The Old Fourth Ward Association was formed in the early 1980s by residents of the Old Fourth Ward Historic District to:

• Maintain and protect the residential character of Ann Arbor’s oldest neighborhood and the site of the arbor which gave our city its name.
• Preserve and enhance the architecture of the 400 historic buildings within the boundaries of the Old Fourth Ward Historic District.
• Educate the public about the historic importance of the neighborhood and its architectural character.
• Maintain and improve the physical surroundings and safety of the neighborhood including trees, lighting, streetscapes, traffic, parking and law enforcement.
• Build social relationships and a sense of community identity and pride among the residents, property owners and merchants within the District and keep them informed of any developments that affect their neighborhood.
• Develop a friendly working relationship with all units of civic government, the news media, and all nearby organizations, groups and businesses that will facilitate the objectives of this association.

For over 30 years, members of the OFWA have served in numerous civic committees, advocated for historic preservation at hundreds of City Council, Planning Commission and Historic District meetings, and held over 60 public forums on public safety, community standards, parking and historic preservation with Ann Arbor mayors, council members and city officials.