordable housing due to high condominium association fees and mortgage down payment requirements. Council members directed the city administrator to explore selling these units to the Ann Arbor Community Land Trust, a nonprofit organization, for $1. Under the proposed approach, the nonprofit could sell the units at market rate and use the proceeds to support other affordable housing efforts in the city. The resolution does not finalize a sale, and further steps are required before the properties can be transferred.
The city also received national recognition for its fiscal year 2027 budget. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded Ann Arbor its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This honor recognizes governments whose budget documents meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective financial presentation. The award promotes transparency in government budgeting and was shared with City Council during the meeting.
