Community Development

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

New plan sets goals for City of Battle Creek to provide service to the public in sustainable ways

Energy, water, transportation, waste, government management practices, land use, and public outreach are all part of a new Environment Sustainability plan adopted by the City of Battle Creek.

Latest in Community Development
Shannon Patrick
Entrepreneur from Historic Northside in Battle Creek launches clothing line for All Walks of Life

With her clothing line, Shannon Patrick gives AWOL a new spin. For her, it means her clothes are for All Walks of Life.  

Video: Heroes to Hives

Military veterans have unique needs. So do honeybees. Learn how a unique program called Heroes to Hives is connecting veterans and bees in a way that helps heal mental health challenges and strengthen bee communities.

Whitney Griffin.
These Detroiters are introducing newcomers to their city – via text

The new Text a Detroiter service from the Detroit Regional Chamber lets people submit questions about the area to local experts who respond directly through a messaging platform.

Battle Creek Police Department achieves accreditation from Michigan Association of Police Chiefs

Battle Creek Police Department achieves a long sought after goal. Adopting best practices and 105 professional standards leads to accreditation.

Eastside Gateway Pocket Park, labyrinth and mural to honor Eastside Voices in Kalamazoo

Eastside pride will be on display in new gateway project, a development that brings together history, art, and community.

Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave and Issue Media Group join Michigan Press Association

Membership by the parent company of Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave will more than double the number of online-only news organizations accepted into the 150-year-old organization.

Good Michigan food: The ultimate Rx for good health

Michigan residents are learning about the strong connections between consuming healthful foods and better lifelong health. Programs in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and Detroit are working to increase access to farm fresh foods so everyone, from kids to seniors, can enjoy better health.

The Fire Hub restaurant, a casino spinoff, feeds its customers and funds food pantry

What happens when you have too much food on one hand and people without enough food on the other. For FireKeepers the answer was a restaurant and food pantry combo.

Why a store on the corner doesn’t always mean healthy food on the table

In Michigan cities, corner grocery stores don’t always increase access to healthy produce. In Detroit and Flint, some researchers are taking a closer look at customer service as a barrier to food access.

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