Featured Stories

RapidChat: Trevor Straub on mimosas, delicious food, and drag queens

By Jenna Morton, Rapid Chat Editor Thursday, August 02, 2018

Trevor Straub and the GR Drag Brunch crew are putting a new spin on what Sunday Funday looks like around town.

Cultural, Entertainment, Food, RapidChat

Are you the "missing middle?" Local developers get creative in housing's most neglected sector

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, August 02, 2018

As housing costs rise, the dreaded "missing middle" sector dries up. See what several West Michigan developers and individuals are doing to house this bracket.

Areas of Concern, Construction, Real Estate

Urban Innovation Exchange: The sustainable projects transforming our communities

By Matthew Russell, UIX Editor Thursday, August 02, 2018

In the Urban Innovation Exchange series, Editor Matthew Russell highlights the people and projects transforming West Michigan through sustainable efforts. From education to city building to recycling, these are the leaders making change in our communities.

Building Communities, Design, Designer, Education, Public Education, Reuse / Rebuild, Sustainability, Technology, Urban Innovation Exchange

Here's what you've missed in Neighborhoods of GR

By Rapid Growth Media Thursday, July 26, 2018

Over the past year, Rapid Growth has just scratched the surface of the many unique places and spaces in Grand Rapids. From Alger Heights to Fulton Heights, from Creston to Midtown, here's what you may have missed in the Neighborhoods of GR series.

Building Communities, Community Organizing, Neighborhoods of GR, Sense of Place

Creston-Cheshire, Midtown

Can't hold me back: Women of Color entrepreneurs break boundaries in West Michigan

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, July 26, 2018

Across the country, female entrepreneurship is on the rise, and we sat down with three fearless females in West Michigan who are plugging away at their own unique businesses, despite the challenges, and celebrating a craft undefined by their gender or race.

Building Communities, Cultural, Entrepreneurship, Restaurants, Sense of Place, Small Business

G-Sync: Getting to the heart of community takes conversations

By Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, July 26, 2018

Getting to the heart of community takes dialogue. Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen's first seven interviews of the year are shared here along with thoughts on why localism still matters ... maybe more than ever.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

RapidChat: Rob Hanks on GR's cocktail culture and the almighty Negroni

By Jenna Morton, Rapid Chat Editor Thursday, July 19, 2018

While most evenings you can find his smiling face behind the bar at Reserve Wine and Food, the current serving President of GR's Bartender's Guild, Rob Hanks, aims to elevate Grand Rapids' drinking establishments...one Negroni at a time.

Bars, Craft Brewing, Food, hospitality, Restaurants

Lee Township resident Judy Wirtz confers with community health worker Jerry Burton.

How community health workers bridge the gap between at-risk communities and healthcare providers

By Sarah Rigg Thursday, July 19, 2018

Distrust, misunderstanding, and disconnection often exist between at-risk communities and the healthcare system. Community health workers use deep knowledge of their communities to mitigate those issues.

Building Communities, healthcare

UIX: Grand Rapids residents are growing stronger communities through gardening

By Matthew Russell, UIX Editor Thursday, July 19, 2018

Neighborhood gardens provide space for food to grow, for new skills to sprout, and most of all, for individuals to realize the power they have in their own communities. Though they may support similar crops every season, each space provides a unique definition of what it means to get involved and grow.

Agricultural Economy, Community Engagement, Greenspace, Healthy Living, Sustainability

Belknap-Monroe North, Burton Heights/Garfield Park, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, Franklin-Eastern, Southeast Community, Madison Square

Zeeland Farm Services: The family-owned company quietly conquering midwestern agri-business

By Andrew Steiner Thursday, July 12, 2018

By focusing on their mission of food for people, prioritizing local partners, and producing sustainable alternatives like bioplastics, Zeeland Farm Services will soon be processing half the soybeans grown in the state.

Agricultural Economy, Alternative Energy

Riding into a love of the outdoors with GR Dirt Dawgs

By Allison Spooner Thursday, July 12, 2018

Members of the GR Dirt Dawgs hit the trails to learn mountain biking, an appreciation for nature, and how to take care of local trails. From ages two to 15, the nonprofit is spreading the love of mountain biking to all ages.

Bicycling, Environment, Healthy Living, Michigan Nightlight

Neighborhoods of GR: What the North Quarter CID's plan means for Cheshire Village

By Grant Kammer Thursday, July 12, 2018

Thanks to the North Quarter Corridor Improvement District (CID), residents along Plainfield on the North East side can expect new development in the area. Hoping for similar developments seen in Creston Business District, Cheshire Village may become GR's next destination neighborhood.

Building Communities, Building Grand Rapids, Craft Brewing, Dining & Nightlife, Job Creation, Neighborhoods of GR, Restaurants, Retail, Sense of Place, Shopping, Transformational change, Transportation

Creston-Cheshire

Rapid Blog: Luis Avila explores Hispanic philanthropy in West Michigan

By Luis Avila Thursday, July 12, 2018

In this Rapid Blog, Attorney Luis Avila explores the Hispanic community's vital and diverse approach to philanthropic giving.

Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Rapid Blog

Shaunte Oliver received support services from Strong Beginnings while she was pregnant with her daughter Alona.

Untangling the complex issue of health equity in Michigan

By Sarah Rigg Thursday, June 28, 2018

Michiganders may experience dramatic differences in their quality of health due to a host of social factors. We took a look at some of those factors, and what's being done to address them.

healthcare, Healthy Living

Biking in Grand Rapids: A commuter perspective on culture and safety

By Grant Kammer Thursday, June 28, 2018

It's been 2 years since the launch of the City of Grand Rapids' Driving Change Campaign. Since that time, how has the city and its citizens improved in cycling safety and awareness?

Bicycling