Water Street Futuring Session II

The City of Ypsilanti held a Water Street Futuring Session II on June 17, 2026, focused on developing a shared vision and strategy for the Water Street redevelopment project. The meeting involved city council members and an ad hoc committee discussing the aspirational vision for the site, emphasizing values such as stewardship, affordability, community integration, and honoring indigenous histories. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to testing the clarity and feasibility of the vision from a developer's perspective, identifying missing elements like specific housing types, density, and community benefits. Participants also addressed tensions around balancing economic needs, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. The group discussed the importance of clear communication in the forthcoming Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to guide developers, including potential requirements for design architects and community benefit agreements. While no specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made, the session laid groundwork for future procurement activities by shaping the vision and values that will inform the RFQ and developer selection process.