End of Summer Headlines

Fall 2025 Trash Service Changes

This month, Stevens Disposal will be delivering new 96-gallon lidded trash bins to all residential households who receive city trash services! These bins will automatically be delivered to homes and must be the only bin used for service.

Why the Change?

Uniform garbage bins and automated side loader technology are the new standard for garbage pick-up. This change will help prevent worker injuries, decrease litter, and help decrease the number of vermin.

Starting on September 29th:

Items placed outside of the 96-gallon bin will not be collected.
Placing items on top of the bin will result in the bin being skipped.
Households who currently have their trash, recycling and yard waste picked up on Fridays will move to a Thursday schedule.
Pick-up for all bulk items will take place on Fridays and will need to be scheduled in advance by contacting Stevens Disposal at bulk@stevensdisposal.com or calling 734-279-2611.
We have been conducting route audits to optimize efficiency. Necessary changes to garbage collection will be communicated to those involved. Changes may be made for such reasons as:
- Setout regularly in excess of the permitted amount
- Property access issues
- Improper commercial pickups

Stay on the lookout for more announcements in the mail and online!

YFD Operating out of the Michigan Firehouse Museum

YFD Back to Their Roots

From July 23 to July 26, the Ypsilanti Fire Department returned to their original 1898 firehouse for three 24-hour shifts.

Now the Michigan Firehouse Museum, the YFD moved their equipment into the historic building on the morning of the 23rd. The first time this was done was during the city's bicentennial in 2023, but unlike two years ago, the museum remained open to the public, allowing people to meet members of the YFD while they worked and responded to calls.

Of course, the 20-foot fire pole was put to good use.

Lt. Gissendaner said it was a "great honor" to be able to go back to their original firehouse, and experience first-hand how firefighting has changed over the years.

“This old station really connects us to the roots of the fire service, and there’s something humbling about working in the same space they did — knowing the sacrifices they made and how much things have evolved," said Cpt. Schulz while speaking to MLive.

You can click here to check out our social media video, along with this feature story done by MLive with fantastic photos!

UMS Kicking Off an Exciting Season at the Freighthouse

UMS is kicking off a new season of events at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse!

The City of Ypsilanti is proud to see this multi-year partnership continue, with UMS bringing free or Pay-What-You-Wish arts programming, concerts, film screenings, and workshops to the community.

The first event will take place on Thursday, September 11^th with a free Intro to Line Dancing experience. Other events include a screening of nine short films from recent editions of the Michigan-ish Film Festival, performances by musicians Noah Jackson and Full Circle, and the beloved Open Mic at the Freighthouse. The full schedule of events can be found at ums.org/freighthouse

Eastern Michigan University Football Home Game Schedule

A Message from EMU Athletics

"Dear Fellow Community Members, On Saturday, September 6th, at 7:00 P.M., our Eastern Michigan University Football team kicks off an exciting new season on Maxx Crosby Field inside Rynearson Stadium. All season long, we invite you to join in the family-friendly festivities that make a game day in Ypsilanti so special.

Experience the excitement for fans of all ages, beginning with Eagle Walk two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, to fan engaging activities ranging from photos with our live bald eagle mascot, cheerleaders and dance team members to the interactive inflatable games inside our kids zone. Don't let your taste buds down either, visit one of the local food trucks inside the stadium or enjoy a piping hot slice of Little Caesars pizza. Then sit back and enjoy one of the largest video boards the Mid-American Conference has to offer, as we entertain the crowd with fan cams and stories of our student-athletes, former EMU Legends and great accomplishments by EMU professors and local community members. And finally, listen to the sounds of the Pride of the Peninsula as the EMU Marching Band takes the field for pre-game, halftime and post-game shows.

As you can see, game day in The Factory is full of excitement for the entire family! Single game tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online starting at just $15. For more information or a full schedule visit EMUEagles.com to purchase your tickets today. Also as a reminder, game day inside Rynearson Stadium includes pyrotechnics at certain points of the game as well as a cannon operated by EMU ROTC students and staff. Both of these elements are traditional elements that have been used throughout the years and carry sound that can be heard outside the stadium. This season, we have placed strong time limits on the use of these elements, so as not to impact the lives of our local neighbors. This includes restricting their use past certain times in the evening and after a score reaches a certain threshold.

We take our commitment to being a good neighborhood partner seriously and hope that this will bring a more enjoyable experience to everyone. Happy game week to all of our community neighbors, and we hope to see you at a game this fall!"

Join Us for Fall River Day 2025!

The City of Ypsilanti Parks & Arts Commission and the Huron River Watershed Council invite you to a day of family fun at Fall River Day on Sunday, September 21st!

With support from the DTE Foundation, families will be able to enjoy free kayak trips, games, a live animal exhibit, and resources to learn about the Huron River and sustainability.

The event runs from Noon-3pm at Frog Island Park, 699 Rice Street. Kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and transportation for free paddle trips will be provided, with walk-up registration while availability lasts. Families can also learn about river history, ecology and the Huron River Watershed Council, along with opportunities to participate in wildlife demonstrations.

More information can be found online at www.cityofypsilanti.com/FallRiverDay.

