Community Development

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

Battle Creek nonprofits share in $35 million in relief funds

A total of 15 Battle Creek area nonprofits are among 1,373 nonprofits throughout Michigan that are sharing in a $35 million pool of funds administered by the Michigan Nonprofit Association. These funds are aimed at nonprofits affected by COVID-19, especially those who work with underserved populations.

Latest in Community Development
Get vaccinated for the holidays!

As families gather for the holidays, getting vaccinated is especially important. That’s why the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) helps prepare patients for vaccinations through communication, education, and accurate information. 

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

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’s Emily Reyst with Boot Camp graduate Christine Holmes, Woodbridge Neighborhood Development director of policy and property development.
CEDAM Real Estate Boot Camp readies Michigan’s emerging developers

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.   

FireKeepers thinking seven generations ahead in major renewable energy move

“The Tribe is always seeking to look ahead to seven generations into the future as they plan for things,” says Jim Wise, FireKeepers' VP of Marketing. "Equally important, is (the Tribe's) love of Mother Earth which is exhibited by our ability to take vast amounts of energy needed from 100 percent renewable sources.”

Parents, caregivers and providers invited to learn about “Navigating Autism Today”

On Friday November 17, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) will host a conference, “Navigating Autism Today” at the Grand Valley State University Pew Campus L.V. Eberhard Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Kalamazoo’s Blueprint for Peace offers collaborative, comprehensive Gun Violence Intervention plan

While Kalamazoo's gun assaults are down, gun deaths, especially among youth, have risen. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, in partnership with the City and many others, is launching Blueprint for Peace, a program that addresses systemic factors that drive gun violence to create a framework for prevention, intervention, and healing.

Kittie Tuinstra outside of the new Shelby Trails Apartments.
A bank few likely ever heard of helps Michigan communities thrive

An Affordable Housing Program grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis allowed Dogwood Community Development to complete Shelby Trails apartments.  

Autism Alliance of Michigan trip to the U.P. shared training and health care opportunities

The Autism Alliance of Michigan team traveled to Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula to provide free trainings and health care services for people living with autism, their families, and the communities where they live. 

Riding the gravy train to Kzoo’s Canadiana Fest: Healthy poutine? You bet!

To tempt tastebuds for Kalamazoo's upcoming Canadiana Festival and its World Champion Poutine Contest, Chef Channon Mondoux, festival organizer, and SW Second Wave Food Writer, shares her recipe for 'healthy' poutine, that French Canadian guilty pleasure of fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy.

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