Featured Stories

Buzzwords, big talk, and breakthroughs: Real talk about design thinking

By Adam Weiler Thursday, March 15, 2018

This special Design Week Rapid Blog comes to us from WMCAT Director of Social Enterprise Adam Weiler, who explores why design thinking isn't just for designers after all.

Design, Designer, Education, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Transformational change

Pat Perry: A gentle giant of art and design

By Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, March 15, 2018

Pat Perry is one of the more interesting people that publisher Tommy Allen has met in this world. Enjoy this conversation with a truly remarkable artist from Michigan.

Arts & Culture, Talent Dividend, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

How a merger between Forward Cities and CEOs for Cities will aim to drive inclusive economic growth

By Issue Media Group Thursday, March 08, 2018

Wealth inequality in America across racial lines is growing, particularly in cities. Here's how one organization proposes to tackle it.

Community Engagement, Development, Inspiring Innovation

For the Benefit of all: West Michigan B-Corps proliferate

By Rapid Growth Media Thursday, March 08, 2018

Michigan now has 14 registered B-corps, companies that are certified in environmental and societal stewardship. GR is home to 11 of these conscious companies. Check them out!

Do Good, Small Business

West Fulton, Eastown, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Stockbridge

VIDEO: Sturgis Area Community Foundation invests in rural neighborhood revitalization

By Council of Michigan Foundations Thursday, March 01, 2018

How are rural foundations across the state approaching economic development? We’re sharing success stories right here in Michigan, starting with a look at the Sturgis Foundation's efforts to revitalize neighborhoods.

Community Organizing, Development

Neighborhoods of GR: The quiet buzz of Fulton Heights

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, March 01, 2018

It might be mostly residential, but don't call it sleepy. The neighborhood of Fulton Heights, tucked neatly on the edges of Eastown, Midtown, and Michigan Oaks, has a charm that is quietly buzzing beneath the surface.

Agricultural Economy, Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Neighborhoods of GR, Restaurants, Retail, Small Business

RapidChat: Jamie Cooper

By Jenna Morton Thursday, March 01, 2018

After realizing there was a growth opportunity for medical marijuana in West Michigan, Jamie quickly moved here from Colorado. Nearly four years later, Jamie is the first cannabis entrepreneur being recognized by a mainstream business publication for her efforts with Cannabiz Connection.

Entrepreneurship, Healthy Living, RapidChat

Can Grand Rapids end homelessness?: Part 3, A destination city for homelessness

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, March 01, 2018

Because supply meets demand, GR has became a destination for homelessness. How can nonprofits and the community work together to provide the services and care that will redefine our city?

Areas of Concern, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit

Heartside, Center City

RapidChat: Jason Russell

By Jenna Morton Thursday, February 22, 2018

After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Jason Russell made the decision to pivot his career. With a daughter in elementary school and two other children in preschool, Jason leveraged his previous experience as a U.S. Secret Service agent to create Secure Education Consultants - School and Childcare Security Experts.

Areas of Concern, Government, Public Policy, RapidChat

A line in the sand: How Voters Not Politicians aims to end gerrymandering in Michigan

By Natalie Tomlin Thursday, February 22, 2018

Empowering 3,500 volunteers to collect over 425,000 signatures in all 83 counties of Michigan, Voters Not Politicians, a group formed by Aquinas alumna Katie Fahey, aims to end gerrymandering in Michigan this November.

Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Government, Public Policy, Volunteerism

Taking the first step toward moving the needle: Start Garden's 100 Ideas

By Leandra Nisbet, Making it in Grand Rapids Editor Thursday, February 22, 2018

Promoted as “the easiest way to pitch for $1,000” is Start Garden’s newest endeavor, their 100 Ideas campaign. The goals for this competition include procuring new ideas, infusing capital into the community, and reducing the gap between minority and non-minority owned new business launches.

Entrepreneurship, Making it in Grand Rapids, Small Business, Talent & Tech, Transformational change

Center City

My turnaround: A VOICES essay in overcoming challenges in learning

By Que’Anna Jackson Thursday, February 22, 2018

Que’Anna Jackson struggled to find her place in school, often preferring popularity over studying. But her siblings, as well as the Challenge Scholars Program, inspired her that she could do better. This is her story, from her perspective.

Education, Michigan Nightlight

Stockbridge

Once we were just a meadow next to the river: Oprah gets it right about GR and open dialogue

By Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, February 22, 2018

After Oprah comes to Grand Rapids for CBS' 60 Minutes, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the importance of community dialogue in an era of Facebook.

Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

Building Grand Rapids: Part 2, growing and greening

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, February 15, 2018

Like many American cities that struggled to save their downtowns in the ‘60s, Grand Rapids’ fling with Urban Renewal did little to restore its place as a thriving destination. But with thoughtful and intentional investment, GR's buildings began and continue to rise to the occasion.

Building Grand Rapids, Construction, Design, Historic Sites, Sustainability, Technology, tourism

Neighborhoods of GR: All in a day's work downtown

By John Rumery Thursday, February 15, 2018

Young professionals, service and government workers, students. There's no comparison to the variety and diversity of working downtown GR. This installment comes to us from former Innovation and Jobs Editor John Rumery, who give us a taste of his perspective working downtown GR.

Neighborhoods of GR

Center City