The City of Ypsilanti approved its new fees calendar for the 24/25 FY and is in the process of updating it across each department. The Special Events Policy has also been revised to reflect those recent changes.

Freighthouse Building Policies

Freighthouse Fee Schedule 24/25 FY

City of Ypsilanti Special Events Policy with Revisions

Residential Parking Permits

Upcoming Election 

Early Voting sites will operate at the Freighthouse (100 Market Place, Ypsilanti) and Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center (4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor) to accommodate voters who wish to cast and have their ballots counted in person before Election Day from 9 AM to 5 PM. On Tuesday, August 6^th, voting precincts are open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day. To see where you vote, please visit: https://www.cityofypsilanti.com/194/Polling-Locations

Dorsey Estates

Renovare Development, in partnership with the City of Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County, invites all Ypsilanti residents to a series of Home Buying Seminar events. Dorsey Estates is partially funded through the Washtenaw County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Upcoming Meetings on:

Tuesday, August 20th, 6:30-8:00 PM Scheduled at the        Freighthouse (100 Market Place)

Saturday, August 24th, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM – Scheduled in Council Chambers (1 S. Huron Ypsilanti, MI)

Tuesday, August 27th, 6:00-8:00 PM  - Scheduled at the Freighthouse (100 Market Place

Stay up-to-date at: https://cityofypsilanti.com/901/Dorsey-Estates

Honorary Street Named in remembrance  of Minnie Hughes

At the City Council meeting on May 28th, Resolution No. 2024-113, an Honorary Street Name, was renamed to Minnie Hughes Drive from Woodward. Photograph of the sign and the family of Minnie Hughes.

Minnie Hughes was not only a mother to her children but also a beacon of love and support to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She selflessly offered patience and grace to help others navigate through challenging times, never concerning herself with material possessions. Minnie had a deep love for the Ypsilanti community and served with a gentle spirit. She called her house her home for sixty-one years, and even though she may no longer be with us, her memory will always be cherished.

Read the news article by Mlive here and see the photographs below.

Ypsi Fall River Day

Saturday, September 29th from noon to 3 PM

 at Frog Island Park 

Paddle, play and learn about the Huron River with the whole family! Join the City of Ypsilanti’s Parks & Arts Commission and the Huron River Watershed Council for a day of free family-friendly river fun. Activities include crafts, games, a live river critters exhibit, and a nature hike. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Mobile Learning Center will feature the river’s natural history and other exhibitors will share information about enjoying and protecting the river. There will be free kayak trips (single and two-person) on the Huron as it winds through Ypsilanti and into Ford Lake, all equipment and transportation provided. The trips are good for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Limited availability, walk up registration only.

See the Facebook event for more information. 

Around Town

Mark your calendars for First Friday Ypsilanti on August 2nd. Check out their Facebook page for a map of all the participating businesses and attractions. First Fridays Ypsilanti is a monthly, free, self-guided tour that confidently promotes arts and culture for both residents and visitors. It invites people to explore various area businesses where they can shop and get exclusive discounts, attend pop-up events and galleries featuring Ypsilanti area artists and performers, and experience the Ypsilanti arts scene in all its forms. So, don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness the best of Ypsilanti's arts and culture!

First Friday Ypsilanti Facebook

2024 Ypsi Walks!

Join local historian and naturalist, Stefan Szumko, on any of several guided walks through Ypsilanti this year.  

Learn about the history of places in Ypsilanti.  Observe natural phenomena along the way.  Make new friends as you walk and talk.

Walks range in distance from 1.5-7 miles, so please dress accordingly and bring snacks/water.  Public restrooms may be few and far between, depending on the route.  For all, but especially the longer routes, participants may feel free to cut their walk short and head back to the start point early.

All walks meet and end at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti, MI 48198).  Free parking is available in the Frog Island Parking Lot across Rice St.

The cost is $5, and children under 12 are free. Digital routes with turn-by-turn voice navigation and pictures of interesting points will be provided to all in-person participants for future use.  

For those unable to attend the in-person event or would prefer to walk at their leisure, purchase a digital route map by emailing Stefan Szumko at slugwhisperer@gmail.com and pay $5 via Venmo or PayPal. 

Ypsilanti Art Walks

August 10, 2024 (Saturday) 10 am - OR - August 11, 2024 (Sunday) 2pm

•   There are roughly 70 works of art including: murals, statues, memorials, and architectural flourishes in the City of Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan University.  

•   The entire 5-mile route will be offered on both dates, with a 3-mile option that skips EMU.

Labor Day Bridge Walks

September 1 (Sunday) 10 am - 17 Bridges of Ypsilanti

•   With the exception of the 3 bridges over Paint Creek on the city’s west side, there are 17-bridges in the city limits and EMU.  We will traverse them all.

