On the Ground helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for communities. 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 the vitality and prosperity of the district covered.
The concept of On the Ground is to use an “embedded journalism” model to maintain a presence in a specific community. During this time the publication focuses weekly coverage on those neighborhoods to tell the story of the people, organizations, and businesses working and living there.
On the Ground has been embedded in the city of Ypsilanti since July 2017.
On the Ground is supported by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Washtenaw Community College, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Ann Arbor SPARK, Washtenaw ISD, and Center for Health and Research Transformation.
To learn more about On the Ground program, click here.
This fall, Ypsilanti-based art center Dzanc House will add a new student-led writing workshop series for LGBTQ+ youth to its lineup of free writing, arts, and publishing workshops for young people.
Ann Arbor SPARK's new Entrepreneur Resource Studio offers weekly drop-in consulting, co-working space, and tailored technical assistance.
The program, which supports more than 5,000 students in 22 schools, has had its funding temporarily restored through summer 2026, following a national hold on nearly $7 billion in federal funding.
When President Donald Trump's administration announced possible cuts to federal education spending this year, research from Ypsilanti was cited to push back against the prospect of eliminating the Head Start early childhood education program for low-income families.
Ypsilanti's Frog Island Park will come alive with music, food, and community spirit as Fun Fest returns for its fifth year on Aug. 9, from noon to 9 p.m.
After two decades of nurturing young writers from a whimsical robot shop in Ann Arbor, the nonprofit 826michigan is relocating its headquarters to Ypsilanti in a move aimed at deepening impact and expanding access to literacy education.
Dental care was identified as a priority in multiple Washtenaw County Health Department community health assessments, which directly led to the establishment of the clinic in 2015.
Ypsilanti residents and businesses are invited to participate in the five-day Ypsi Plastic-Free July Challenge, sponsored by Ann Arbor nonprofit ZeroWaste.Org, July 28-Aug. 1.
From the eighth annual Summer Challenge to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, the Ypsilanti District Library offers a full slate of free programming.
Three new locally-owned bakeries have opened recently in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, all emphasizing local ingredients, community involvement, and networking with other small business owners.
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