Placemaking and Investment
A Model for Success

In an economy where driving forces are changing from industry and manufacturing to technology and the management of information, traditional economic development strategies of financial incentives are no longer sufficient. Communities such as Ypsilanti Township must also create an environment for investment through attractive placemaking and cost-effective place-based investment.

In the fall of 2017, Ypsilanti Township received a grant from the Washtenaw County Office of Community  and Economic Development and retained Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc. to create an economic development strategy. A steering committee of sixteen local business owners, realtors, property managers, economic development specialists, elected and appointed officials was formed to provide direction and feedback.

The process included:

• Asset inventory;

• Community engagement via a survey, interviews and a real estate forum;

• Analysis of the investment environment for retail, industrial and office businesses;

• Education on the benefits of small businesses; and

• Updates on how a community can become ready for development.

The economic development strategy that was prepared lays out a path for Ypsilanti Township to be an even better place to live, work and invest.

The strategy lays out a Vision of Ypsilanti Township as an attractive environment in which to invest by:

• Promoting its unique assets;

• Engaging talented and committed people;

• Creating places which advance quality of life;

• Investing in infrastructure, public streetscapes and cultural amenities;

• Supporting regional collaboration; and

• Forming innovative partnerships between public, private and educational/institutional sectors.

The guiding principles to support the vision are:

• Collaboration

• A diversified economic base

• A skilled and educated workforce

• High quality of life

• A sense of place