Big News for the City of Ypsilanti

October and the start of November saw major announcements, milestones, and celebrations in the City of Ypsilanti. We are excited to share these moments and keep you informed about all that is happening within our city.

RxKids Expanding to the City of Ypsilanti!

"Every baby deserves a strong start, and every family deserves the support to make that possible.”

The City of Ypsilanti is proud to announce that RxKids will be launching in the city on December 1st!

Funded through both public and private sources, RxKids is an innovative, community-wide cash prescription program that provides direct financial support to new mothers and their babies. Starting on December 1st, 2025, expecting mothers who live within the City of Ypsilanti will be able to receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and their babies will receive $500 a month for six months! This program is built on research showing how direct cash support can improve maternal and infant health, increase access to health services, enhance early childhood outcomes, and strengthen parent wellbeing.

“This is a beautiful, happy, celebratory moment with so many partners. RxKids is an effort that is run by a university in partnership with a nonprofit, but it is only possible with local champions, and that includes the City of Ypsilanti,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, RxKids Director and Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University. “An entire community was here supporting our moms and babies. And that’s how it should be. That’s how society should come along together to care for our littlest people.”

Starting December 1st, families within the City of Ypsilanti can visit https://rxkids.org/ypsilanti/ to apply!

The City of Ypsilanti extends our thanks to all of our state and local partners who have helped us bring this life-changing program to our city.

Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership

"Now I have a place that’s mine, right here in the city I’ve always loved.” 

On October 22^nd, the City of Ypsilanti cut the ribbon for Dorsey Estates! On what used to be underutilized land, is now 46 high-quality & affordable townhomes, cottages, and duplexes, as dozens of residents are now stepping into their new homes as new homeowners.

Developed by Ypsilanti-based Renovare Development, the City of Ypsilanti, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Washtenaw County, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, multiple households received combined downpayment assistance, including several first-generation homeowners.

“Seeing residents stepping inside their new homes is an emotional experience for all of us who have seen this project go from its initial concept to now providing truly affordable homeownership opportunities,” said Joe Meyers, Director of Community Services. “The city is grateful for Renovare Development, along with all of our state and local partners who came together to address a growing need for housing in our community.”  

Tom Senrud, a lifelong Ypsilanti resident, has been a renter for more than 40 years. Now, he is seeing a lifelong dream fulfilled. “I never thought I’d be able to own a home. Now I have a place that’s mine, right here in the city I’ve always loved,” said Senrud.

 “Closing on my home is an incredible feeling. I finally have a home of my own, and I’m proud to be part of this neighborhood,” said Fellow first-generation homeowner Arnetta Wilson. “Dorsey Estates isn’t just about houses — it’s about people, community, and connection.”   

Dorsey Estates embodies the mission of Mattie Dorsey, the first Black woman elected to Ypsilanti’s city council in 1975, who dedicated herself to making homeownership accessible to Ypsilanti residents.  

“Dorsey Estates shows what happens when a community comes together — essential workers and families can put down roots, neighbors connect, and we honor the history of Ypsilanti while building its future,” said Shannon Morgan, President of Renovare Development.   

Twenty-three units were reserved for households earning between 40% and 80% of the Area Median Income, with more information on the limited number of market rate homes still available can contact Dorsey Estates at 313-403-3650 or visit dorseyestates.com.

The City of Ypsilanti is thankful for all the residents, partners, and members of the media who attended the October 22^nd ribbon cutting ceremony. Click here to check out our video highlighting the community!

A Calling to Service

"This is a big part of being selfless and serving the community."

For Vance Johnson, serving as a crossing guard is his way of giving back to a community that made him who he is today.

"Born and raised, came up in the community, Boys and Girls Club, went to Ypsi Public Schools, so I just felt like coming back in, spreading some of the knowledge and taking care of kids any way I could," said Vance while on duty at Washtenaw and Mansfield. 

Having served in the U.S. Army from 2011 through 2016, Vance says this role with the city is a continuation of the virtue of selfless service he embraced during his service. 

"Ypsi is a great community. Bus drivers, everyone, they wave at you, they appreciate you," said Johnson, who added that helping students start and end their day strong is his favorite part of the job.  "Building that relationship and getting to know them and letting them know that I am a safe space for them when they're going to and from school."

While the city employs several other crossing guards, there is still a need. Vance says his intersection is one of at least two where they need an extra hand. 

"Having two crossing guards at this post would be very beneficial, because some children do cross at the same time as others, and I'm not able to get to both sides efficiently."

He encourages others to consider becoming a crossing guard and hopes others can fill these important roles. 

"I'm glad just me being here with my vest and my stop sign, it gives another sense of safety and responsibility for drivers to understand."

Anyone interested in joining Vance can click here to apply for our open crossing guard position, along with other open city positions.

Thank you to our Election Workers!

The City of Ypsilanti held a Special Election on Tuesday, November 4th, and we are extending our appreciation to all of the city's election workers!

Many of the community members you see working the city's polls come back year after year to make sure all residents have an enjoyable voting experience, and we are thankful for their commitment and dedication.

Interested in joining them? You can get more information by contacting the City Clerk's Office or click here to read more and access the application.

Charging Into Fire Safety with YFD

October saw National Fire Prevention Week, but it is always a good time to think about fire safety. The Ypsilanti Fire Department joined agencies across the nation in spreading word to Charge into Fire Safety.

This year’s theme, decided by the National Fire Protection Association, calls on departments to educate their communities on safely handling lithium-ion batteries in their homes. YFD says households can prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries by doing the following:

• Buy only listed products - Make sure any product you buy that uses a lithium-ion battery, such as power tools, smart phones, electronics and portable power packs, include a safety certification march such as UL, ETL, or CSA. These marks mean the product meets critical safety standards.
• Practice safe charging habits - Firefighter Nelson says people should always charge their devices on a solid surface. "You don't want to leave them on your bed to charge, you don't want to leave them under pillows, it is all a fire hazard," said Nelson. He also says it is important to unplug or remove the batteries from their chargers once they hit 100% to prevent overheating.
• Dispose of batteries responsibly - YFD urges everyone to never throw away lithium-ion batteries or devices containing lithium-ion in the trash or regular recycling bins as they can become a fire hazards, especially when crushed and mixed with other trash. It is important to recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. You can visit cityofypsilanti.com/recycle to find a battery recycling spot near you.

Click here to check a fun video featuring members of YFD showing us how keeping ourselves and our families safe starts with simple decisions.