Features

Longform A rendering of the Equitable Ann Arbor Land Trust's proposal for development on the former University of Michigan Hospital dump site. The proposal would bring 2,165 housing units to the site after environmental remediation.

Ann Arbor nonprofit's affordability solution: Thousands of new housing units in walkable communities

How long does it take for you to go from your house to school, a grocery store, work, or a park? Urban planners at the Equitable Ann Arbor Land Trust want the answer to be a 20-minute walk, no matter where you live. 

Longform Maribeth Leonard

Countywide mental health millages have remarkable results

Jackson, Hillsdale, Ottawa, and Washtenaw counties passed mental health millages and seen positive impacts such as expanded access to care to their residents, increased service capacity, improved crisis response, and more.

Longform Infinite River performing at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse for UMS' "Beautiful Noise" concert.

Jazz, folk, open mic, and more return to Ypsi Freighthouse for University Musical Society residency

UMS' fifth residency at the historic Ypsi venue will feature performances, arts education, and creative exploration shaped by community input. 

Feature Story A staff meeting at Atomic Object's new office.

Ann Arbor software consultancy's new office reflects major growth over a decade-plus

Atomic Object recently moved into Duo Security's former space in downtown Ann Arbor, having increased its staff in the city from four to 45 since 2013.

Partner Content Akervall Technologies co-founder Sassa Akervall with Akervall's new CEO, Ben Bloomfield. Sassa Akervall stepped down from the company last summer.

Small business 101: How to craft a smart exit strategy for your business

All small business owners need a savvy exit strategy to cap off a successful entrepreneurial journey. We asked local business owners for their insights on how to do it right.

Feature Story A still from "50 Years of De-Evolution: The Restored Films of Devo (1976-1984)," which will screen at the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival.

63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival celebrates the freedom to experiment in film

The 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival will have a strong focus on experimental cinema and emerging talent, including work from student filmmakers across the globe. 

Innovation News A flyer for "Building an Artistic Life: Arts Career Forum 2025."

WCC to host forum on pursuing artistic careers

Washtenaw Community College will host a free forum that aims to inspire and educate anyone interested in creative entrepreneurship, career-building strategies, and networking. 

Feature Story Jeremiah Steen, Founder and Executive Director of the STEEN Foundation

The social service sector offers a rewarding career path for young people in DetroitNonprofit Journal Project Feature

The nonprofit sector is often misunderstood as an unsustainable career choice, yet many young professionals are proving otherwise. Detroit-area changemakers are finding financial stability, professional growth, and purpose in nonprofit work.  

Longform Pexels photo

Washtenaw County advocates work to end the "invisible" problem of human trafficking

Many county residents are working to raise awareness and implement solutions for an ongoing issue that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed.

Longform Executive Director Alex Plum at Corner Health Center's clothing closet and food pantry.

Ypsi organizations work to support young immigrants under the new Trump administration

Many organizations in the greater Ypsilanti area have faced new challenges and developed new strategies to respond to rapid changes affecting young immigrants.

Feature Story A panel discussion at last year's Michigan Music Business Club Conference.

Student-run music business conference returns to U-M for third year

The Michigan Music Business Club Conference will feature panels, workshops, and speaking events by music industry professionals, topped off by a Q&A and acoustic performance by Isaac Slade, former lead vocalist for The Fray.

Innovation News A rehearsal for the Thurston Community Players' 50th anniversary show, "The Princess and the Peagle."

Ann Arbor school's theater troupe celebrates 50th anniversary

The Thurston Community Players have grown to include not just current Thurston Elementary School students and their families, but former students, parents of former students, and residents of the neighborhood near the school.

Innovation News Ypsilanti Community High School's new AI learning studio space.

Ypsi is among 11 U.S. school districts chosen to participate in national AI training program

Ypsilanti Community Schools is the only school district in Michigan, and just one of 11 nationwide, to receive a $25,000 grant to participate in a prestigious artificial intelligence training program.

Innovation News Attendees at the opening of Riverside's 30th Anniversary Invitational.

Ypsi's Riverside Arts Center celebrates 30th anniversary with gallery show

The exhibition showcases the work of 11 different artists and one organization. Curator Maggie Spencer says the spotlighted work represents "the talent and impact that have shaped Riverside’s history."

Innovation News SizeUp SPARK logo

Ann Arbor SPARK launches free tool offering local data and insights for entrepreneurs

A new software platform offers entrepreneurs data-driven insights on local competitors, marketing strategies, potential partners, economic trends, and more. 

Partner Content Gala Banner

Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 

Development News The downtown Ann Arbor Library Lot

Ann Arbor's Library Lane could see new library, housing under proposal from city and library

A new vision for the long-debated site will go before voters this August.

Longform Jessica Tharp at Book Love Bar.

Book bar, whiskey distillery, and organic juicery among new beverage businesses in Ypsi

We checked in with the owners of Book Love Bar, Water Tower Distilling Co., and No Label Juice about their plans in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township.

Feature Story The 2024 A2AC Social.

Fundraiser invites attendees to experience Ann Arbor Art Center in a new way

The Ann Arbor Art Center is set to host its annual fundraising event, A2AC Social, on March 14. 

Innovation News Dr. Sanjib Chowdhury (far right), faculty director for the Eastern Michigan University Center for Entrepreneurship, and students from a past business plan competition.

Young entrepreneurs to gather at EMU for conference and pitch competition

Eastern Michigan University will bring high school- and college-aged entrepreneurs together on March 14 for the free 2025 Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference and Skandalaris Business Plan Competition.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.