Ypsilanti Downtown District Authority
City of Ypsilanti

City of Ypsilanti

Historic LocationPublic Transit Accessible

Council Chambers, 1 S. Huron St.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-1100
cityofypsilanti.com

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The City of Ypsilanti serves a diverse community of 20,000 residents, 26 unique neighborhoods, three charming business districts, and the vibrant Eastern Michigan University campus. More than 15 city departments provide critical functions, such as public works, police and fire services, building code enforcement, election administration, and many more.

More than 150 full time and part-time staff are committed to serving the City of Ypsilanti, and upholding our city’s pride, diversity, and heritage.

History

Founded in 1823

The City of Ypsilanti exists on land that had been a meeting place, camping and burial ground for several Native American groups, such as the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Odawa. The area became a French trading post in 1809, becoming one of the earliest structures in the vast Michigan territory.

In 1823, Benjamin Woodruff and several companions established a small settlement a mile south of the trading post along the Huron River, naming it Woodruff Grove – the first settlement in Washtenaw County. In 1825, three prominent settlers combined portions of their land to form the plat for a new settlement which they named Ypsilanti – in honor of the famous Greek patriot General Demetrius Ypsilanti.

Through the next century, innovations in travel and expansion of the nation’s railways would connect Ypsilanti with cities like Detroit and Chicago, spurring the growth of the city’s first commercial district of Depot Town. A new commercial district along what is now Michigan Avenue would form soon after. Into the 20th Century, Ypsilanti would flourish as an industrial and manufacturing hub powered by the Huron River and fueled by Ford Motor Company.

Today, Ypsilanti boasts a vibrant community of artisans, students, and professionals offering services in a diverse array of fields. The City of Ypsilanti continues its work to attract new and innovative businesses, while maintaining the rich cultural legacies of those who came before us.

View AllJob Openings & Volunteer Opportunities

Seasonal - Hourly - $ 19.04

Temporary Seasonal Laborer

Are you looking for a hands-on, outdoor job where you can make a real difference in your community? The Department of Public Services is hiring Seasonal Crew Members to help keep our city clean, green, and running smoothly!

Full Time - Hourly - $ 22.97 per hour

Equipment Operator - Class A or B CDL

Are you a skilled equipment operator with a CDL looking for a stable, full-time role with great benefits and variety in your workday? Join our team and help maintain the essential services that keep our city running smoothly!

Full Time - Salary - $ 60,000 - 70,000

Building/Rental Inspector

Work is performed under the direction of the City of Ypsilanti Building Official. The purpose of this position is to conduct building and property inspections to verify compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances of the City and State, to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare.

Full Time - Hourly - $ 27.00 - 39.00 per hour

Public Works Supervisor

This is a supervisory position responsible for coordinating the daily activities of one or more work crews including scheduling, monitoring and verifying work completion; may perform administrative duties including managing City-wide capital planning projects, transportation planning, permit review, and construction management.

Volunteer

Riverside Park Cleanup

Join the City of Ypsilanti on Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Riverside Park off Cross Street for a park cleanup! Help pick up litter and do a little maintenance of the park. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes

Part Time - Hourly - $ 19.42

School Crossing Guard

The City of Ypsilanti is seeking a School Crossing Guard! This is a responsible position which requires an individual who possesses the ability to amicably interact with children and have the ability to use good judgment while providing safe movement of the children to and from area school roadways or intersections.