Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

Free Wonderschool platform will help Michigan families find childcare faster

Scheduled to launch early 2027, the platform will connect parents to available childcare and preschool spaces with one application.

Latest in Community Development
‘We go where they are’: Lucinda Stinson’s vision for a more connected Rotary

Lucinda Stinson, the new president of the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, aims to broaden the organization’s community outreach, increase its diversity and engage members more directly with people and neighborhoods in need.

From 65 farms to one table: Allegan County celebrates local food

Allegan County will celebrate its farmers, food and community Sept. 25 with a farm-to-table experience featuring local food samples, a performance of “Seedfolks,” and a community dinner and conversation at Griswold Auditorium.

Community Land Trusts in Portage and elsewhere help residents become homeowners affordably

As the statewide housing crisis continues, communities of all sizes are looking at how to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. In Kalamazoo County, the Portage Community Land Trust is helping residents become homeowners affordably with their new workforce housing development, Stanwood Crossings.

$10.6 million expansion of Northside housing project will add 38 more apartments

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place recently on North Pitcher Street for the expansion of the Zone 32 residential and commercial complex.

Small Business Social Hours foster success through face-to-face connection

Why face-to-face networking opportunities are even more important for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

CDFIs investments in childcare allows daycares like Detroit’s Lil Love Bugs to further invest in children’s futures

Childcare is not a family issue, but a workforce issue. Members of the MI CDFI Coalition showcase how investing in quality, affordable childcare and early childhood education positively impacts the entire community.

Kelly Court is an example of a modular built housing development from Community Housing Network.
Modular building, 3D construction paves way for innovative solutions to the housing crisis

As Michigan's affordable housing shortage continues, developers are exploring modular construction and 3D printing as innovative ways to reduce building time and address labor shortages.

Kalamazoo asks residents to take a close, personal look at streets on walking audit for ‘Design It! Downtown’

A lively Downtown Kalamazoo walking audit highlights community-driven ideas and upcoming “Streets for All” improvements aimed at creating a safer, more welcoming, and pedestrian-friendly city center.

From ancestral trails to two-way roads: How Kalamazoo streets keep changing with the times

Kalamazoo’s shift from one-way to two-way streets reflects centuries of evolving transportation as the city reimagines a more walkable, people-centered downtown.

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