Elize Jekabson

Depot Town has been designated as a "Social District" by the Ypsilanti City Council. It gives the area the opportunity to apply for special permits from the state. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority's "Explore Ypsi" Initiative finished its third year this holiday season. It is a program in partnership with EMU intended to help new students and faculty get off campus to explore Ypsilanti and get connected with local business owners. For this week’s “On the Ground Ypsi,” Concentrate Media’s Rylee Barnsdale is joined by Ypsilanti DDA executive director Elize Jekabson to explain how the program works, how it has evolved in its third year and what the future may hold.

A state grant is being used to help revitalize a long vacant storefront in downtown Ypsilanti. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have opened up bids for construction planners to renovate the Ballard Street Parking Lot. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority is looking to improve the Freighthouse space and a public area on Water Street. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

First Fridays Ypsilanti will take a winter hiatus after this month.Tonight’s art walk begins at dusk and it will be the last one until April 2016. The…