The City of Ypsilanti Downtown District Authority (YDDA) is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for our community. To enhance safety in our downtown area, the DDA has established a program to provide funding for businesses within the YDDA district to install or upgrade security camera systems around their premises. By investing in high-quality surveillance, this grant aims to help businesses deter break-ins, and safeguard their properties.
Security camera footage can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, assisting in investigations and improving response times when incidents occur.
Awards and Funding
Business owners within the DDA district are eligible to request up to $500 in matching grant funds exclusively for the purchase of security cameras. This is a one-time grant, available to each business once every ten years, with funds specifically allocated to cover the costs associated with security camera equipment and installation.
To qualify, a business must install at least one camera, exterior or interior, that has the main point of entry in view. The business agrees to maintain the camera system including its recording capabilities for up to ten years of the application date, or the duration of the business in the addressed location.
Additionally, the business operator agrees will make any footage recorded by cameras purchased for this grant accessible for review by the Ypsilanti Police Department (YPD) in the event of criminal or suspicious activity. The business operator will provide direct contact information of the individual responsible for accessing the security system to YPD. The YDDA will never require business operators to provide any live-feed camera footage to the YPD or any other organization.
Failure to maintain recording capabilities or agreements made in this document may result in a grant funding claw-back or disqualification from future DDA Grant opportunities.
This grant is available at a first-come-first-serve basis until funding is exhausted. Cameras installed between May 5, 2025 and June 18th, 2025 will be prioritized. The YDDA may allocate additional funding at the start of each fiscal year on July 1st.
Program Objective
To enhance the safety and security of the downtown area by providing financial support to businesses for the installation of security cameras.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the City of Ypsilanti DDA Security Camera Grant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Location: The business must be located within the City of Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundaries. The property must contain an active commercial business or be undergoing renovations for the opening of a business within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of grant approval. Businesses leasing space can apply with written permission from the property owner. All applicants and properties must be in good standing with respect to all local, State, and Federal taxes. Building owner and tenant must be current on all City of Ypsilanti obligations.
Approved Camera Equipment: The security camera brand and model must be approved by the DDA before installation. This ensures consistency and quality in surveillance equipment used throughout the district. Cameras must have the ability to record and store recordings for at least 48-72 hours, depending on the amount of days the business is closed per week.
Pre-Approval and Application Timing: Camera purchases after the date of May 5, 2025 may be eligible for reimbursement with proper receipt. After August 1, 2025, all applications for the grant must be submitted and approved before the purchase and installation of any security camera equipment. Cameras purchased or installed prior to May 5, 2025 are not eligible for reimbursement under this program.
One-Time Grant: The grant is available once per business within a ten-year period.
These requirements are designed to ensure the effectiveness, compatibility, and strategic use of security cameras in enhancing the safety of the downtown area.
ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES
| Item | Detail | Match |
| Security Cameras | Approved security cameras that have Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access to live viewing and playback, with sufficient storage or cloud options to retain footage for a minimum of 48 hours, depending on closed hours, ensuring historical footage is available for review. Mounting and installation hardware necessary to securely attach cameras is covered, along with any DVR/NVR (Digital Video Recorder/Network Video Recorder) systems required for footage storage and review. Camera must have view of the main public point-of-entry. Business owners must ensure that all necessary internet access, wiring, and power sources are in place to support the operation of the security system, as installation of internet connections, wiring, or additional electrical infrastructure is not covered by this grant. Additional cameras and their installation are not covered by this grant. | 50% match up to $500 |
Application & Review Process
Formal Application – To be considered for a grant, applicants must submit the following information to the YDDA.
.
COMPLETED Applications will be reviewed monthly on a first come first served basis.
1. Application.
2. Written description of the cameras to be used.
3. Camera estimates.
4. Map of where cameras will be installed.
Application, Approval, and Payment Procedures.–
1. Contact the YDDA for Security Grant Program information and application packet between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
2. Submit completed application to the YDDA via Ypsilanti City Hall, 1 S. Huron St.,Ypsilanti, MI 48197, or email the application as a PDF file to danya@ypsilantidda.org . The DDA accepts applications throughout the year until funding is exhausted.
3. Each application shall be reviewed by the YDDA Staff. Staff follow-up if additional information is needed.
4. YDDA Staff will notify applicant of the approval or denial of the award within 12 business days.
6. Applicant must show proof of payment (cancelled check or paid invoice) and completed camera install before reimbursement.
7. Applicant must fill out a W9, ACH Form, and provide a voided check to receive any funds from the YDDA. Once those documents have been submitted, a check or ACH payment will be made within 14 business days.
Timeline
Security improvements to be made under this program must be initiated within 90 days of receiving approval from the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority and completed within three months of the date of the application funding approval. At its discretion, the DDA reserves the right to cancel or extend the funding commitment.
Payments
Awardees must submit original camera invoices after cameras are installed. Documentation of all payments made directly to contractors/vendors, by Awardees, must be submitted. Cameras installed prior to approval will not be reimbursed. Reimbursement will be provided within 14 working days after submission of the receipts and verification of the completed work.
Other Program Guidelines
1. The total amount rebated to a property owner and/or tenant for the same building during a 10-year period may not exceed $500.
2. At the DDA’s discretion and with a majority vote of the Board, an exception to any guideline may be granted due to special conditions or situations which were not apparent at earlier date.
3. Security Grants are not available for cameras added to upper-level apartments; reimbursable expenses are for business/commercial space only.
Please download the application at the link below and send the completed application to danya@ypsilantidda.org