Featured Stories

Rebeca Velazquez-Publes resident of the SE neighborhood of GR

'How do we rally for one another?' For Rebeca Velazquez-Publes, a life of fighting oppression

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, April 06, 2017

Rebeca Velazques-Publes, a resident of the southeast neighborhood, shares how making Grand Rapids a welcoming city has, for her, involved building an intentional community and raising awareness of the ways people of color are excluded in the area.

On The Ground

Southeast Community

Rebeca Velazquez-Publes, resident of the southeast neighborhood

¿Como nos fortalecemos? Para Rebeca Velazquez-Publes, una vida luchando contra la opresión

Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, April 06, 2017

Rebeca Velazquez-Publes, residente del vecindario del sureste, nos comparte aqui, como hacer de Grand Rapids una ciudad acogedora y para ella esto involucra desarrollar una comunidad con proposito y elevar la consciencia en los lugares dende las personas afro americanas de la ciudad estan siendo excluidas.

On the Ground Español

Southeast Community

Trump budget would be disastrous for GRPS after-school programs: Board of Education's Tony Baker

By Tony Baker Thursday, April 06, 2017

If Congress approves President Donald Trump’s budget as proposed, Grand Rapids Public Schools would lose $4 million to support its after-school work. GRPS Board of Education Treasurer Tony Baker explains what that would mean for the district.

Education, Government, Public Education

Agricultural skilled trades offer job opportunities for Michiganders

By David Sands Thursday, April 06, 2017

What does not require a four-year college education, is in demand, and pays well? Skilled-trade food and ag jobs. And the opportunities are out there across Michigan.

Agricultural Economy, Michigan's Agricultural Future

How the Grand Rapids Children's Museum became one of Michigan's best spaces for kids with autism

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, April 06, 2017

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum has, for years, made sure that the space is a safe and friendly place for all children, including those who are on the autism spectrum. Thanks to its autism-friendly programming, the museum has now been named one of the best places in all of Michigan for children on the spectrum.

Community Engagement, Education, Entertainment, Michigan Nightlight, Museums

Voices of the people: New book to showcase Grand Rapids' activist community

By Anna Gustafson Thursday, April 06, 2017

When Ashley Nickels and Dani Vilella think of Grand Rapids, they think of the hundreds, and even thousands, of grassroots activists who are shaping the city, who are fighting for affordable housing, living wages, racial and economic justice, and a whole lot more. Now, Nickels and Vilella want to hear from these individuals for the book they're editing, "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology."

Building Communities, Community Organizing

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss gives the opening remarks at the Women + City Building event.

'How are you going to be uncomfortable today?' Female leaders on building a more inclusive GR

By Anna Gustafson, Managing Editor Thursday, April 06, 2017

How do we build a more inclusive Grand Rapids? How do we create a city where anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or ability can thrive? A group of female leaders who are shaping the city tackle this, and more, at the recent Women + City Building event.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Education, Small Business

Southeast Community

UIX: Treetops Collective celebrates newcomers, helps refugees thrive after resettlement

By Matthew Russell Thursday, March 30, 2017

How can West Michigan do a better job of welcoming refugees? The Treetops Collective and other organizations in the area are answering this question by working to create an inclusive community where new residents are supported.

Choosing Michigan, Civil liberties, Job Creation, Multi-Cultural, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Sense of Place, Urban Innovation Exchange, Volunteerism

Traci Whiting, Coordinadora del Grupo Minoritario de Gilda's Club

Leaders of color are empowering southeast community to take charge of breast health

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, March 30, 2017

In Grand Rapids, black women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at higher rates than white women. Their diagnoses are coming at later stages of the cancer due to a lack of access to preventative screenings and ability to afford treatment. Educators, residents and advocates in the southeast neighborhood of Grand Rapids are taking charge to address these disparities and bring about systemic change in healthcare for black residents.

Community Engagement, healthcare, On The Ground

Southeast Community

From successful entrepreneurs, words of wisdom on networking: ‘Just do it’

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, March 30, 2017

When starting your own business, going to events and meeting people might be low on the list of things to do. It shouldn't be. Networking is a key part to building a successful business, and entrepreneurs who don't do it are missing out.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Job Creation, Making it in Grand Rapids

From left, Thomas Hopper, Kevin Ricco and Valerie Byrnes.

How the Muskegon Innovation Hub is driving entrepreneurship & transforming the business landscape

By Leandra Williams Thursday, March 30, 2017

As entrepreneurs increasingly turn to Muskegon, the business community is transforming and growing. Behind this change is a major player that's working to ensure residents with a dream of starting their own company are encouraged and supported: the Muskegon Innovation Hub.

Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Education, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Entrepreneurship, Government, Higher Education, Public Education, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

Potatoes, pop and Jiffy corn muffins: Michigan's agri-businesses thrive and reinvest

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, March 30, 2017

Agriculture, food processors, and related businesses employ 923,000 Michiganders — 22 percent of the state’s workforce. March is the month the state sets aside to thanks its farmers and recognize the industry’s many career opportunities.

Agricultural Economy, Business Development, Food, Michigan's Agricultural Future, Small Business

A more welcoming city: DisArt symposium is changing the way GR approaches disability

By Tommy Allen, Publisher & Lifestyle Editor Thursday, March 30, 2017

Is it possible to create a more inclusive, welcoming city? DisArt Symposium: Disability Arts Now looks to be a part of that answer.

Arts & Culture, Building Communities, Community Engagement, Design, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Space for everyone: Friends of Grand Rapids Parks' new director sets sights on equity & access

By Anna Gustafson, Managing Editor Thursday, March 23, 2017

Stephanie Adams, the new executive director at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, is laying the groundwork for an ambitious tenure that includes strengthening neighborhoods’ access to nature and exercise, improving green space in areas that have historically been marginalized and disenfranchised, unifying communities through parks, and more.

Development, Environment, Greenspace, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Parks, Sports & Recreation

Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave

Constructing the future: How construction is paving the way for a growing Grand Rapids

By Ken James Thursday, March 23, 2017

As the Grand Rapids area's population continues to grow faster than anywhere else in the state, construction companies and workers are some of the biggest players helping to mold the city's quickly changing landscape. In this new series from Rapid Growth, we take a closer look at the region's construction industry and the numerous organizations, trends and innovations seeking to create positive advances in our community.

Building Communities, Building Grand Rapids, Business Development, Construction, Development, Education, Hotels, Job Creation, Public Education