Donnell Wyche
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donnell.bsky.social
Donnell Wyche
@donnell.bsky.social
2.7K followers 950 following 1.2K posts
Building 👨🏾‍💻 carenote.app - prayetic.com - directee.app - mobilize.dev | Pastoring through the intersections of Race, Faith, Abolition, & Technology | Ann Arbor City Planning Commissioner | Biking 🚴🏾‍♂️
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donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️,

I'm really enjoying working on CareNote. Almost every day I meet new people who are caring for their communities. I’m so grateful to come alongside folks who serve others. Had great conversations yesterday and today — it feels like a community is forming around CareNote. #buildinpublic
October 30, 2025 at 9:34 PM
donnell.bsky.social
You should be my neighbor, so I could feed you tonight.

Corn Crab Bisque
Southwest Salad
Grapes
Baguette
Lemon Crinkle Cookies

web.archive.org/web/20190603...

#a2council
A cozy dinner spread on a wooden table featuring a bowl of creamy corn and crab bisque garnished with parsley, surrounded by a plate of sliced baguette, a bowl of red grapes, and a salad with mixed greens and cabbage. A mason jar glass and extra bowls sit nearby, creating a warm, homemade meal setting.
October 28, 2025 at 11:41 PM
donnell.bsky.social
I’m at home instead of council chambers tonight, but I’m baking lemon crumble cookies. Round two. These are perfect. The crumble is perfect. #a2council
A close-up of five lemon crinkle cookies on a dark blue plate. The cookies are golden and soft-looking with cracked tops dusted in powdered sugar, creating a rustic, homemade appearance. They sit on a wooden table with a small green ceramic leaf dish blurred in the background.
October 20, 2025 at 11:14 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Beautiful to see such a diverse group of voices sharing why they love Ann Arbor and believe in building a more welcoming, sustainable, and connected city. These talks capture the best of who we can be together. #a2council

www.youtube.com/@MoreNeighbo...
This image is a screen capture of a YouTube channel page titled "Neighbors for More Neighbors A2." The channel offers a colorful logo on the upper left side and has 15 subscribers with 11 videos listed. The page display is segmented into several video thumbnails under categories such as 'Latest', 'Popular', and 'Oldest'. Each thumbnail features a speaker, presumably talking about the related topic indicated by the title below each image. The topics cover a range of community and urban planning issues such as: "There Goes the Neighborhood: Jean Henry", "Growing Michigan Together Council", "Road Crashes & Transportation Justice", and "Doing Community Good for Our Health?" Other videos explore themes like biking adventures, accessibility, land use reform, and advocacy for more neighborhood density. The speakers are shown in mid-speech, enhancing the dynamic nature of community discussions. The bottom rows feature longer panels on transit systems and the future of the Ann Arbor neighborhood. Each video includes the title, speaker's name, and other details like video duration and view count. The overall layout is clean and informative, designed to engage viewers interested in urban development and community issues.
October 15, 2025 at 8:14 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Made these cookies tonight. My scoops were enormous. I’ll reduce by a third next time. Inspired by @strongman.bsky.social #a2council

bromabakery.com/lemon-crinkl...
Lemon crumble cookies
October 14, 2025 at 2:23 AM
donnell.bsky.social
AAPS wouldn’t allow this as it would impact parents from dropping off their kids on their way.

Instead AAPS has designed drivelines at every new school they are building.

a2schoolsbond.org/news-press-i...
A schematic site plan for the future Lawton Elementary School in Ann Arbor, labeled “Lawton – Schematic Site Plan.” The map shows the new two-story school building in dark gray, located north of Delaware Drive and west of Seventh Avenue, adjacent to Lawton Park. The diagram highlights key site features, including separate bus and parent drop-off lanes, a new play area, a community connector path, and the area of the existing Lawton building to be demolished. Blue dashed lines outline the property boundary and orange dashed lines indicate pathways and play zones. The left side lists project details: current and projected enrollments (424 present, target 552 design, 624 max), minimal projected growth, and parking for staff plus 10 visitors. The site plan notes a 70-foot setback from nearby residences. The timeline at the bottom specifies construction starting in spring 2026, occupancy in fall 2028, and Phase 2 completion by summer 2029.
October 9, 2025 at 4:01 PM
donnell.bsky.social
This is our plan in Ann Arbor:
aadl.org/newdowntown.

Voters in Ann Arbor this summer approved, by a 2-to-1 margin, an innovative approach to develop a new downtown library branch that will include both market-rate and affordable housing.

#a2council
yonahfreemark.com Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · Oct 8
Cities are developing a new approach to developing housing: Integrating it into mixed-use library projects. These investments improve neighborhood vitality, add housing & improve services.