•   This route is approximately 7 miles.

September 2 (Monday) 10am - 10 Bridges of Ypsilanti

•   This route is approximately 3 miles in length.

Depot Town - Catastrophes, Triumphs, and Other Random Stuff

October 18 (Saturday) 10am - OR - October 19 (Sunday) 2pm

•   Learn about the gritty side of Depot Town - Unsolved murder, motorcycle gangs, gambling den, train wrecks, building collapses, secret tunnels, secret societies, and more!

•   Route distance TBD - less than 3 miles estimated

Ypsi’s Eclectic Architecture

November 9 (Saturday) 10am - OR - November 10 (Sunday) 2pm

•   We’ll walk from Depot Town to Downtown Ypsilanti and see homes and buildings from a wide variety of building styles.

•   Discover why the Ypsilanti Historic District, Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, and Ypsilanti Historical Society were all formed in the early 1970s.

•   Route distance TBD - less than 3 miles estimated.

Ypsilanti Historic District

December 14, 2024 (Saturday) 10 am - OR - December 15, 2024 (Sunday) 2 pm

•   Ypsilanti is home to one of Michigan's oldest and largest historic districts, with some of the earliest-built structures still standing.

•   Check on the progress of Dorsey Estates - the first new building project in Ypsi in decades.

•   Check on the progress of the Water Street Redevelopment Project - decades in the making; polluted soil to be removed.

•   The route is approximately 4 miles.

Growing Hope

Ypsi Market Summer Bash: Join us as we celebrate National Farmers Market Week on August 10 from 9a to 1p at 100 Rice St with our first annual Summer Bash! This summer celebration farmers market will include a garden bed giveaway, water fun, giveaways, a DJ and more! 

Chefs in the Garden x Detroit Food Academy: After a break in 2023, guests can expect to experience the first Chefs in the Garden joint fundraiser with the partnership of Detroit Food Academy. Both organizations share a mission for youth programming in local food systems through culinary arts, sustainable farming, entrepreneurship, education, and leadership in local communities. The evening will feature a three-course dinner with dessert, prepared by Chef Kiki Louya, recognized as one of “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America” by the New York Times and other notable chefs from Detroit Food Academy. Working alongside teen program participants from Detroit Food Academy and Growing Hope, this collaboration showcases culinary talent and highlights the importance of youth engagement in food systems. Purchase tickets to the September 15 dinner here. 

Chefs in the Garden feat. Chef Ji Hye Kim: Growing Hope is delighted to welcome Chef Ji Hye Kim back, award-winning chef/owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor. Known for her food rooted in Korean tradition and adapted to showcase Michigan’s bountiful produce, her family-style meal will shine seasonally and locally. Her return to Chefs in the Garden is highly anticipated, as she is committed to prioritizing fair wages, benefits, and equity in the industry and has participated in programs like James Beard Chef Boot Camp for Policy Change and Food Lab Detroit’s Fellowship for Change in Food and Labor. Purchase tickets to the September 22 dinner here. 

We're Hiring: Join our team! We are hiring an Incubator Kitchen Manager and Development Coordinator to begin this fall. If you are interested in supporting food entrepreneurs or supporting Growing Hope's engagement and fundraising, visit our website for more information and to apply.

Volunteer at Chefs in the Garden: We are looking for a team of volunteers, and we are excited to help make Chefs in the Garden a night to remember. Whether you're interested in decorating, serving, or sharing your experience of Growing Hope, we'd love to have you there. Learn more and sign up to volunteer today!

Power of Produce Club: Join the fun at the Power of Produce (POP) Club! Our farmers market-based program teaches kids about fruits, veggies, and local food systems through exciting activities. From trying new foods to chatting with farmers, it's a whole market experience! Kids get tokens to spend and enjoy weekly activities like cooking demos and scavenger hunts. Join us on Saturdays in July and August from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Help your kids discover a love for healthy foods in a fun environment!

Ypsilanti District Library

Stock up before Aug. 13! The YDL catalog will be unavailable AUGUST 13-21 while we install a new, modern system! During that time, there will be: 

NO RETURNS 

NO NEW HOLD REQUESTS

NO NEW LIBRARY CARDS ISSUED 

Learn more at ypsilibrary.org/newcatalog.

YCUA Statement

Is the health and safety of our drinking water important to you? Do you have time to volunteer for a position that will help influence public education and awareness of water consumed by our residents? Do you want to help your community eliminate the presence of lead in our drinking water? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, apply now to join our team of community advocates who are working towards developing plans for continued public awareness concerning lead in drinking water, even when a lead action level is not exceeded! 

