Doing Business in Ypsilanti

Check if your business or building is in the DDA

Ypsi Incentives

Available to businesses and building owners in any of the 3 DDA districts of Ypsilanti. See full list.

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Are you thinking about launching or growing your small business? If you are then you should visit the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC). They offer free counseling, market research, and business training services and have a local office in Downtown Ypsilanti. For more information visit sbdcmichigan.org »

SPARK East Business Incubator

Since 2008 the SPARK East Business Incubator in Downtown Ypsilanti has been a magnet for innovation based companies of all sizes. If you are an entrepreneur looking for a space for your start-up company and the resources to get your business venture off the ground, you should pay SPARK East a visit. For more information visit SPARK’s website »

Redevelopment Liquor Licenses Available in the Ypsilanti DDA Districts

The State of Michigan approved the creation of Redevelopment Liquor Licenses through PA 501 of 2006. This act allows local governments to issue new liquor licenses above their allotted quota with the stated purpose of encouraging economic development in approved development areas. Redevelopment Liquor Licenses are available for $20,000 provided certain investment thresholds and performance criteria are met. For specific details and application see:

Street Closures for Events

None scheduled for 2022

Downtown Dumpsters

The DDA regulates three dumpster enclosures in Downtown Ypsilanti. They are located in the N. Huron, S. Huron, and N. Adams parking lots.
All enclosures require a code for access.
You can purchase a code at a residential rate of $25 a month, commercial rate of $50 a month or a restaurant rate of $125 a month.
All invoices are billed in four month cycles.

If you are interested in purchasing access to one of the dumpsters, please email
Elize@ypsilantidda.org

Parking

Downtown Parking Permits

To apply for a downtown employee or residential parking permit, print the application form or pick one up from the Treasury Department on the first floor of City Hall. You can find the application, and details at the City of Ypsilanti Permit Page.

Parking Validation

Businesses can subsidize their guests’ paid parking through Passport’s validation system! With Passport, businesses can create a code to give to your customers to provide discounted parking- it’s easy!

Public parking maps

The DDA does not manage or operate public parking in the City. For more information on the parking system in the City, please visit the City of Ypsilanti Parking Website.