In new research @urbaninstitute.bsky.social, I create a database of such projects & point to success stories ⏬
Aging Libraries Could Offer Cities a Unique Opportunity to Build New Housing While Improving Public Services
Since 2000, more than 1,800 apartment units have been built in combined library-housing developments. These projects not only address local housing needs but…
www.urban.org
October 8, 2025 at 11:52 PM
donnell.bsky.social
The coffee shop I’m working at doesn’t use labels for their drinks, they write what it is on the bottom of the cup. Then they quietly announce what the drink is & move on the next order, so people constantly interrupt asking, "What drink is this?" When it’s busy like this morning, it’s a nightmare.
October 4, 2025 at 1:40 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Andrea Pitzer's article "You don't have to swallow frogs" is a helpful analysis of the Klein and Coates interview.

degenerateart.beehiiv.com/p/you-don-t-...

There's a YouTube video too:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVS1...
degenerateart.beehiiv.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
donnell.bsky.social
This article/podcast shows the failure of white progressives like Klein: he rejects class solidarity with Black people and the Black experience in the US. Even as Coates draws the parallels, Klein clings to "power-first" politics—where human dignity can be sacrificed now and hopefully fixed later.
Opinion | Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines
www.nytimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️,

Wild day on the new customer acquisition front—12 new churches reached out today! Four created accounts and started trials today, I had two demos, and three phone calls. I usually see ~30 trials a month, so 12 new leads in a single day feels significant. #buildinpublic
September 23, 2025 at 8:37 PM
donnell.bsky.social
New customer requires $1M of insurance, so I’m applying for insurance. The broker is shocked that I didn't already have insurance. Yes, I haven’t needed it, so I didn’t get it. I know that’s shocking to you, but there’s no need to shame me for it. #buildinpublic
September 22, 2025 at 1:38 PM
donnell.bsky.social
It was an honor receiving the 2025 Community Champion Award from Avalon Housing for my housing advocacy. Read my acceptance speech here. #a2council

thewychefamily.com/receiving-th...
September 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Biked the newly opened Broadway Park West last night. Grateful for more riverfront park space and for a safer, wider way to cross the river—using the new 10-ft path bridge instead of walking bikes over the dam bridge. #a2council

lowertowna2.org/broadway-par...
This image features a serene early evening scene in a spacious park. To the left, there's a vast field covered with short, trimmed grass, bordered by a modest fence which seems to enclose a garden or a small agricultural patch with several constructions visible in the distance. The right side shows a well-maintained pathway that bends gently into the landscape, flanked by small bushes and trees displaying early autumn colors. In the distance, several visitors are visible; some walking leisurely along the path, contributing to the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere. The sky above is dramatic and expansive, painted with streaks of clouds catching the golden hues of the setting sun, which is partially visible near the horizon line on the left, casting a warm light that enhances the tranquil and picturesque setting. A hint of human activity and the blend of natural and manicured elements make this park scene both inviting and picturesque, perfect for a relaxing stroll or quiet contemplation. Broadway Park West - Opening - This image features a serene early evening scene in a spacious park. To the left, there's a vast field covered with short, trimmed grass, bordered by a modest fence which seems to enclose a garden or a small agricultural patch with several constructions visible in the distance. The right side shows a well-maintained pathway that bends gently into the landscape, flanked by small bushes and trees displaying early autumn colors. In the distance, several visitors are visible; some walking leisurely along the path, contributing to the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere. The sky above is dramatic and expansive, painted with streaks of clouds catching the golden hues of the setting sun, which is partially visible near the horizon line on the left, casting a warm light that enhances the tranquil and picturesque setting. A hint of human activity and the blend of natural and manicured elements make this park scene both inviting and picturesque, perfect for a relaxing stroll or quiet contemplation. Broadway Park West - Opening - This image features a serene early evening scene in a spacious park. To the left, there's a vast field covered with short, trimmed grass, bordered by a modest fence which seems to enclose a garden or a small agricultural patch with several constructions visible in the distance. The right side shows a well-maintained pathway that bends gently into the landscape, flanked by small bushes and trees displaying early autumn colors. In the distance, several visitors are visible; some walking leisurely along the path, contributing to the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere. The sky above is dramatic and expansive, painted with streaks of clouds catching the golden hues of the setting sun, which is partially visible near the horizon line on the left, casting a warm light that enhances the tranquil and picturesque setting. A hint of human activity and the blend of natural and manicured elements make this park scene both inviting and picturesque, perfect for a relaxing stroll or quiet contemplation. Broadway Park West - Opening - This image features a serene early evening scene in a spacious park. To the left, there's a vast field covered with short, trimmed grass, bordered by a modest fence which seems to enclose a garden or a small agricultural patch with several constructions visible in the distance. The right side shows a well-maintained pathway that bends gently into the landscape, flanked by small bushes and trees displaying early autumn colors. In the distance, several visitors are visible; some walking leisurely along the path, contributing to the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere. The sky above is dramatic and expansive, painted with streaks of clouds catching the golden hues of the setting sun, which is partially visible near the horizon line on the left, casting a warm light that enhances the tranquil and picturesque setting. A hint of human activity and the blend of natural and manicured elements make this park scene both inviting and picturesque, perfect for a relaxing stroll or quiet contemplation.
September 13, 2025 at 12:45 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, my competitor is offering a $40/month scholarship for up to 20 users for new churches, the same number of users on CareNote is $180/month. What would you do? #buildinpublic
September 9, 2025 at 7:54 PM
donnell.bsky.social
I’m deeply humbled & surprised to be named @avalonhousing.bsky.social's Community Champion Award recipient. Grateful to stand with so many working for housing justice imagining a world where everyone is housed. #a2council