Important News From YCUA

YCUA has begun a Water Meter Replacement Program for all residential and business customers within both the City of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township. This initiative is part of YCUA’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, a technology upgrade designed to provide improved service and efficiency for customers. AMI collects and transmits real-time water usage data directly to residents and the water department, providing enhanced capabilities that include detecting unusual changes in water usage to keep residents informed in real-time.

YCUA has contracted VEPO Metering to replace all water meters in the city that are smaller than 3-inches with a new Sonata Allegro Ultrasonic Water Meter.

There is no cost to residents for this meter replacement. Technicians will visit your residence within the next year to install a new meter. All VEPO Metering installers will have identification, wear uniforms with a photo ID, travel in marked vehicles, and have completed background checks.

City of Ypsilanti residents will be able to schedule an appointment with VEPO in the following ways:

Call VEPO Metering at 1-877-860-8376
Email info@vepometering.com
Schedule online at Scheduler

Residents should have their water account number ready when making an appointment online.

VEPO Metering will require:

• Access to the meter inside your home.

• The water meter area should be clear and accessible.

• An adult 18 years or older must be present at the time of installation.

A four-hour block will be scheduled, and installation should take around 30-minutes to complete. Water usage will be suspended during this time.

Residents can call YCUA with any questions or concerns at 734-544-4600, ext. 290

Help Make the Future a Reality

Curious about what is taking place on the other side of River Street and Michigan Avenue? It is the start of a new life coming to the Water Street Redevelopment Area!

The 38 acres of land are undergoing remediation to excavate the worst of the PCB contamination on the site from its industrial past, with the goal of developing it into a mixed-use area that will fit in with the historic Downtown and Depot Town neighborhoods. In early 2026, the city will release an RFQ to begin engaging with developers on the new, cleaner site conditions.

Now you have the opportunity to play a role in shaping its future! The city will be hosting several community Focus Group meetings on the following dates at 1 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti, from 6:30-8:00 pm:

- First Ward Focus Group - Monday, September 8
- Second Ward Focus Group - Wednesday, September 10
- Third Ward Focus Group - Monday, September 22
- Virtual Session - Tuesday, September 30 (please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89196934180. )

Please email KJones@cityofypsilanti.com to RSVP for an in-person session.

We Have an Election!

This Election Day, November 4^th, 2025, a special election will be held in the City of Ypsilanti. While residents will have no state or local office elections, Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) has placed a Career Technical Education Millage proposal on the November 4 ballot.

Residents can vote absentee, participate in early voting, or vote at their regular precinct on Election Day.

Information regarding early voting will be announced closer to Election Day.

Those on the city’s permanent absentee application list will receive their application for an absentee ballot in the mail within the next few weeks. Residents on the permanent absentee ballot list should expect to receive their ballots by the last week of September.

Anyone can apply for an absentee ballot by clicking here. Residents can check their voter registration status & register to vote online, or by visiting the City of Ypsilanti Clerk’s Office at 1 S Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Dorsey Estates Making Homeownership a Reality

This summer, new homeowners began moving in at Dorsey Estates!

Built on a Brownfield site, meaning the site was previously developed, Dorsey Estates was built in collaboration between the City of Ypsilanti and Renovare Development to bring affordable and high-quality housing options to the city.

Dorsey Estates was designed with 23 Market Rate Cottage, Duplex and Townhomes, all being sold below construction costs, with down payment assistance available for those qualifying.

In addition, 23 units were also reserved for individuals and families who earn below the area's average median income. The City of Ypsilanti is thankful for the partnerships and local support which has opened new doors for affordable housing.

City of Ypsilanti Finance Department Nationally Recognized

City of Ypsilanti Fiscal Services Earns National Recognition

In June, the City of Ypsilanti was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada!

A panel determined the city's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, met the highest standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and groups to read the report.

This award is the highest form of recognition in the field of government accounting and financial reporting. Join us in congratulating the city staff who completed this report and earned this recognition!

Tutorials Now Available to Navigate Online Services

Video and written tutorials are now available online to help residents utilize the BS&A online portal.

Available to various locations on the city's Building Department pages, people can access instructions on how to schedule building inspections, make payments, submitting HDC applications, and applying for a building permit. A page with call the tutorials can be found here.

Looking Back at Summer 2025

While we may all be sad the summer has come to an end, we are happy to have made such fun and meaningful memories! Thank you to everyone who came out for various events held throughout the city, including YPD and YFD's Annual Public Safety Open House, National Night Out, the city's 4th of July Parade, Juneteenth, Ypsi Pride, and more!

A big thank you to our local organizations and volunteers who made several of these events possible. See you all for events around the city this Fall!

Children playing with a hose at the Public Safety Open House

Rose the Riveters at the Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade

Check Out the City's Social Media!

Follow the City of Ypsilanti on Facebook and Instagram to catch announcements, city news, and fun content featuring members of the City of Ypsilanti with the perfect amount of laughter and education sprinkled in.

Some recent content includes a video where we rode along with the city's DPW workers, our ongoing Coffee with Council Series where you can learn about your council members, and an exciting appearance by the mystical and civically engaged Smeet Frog!