07/31/2026
On Day 4 of the SEMIS Summer Institute, we focused on two key anchors of PBE: Understanding of Place and Informed Civic Engagement and Action. Our morning traveling dialogue took us to sites in Ypsilanti that have been impacted by a history of industrial land use. Katie Jones, Manager of Strategic Communications, Economic Development & Equity, talked to us about brownfield redevelopment at Water Street and how residents can participate in local decision-making. At North Hydro Park, we walked along the Huron River and reflected on how the creation of the Ford Lake Dam has changed the landscape. Beth Gibbons, Director of the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office, met us at the American Mobility Center/historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township and talked about the challenges that the construction of data centers bring to our communities. Back at EMU, we enjoyed a delicious lunch from FedUp Ministries and participated in a fishbowl-style discussion about the challenging emotions that civic issues bring up for both students and educators. We were incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Jessica Swan, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at EMU, and Megan Mueller Johnson from the Neutral Zone share their insights and expertise during the fishbowl reflections. Huge thanks to Katie, Beth, Jessica, and Megan for joining us today! Washtenaw County Resiliency Office City of Ypsilanti, MI Government City of Ypsilanti, MI Government The Neutral Zone
