community development

Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality. And in Ypsilanti, that celebration has grown into a three-day community event featuring live entertainment, food, family activities, and cultural programming. The sixth annual Juneteenth celebration will take place June 19th through the 21st at the University Bank parking lot in downtown Ypsi. Lee Van Roth discussed the big event with its organizer and MC, Gordon "Big" Dooley.

The American dream of home ownership is more and more difficult to attain. Many potential buyers cannot afford to purchase a home based on current mortgage rates, property taxes and inflation. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks to the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, Sarah Stanton, about the growing challenges of a market rigged against affordability.

There was a time when many thought of libraries as simplay a place to check out books and to study quietly. No more. While you can still do both of those things, libraries have become much more. They are a center of community engagement and have programs designed to inspire a love of lifelong learning. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti District Library director Lisa Hoenig about its growing role in the community.

The volunteers working to turn the old Federal Screw Works in Chelsea into a city park are getting more help from the state. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

On November 4, voters will decide between two candidates running to replace incumbent Mayor Jane Pacheco, who is not seeking reelection. Kate Henson currently serves on the City Council and points to her background in civic leadership and community engagement as qualities that will serve her well as mayor. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to Henson about her run against opponent Julianne Chard.

Experts on artificial intelligence are coming to Washtenaw Community College to discuss the future impact of the technology. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The City of Saline is getting a $1.5 million matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help pay for the development of a downtown public square. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The City of Dexter has made some changes to its Master Plan by adopting a Housing Readiness Amendment. The move is designed to increase the city’s housing stock. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ypsilanti City Council approved plans to build a new community center near Depot Town. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

If the City Council gives its blessing tonight, a long vacant Ypsilanti church is a step closer to being converted into a Community Learning and Resource Center. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.