On the Ground

On the Ground Ypsilanti helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for the city and township of Ypsilanti. The intended impact is for solutions-oriented media coverage, engagement, and ultimately understanding of the community, resulting in awareness and investments that can contribute to community vitality and prosperity. The concept of On the Ground is to use an “embedded journalism” model, hiring Ypsi residents to report on their community.

On the Ground has been embedded in the city of Ypsilanti since July 2017. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

To learn more about On the Ground program, click here.

A screenshot of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority's website.

New Ypsi DDA website offers free business profiles, event calendar, job board

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority has launched an updated website that gives downtown Ypsi businesses and organizations new ways to connect with residents while strengthening their online presence.

Jeff Tritten, president of Washtenaw Optimal Wellness, and Charlyn VanDeventer, health equity manager for the Washtenaw County Health Department.
Research shows ongoing life expectancy disparities between Ypsi and Ann Arbor

New research concludes that socioeconomic disparities continue to contribute to lower life expectancy in Ypsi, particularly for residents of color.

Part of Ypsi Art Supply's expanded space.
Ypsi Art Supply doubles its space, expanding class and workshop offerings

An art supply store is growing into a creative hub in downtown Ypsilanti as Ypsi Art Supply's newly expanded space welcomes classes, workshops, and collaborative artmaking.

A flyer for the Really Really Free Sale in Ypsilanti.
Ypsi “Free Sale” encourages neighbors to share unneeded items with neighbors

The “Really Really Free Sale” returns to the city and township of Ypsilanti July 25, encouraging residents to give away items they have no use for and allow others to take what they can use.

A gentle mat yoga class at the Neighborhood Collaborative in Ypsilanti.
Ann Arbor Y opens low-cost Ypsi wellness center in former preschool collaborative

Ypsilanti's YMCA preschool collaborative closed its doors in March, but the facility reopened in June as something else entirely — a neighborhood center offering affordable wellness and community programs.

Women participate in Dress for Success Michigan programming.
New Ypsi-based program offers free training for women entering or re-entering workforce

Dress for Success Michigan is launching a new, free, four-week workforce development program designed to help women move directly from education to employment.

A performance at Ypsi Pride 2025.
Ypsi Pride returns with July date, longer hours, expanded programming

Ypsi Pride will move from its longtime Friday evening June time slot to a longer Saturday schedule on July 18.

Members of the Ypsilanti National Little League.
Ypsi National Little League receives massive donation influx after popular TikToker’s post

Thanks to a popular content creator's post, people in Ypsi and across the U.S. recently stepped in to help the Ypsilanti National Little League after its ballfields were vandalized with graffiti.

Rowers participate in the 2025 RowFest on Ford Lake in Ypsilanti Township.
National swimming and rowing events to bring thousands to Ypsi area

Thousands of athletes and their families will be in Ypsi and Ypsi Township this month for the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympics and the RowFest National Championship.

Ypsilanti Fourth of July Parade organizers Cheryl Farmer and Josh McAllister at American Legion Post 282.
Ypsi 4th of July parade, Michigan’s oldest, to celebrate its 96th anniversary and America’s 250th

This Saturday, Ypsilanti will kick off the oldest continuous July 4 parade in Michigan for its 96th year.

Our Partners

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Washtenaw ISD logo
Eastern Michigan University
Ann Arbor Art Center
UMS
U of M Arts Initiative
Engage EMU
Ann Arbor Housing Commission

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