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) is looking to fill multiple open positions on our Water System Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to develop plans for continuing public awareness about lead in drinking water, consult on public education if a lead action level is exceeded, advise on efforts to replace private lead services, assist in promoting transparency of all data, and collaborate with local groups to ensure residents can be involved in efforts to educate the community about lead in drinking water. Prospective members shall not formally represent the interest of any incorporated organization. The Council meets at minimum twice per year (May and November) or more often if deemed necessary. 

Additional information on YCUA’s Water System Advisory Council can be found on our webpage, www.ycua.org or with the following link: Water System Advisory Council

 Interested applicants should reach out to Luther Blackburn, YCUA’s Executive Director, via email at lblackburn@ycua.org or by phone at 734-484-4600 Ext.116.

Ypsilanti Community Schools

As we approach July, we're thrilled to announce a fantastic line-up of events for you to enjoy this summer! We've partnered with several community organizations to bring fun, engaging activities for current and new families.

Each summer event will feature the Meet Up and Eat Up food program, providing delicious meals for families as they participate in the fun. This year's summer partnerships include Michigan Learning Channel, Our Community Reads, Rutherford Pool, Ypsilanti District Library, Food Gatherers, Ozone House, Underdawg Nation, Mentor 2 Youth, WMBK, and other wonderful community partners supporting Ypsilanti Community Schools.

At each event, you'll find enrollment information, summer reading materials, resource tables, games, and more!

Don't miss our FREE events, including:

• 8th Annual Back to School Bash at Prospect Park: Sat., August 3rd
• Touch A Truck: Wed., August 7th

Parkridge Summerfest & Joe Dulin Day

Join for the Annual Parkridge Summerfest and Joe Dulin Community Day! This year’s event will feature almost 100 community organizations including a University of Michigan Health tent which will offer dermatology screenings, hiring managers, and more! There will also be local, small businesses vendors, food, and exciting musical performances!

Saturday, August 24^th, from 11 AM to 6 PM at Parkridge Park

The Community Resource Fair will be from noon to 3 PM

Grills, alcohol, and dogs are NOT allowed

We hope to see you there!

Stay cool & Stay Safe this summer!

It’s HOT! Make sure to stay cool and stay safe this summer. Washtenaw County has several cooling sites available across the county. To view the entire list of sites, visit bit.ly/Wash-Cooling.

In the heat, it is important to remember these tips:

-Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks with caffeine

-Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles

-Check on those who do not have air conditioning and spend much of their time alone

-Check on animals frequently

-Go to a cooling site if your home loses power during extreme heat; stay on the lowest floor and out of the sun if air conditioning is not available.

Riverside Arts Center Updates

Artist in Residence Exhibition 

Artists in Residence, Avery Williamson and Nick Azzaro present work created during the duration of their 6-month residency at Riverside Arts Center. Opening Reception: September 6, 2024. 5 - 7pm in the Off-Center. Open through September 28, 2024. Open hours will be posted at https://www.riversidearts.org/gallery/ 

Washtenaw Community College Faculty Showcase
Riverside Arts Center is proud to partner with Washtenaw Community College to showcase a wide array of work by faculty. Opening Reception: September 6, 2024. 5-7pm in the North Gallery. Open through October 7, 2024. Open hours will be posted at https://www.riversidearts.org/gallery/. 

For more complete details, click here!  [https://www.riversidearts.org/artist-opportunities-2/}

On the first and third Wednesday of every month, artists can bring two pieces of original art to present. Artists, art lovers, collectors, curators – everyone is welcome from Ypsi and beyond! Attendees are not required to present. Anyone is welcome to simply gather with our community and enjoy the incredible artwork. Presentations occur on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and presentations start at 5:30 PM. Sign up by 6:00 PM to present.

14th Annual Ton Up Ypsilanti Motorcycle & Music Festival

FREE admission - all ages - RAIN OR SHINE!
 Noon-7pm at Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti
 Sunday, August 11, 2024
 You don't need to ride a motorcycle to enjoy this festival. Just show up for the great live bands, vendors, food, and beverages while hanging out with friends and getting up close with some incredible vintage and custom bikes.
 Craft beverages and foods provided by Arbor Brewing Company/Corner Brewery
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Featuring the best live music by Michigan bands!
 The Seatbelts - Detroit Rock & Roll (@4pm/5:30pm)
 The Atomic Bombcatz - high octane traditional rockabilly with a modern twist (@2pm)
 Rum & Bones is a goth tiki surf band that will blow your mind! (@12:30pm)
 DJ Del Villarreal of WCBN FM and Motorbilly Radio will be Master of Ceremonies and spinning the best roots rock tunes between bands.