Buy a ticket to support Avalon:
avalon-housing.givecloud.co/product/HFG2...
Pastor Donnell to Receive Community Champion Award | Ann Arbor Community Church - Ann Arbor Community Church
We are delighted to share that Pastor Donnell Wyche will be honored by Avalon Housing with their Community Champion Award at this year’s Home for Good fundraiser dinner on Thursday, September 18 at Wa...
www.a2communitychurch.org
September 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, at the coffee shop chipping away at my CareNote task list from this past week. I’ve got plenty of post-sales call follow-ups to handle, along with a long list of development and coding tasks. Still waiting for the day CareNote feels “finished” so I can focus more on sales. #buildinpublic
September 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, I had to email a potential customer to reframe an incentive pricing offer. I realized I was giving too much away. So, I gave them a short window to still receive the full discounted pricing, and then offered a 30% transition discount on the regular rate. I guess I’m maturing. #buildinpublic
September 5, 2025 at 12:26 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, I just finished a long sales call. Really good call—two of the three champions are ready to commit. The Executive Pastor is hedging. I realized my competitor has an easier job: “This is my product, take it or leave it.” I wonder if there’s a lesson there for me. #buildinpublic
September 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, tfw you realize a trial isn’t the end of the sales cycle but the start, so you have to create a drip campaign for your trial users to get them to convert. I was led to believe the product sells itself, and while that's true, some customers still need a nudge to convert. #buildinpublic
September 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
donnell.bsky.social
No shit!

“Black drivers still disproportionately stopped by police in Ann Arbor despite ordinance”

www.mlive.com/news/ann-arb...

Like really, no shit, Sherlock! As CM Harrison put it: the ordinance “changed policy, but it did not change policing.” #a2council
Black drivers still disproportionately stopped by police in Ann Arbor despite ordinance
Overall stops for equipment violations are down, but a higher percentage of the stopped drivers are Black.
www.mlive.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:58 PM
donnell.bsky.social
One thing that continues to surprise me as a developer is when teams link their trial account to their ChMS and then abandon the trial. Since the average time to convert is 56 days, I’m starting a culling process to delete these abandoned trials. #buildinpublic
September 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM
donnell.bsky.social
Hey 🏗️, It’s a new month, so I’m back to daily activity to improve the reach of @carenote.app. This side hustle now pays the mortgage, so this month’s focus is twofold: fixing what’s broken or missing for existing customers, and trying to improve the conversion rate from 22% to 25%.

#buildinpublic
September 2, 2025 at 2:08 PM
donnell.bsky.social
You are so right! We still live with the ghosts of NIMBYs-past. In Ann Arbor, we can’t build taller than 267ft because decades ago someone disliked tall buildings. They’re gone, but we still live with their fears and limits. Our community suffers because cities aren’t meant to be museums. #a2council
This image shows Tower Plaza, a prominent high-rise condominium in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, located at 555 East William Street. Tower Plaza, completed in 1969, stands at 26 stories tall with a roof height of 267 feet, making it the tallest building in Ann Arbor. The structure was originally proposed in 1965 and first served as a residential apartment building before being converted into individually-owned condominiums in 1987. The architectural style is International Style, characterized by clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on modern materials. The building’s facade is composed primarily of reflective turquoise glass panels arranged in a precise grid, framed by thin white mullions. The right side of the building features a vertical section clad in light-colored concrete, giving it a monolithic appearance and emphasizing its height. The turquoise glass captures the bright sunlight of a clear blue sky, lending the building a vibrant, reflective quality. On the left side of the image, part of a neighboring older high-rise is visible. This adjacent building contrasts with Tower Plaza through its beige concrete exterior, blue window panels, and slightly irregular window openings—some of which are ajar. The juxtaposition of the sleek, uniform modernism of Tower Plaza against the textured, varied facade of the older building highlights the changing architectural styles of Ann Arbor over time. At the base of Tower Plaza, a pedestrian walkway passes beneath the structure, hinting at the active urban environment around it. The lower levels also feature a more open design with visible support columns, reinforcing the building’s modernist approach to form and function. This photograph not only captures the distinctive design and stature of Tower Plaza but also reflects the historical moment in which it was built, a period when urban renewal and modernist architecture were reshaping American downtowns.
August 10, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Reposted by Donnell Wyche
lsong.bsky.social
Props AB passed but it took 13 years since losing the @aadl.org bond & 12 years to build housing at Veridian. Meanwhile, median home costs increased 4x inflation, rents up 2.5x inflation. Ann Arbor NIMBYs punish current and future generations with their cynicism. Keep rejecting that fear! #a2council
August 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM