Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Ypsilanti City Council Ward 1

The Ypsilanti City Council is comprised of a Mayor, who is elected by voters in the city at-large, and 6 Council Members elected from the City's three voting wards. The voters of each ward shall elect one Council Member at every regular City election for a four-year term. The term shall begin at 7:30 p.m. local time on the Monday following the election.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Me' Chelle Michelle King
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position?

What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with available resources?

What are the most serious problems facing the City of Ypsilanti and what steps will you take to address them?

What are Ypsilanti's greatest assets and how can they be used to help the community thrive?

DISTRICT Ypsilanti City Council Ward 1
PHONE 734-657-1030
WEBSITE Kingforcouncil.com
Campaign Phone 7348456510
Number of years as resident 47
I am the best qualified candidate for this position because I wasn’t sent here to represent Ypsilanti, I was raised here. Ypsilanti has my family’s roots and is part of who I am. I bring lived experience, professional experience, and a proven record of service to the community, consistently showing up and being attentive to resident's needs. Over the last four years on council, I have worked hard to learn, build relationships, and be a strong voice for residents. I understand our community, and what I don’t know, I am willing to learn. I am accessible, responsive, and committed to ensuring every resident feels heard. I am dedicated to helping Ypsilanti continue to grow and thrive.
My goals, if re-elected, will include strengthening safe neighborhoods, expanding access to affordable housing, and improving quality of life for residents. I am committed to ensuring our community remains safe while investing in preventative, community-based solutions. The City’s $1 million investment in unarmed response is an important step, and I will work to ensure it is implemented effectively to support residents in crisis while also supporting local police by allowing them to focus on emergency and public safety needs. With limited resources, I will prioritize collaboration, partnerships, and efficient use of city funds to meet the community needs.
The most serious challenges facing the City of Ypsilanti I have heard from residents include the need for more affordable housing, concerns about the growing unhoused population, and public safety concerns across many neighborhoods, as well as ensuring all areas of the city are supported and thriving. Rising housing costs make it difficult for many residents to remain in the community. Housing, I will work to expand affordable housing options, preserve existing housing, and support responsible development that meets the needs of current residents. Public safety, I support community-based approaches, investment in prevention and mental health services, strong partnerships between residents, unarmed response, and law enforcement.
Ypsilanti’s greatest assets are its people. We have a strong sense of community, diversity, and rich history. Ypsilanti has potential when we all worktogether. We have engaged neighborhoods, businesses, and nearby colleges that bring energy and opportunity to our city. These assets can help the community thrive by continuing to invest in people and partnerships. By supporting local businesses, strengthening neighborhood connections, and working with schools, organizations, and residents, we can build on what already makes Ypsilanti strong. When we listen to residents and work together, we can turn our strengths into opportunities that improve quality of life, support economic growth, and ensure every neighborhood has the chance to thrive.