In this special edition of Neighborhoods of GR, writer and former Midtown resident Marjorie Steele dives into her love for the neighborhood's diversity, chill vibes, and affordability.

The City of Grand Rapids plans on earning  WHO age-friendly community designation. In early May, the City Commission unanimously approved the first step by creating an Age-Friendly Advisory Council. Their goal will be to develop a community action plan that makes Grand Rapids a great place for older adults. 

Started in 2001, Atomic Object has grown from a DIY tech startup powered by a few laptops and a long-term vision, to a thriving company with a national roster of clients, 62 employees, two offices in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, and $10 million in annual revenue. Two AO atoms discuss the company's scale, growth, and innovation.

For nearly a decade, Grand Rapids has earned the "Beer City" designation from USA Today. With all of the new music venues and increased number and range of musical acts visiting GR, could “Music City” be in our near future?

All cultures should have a value for a city, but not all have our attention…just yet. Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen looks back over time at three Michigan groups whose contributions, like so many other artists and creators, have impacted the culture of our state for the better.

As a Michigan Good Food Fund (MGFF) lender, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) will help more West Michigan businesses to finance their enterprises—with one uncommon requirement—the business must seek to increase access to affordable, healthy food in an income-challenged, underserved, Michigan community.

Visiting West Michigan on May 16 as the keynote speaker of the ACLU Standing Together for Justice Luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens, Ho aims to spread a message of increased voting rights through systems reform, encouraging states like Michigan to implement modern, equitable practices that make voting simple and accessible for all.

Fulton Square, a mixed-use development project at 1 Carlton Ave. SE in Eastown, recently welcomed its final retail occupant, MODRN GR. The urban home furnishing boutique joins two other woman-owned businesses, Ada Mae, women’s apparel, and E+L Salon, as well as anchor tenant, Danzon Cubano Eastown.