Sarah Spohn

Sarah Spohn's Latest Articles

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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February 27, 2024

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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February 20, 2024

As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institutions like IFF, Grand Rapids has a collaborative plan in place to address the issue.   

Partner Partner Content FHLBank of Indianapolis home repair programs make life-changing impacts on homeowners

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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February 13, 2024

The FHLBank of Indianapolis provides impactful resources for communities in Michigan and provides home repair programs and additional resources to homeowners via lenders like1st State Bank in Saginaw and Metro Community Development Corporation in Flint.

Lansing and Detroit organizations work to address the need for single-family housing

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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January 30, 2024

Block by Block spoke with Lansing and Detroit organizations on how they’re addressing the need for single-family housing in their communities. Building Community Value, based in Detroit, and the Capital Area Housing Partnership, based in Lansing, share their perspectives of the needs and how their resources are serving as building blocks for a better housing ecosystem.  

Housing a key element of “Michigan’s Path to a Prosperous Future”

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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January 23, 2024

Citizens Research Council, Michigan Municipal League, and Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation weigh in on state's housing needs, regional, minority-driven resources, and development within individual communities.   

Partner Partner Content How URC is creating a sustainable tomorrow in learning spaces today

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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January 16, 2024

An alliance of three leading research institutions in Michigan is producing real-world sustainability education, research, and innovation for a greener tomorrow.

Statewide housing plan works with stakeholders across region to address housing needs

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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November 14, 2023

Block by Block spoke with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Housing North, and Communities First about how individual communities are working together to tackle the specific housing needs of their residents. For the first time ever, the state of Michigan released a statewide coordinated, comprehensive housing plan, working with stakeholders across the housing sector  

CEDAM Real Estate Boot Camp readies Michigan’s emerging developers

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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November 7, 2023

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is addressing the demand for affordable housing across the state. It’s real estate development boot camp provides tools and training for developers and community members within their neighborhoods.   

Encouraging greener communities

By Sarah Spohn

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Arts & Culture

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September 28, 2023

Michigan Green Communities, a consortium of partnerships that includes the Michigan Municipal League, has been helping cities and towns across the state become greener. The annual Michigan Green Communities Challenge encourages communities to participate and also measures their sustainability efforts.   

Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

By Sarah Spohn

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Arts & Culture

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September 12, 2023

MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.