Take a journey into regenerative design with Common Object
KCAD grads Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez share their philosophy of regenerative design in their firm Common Object, which helps organizations take steps toward sustainability.
Economic Development
Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.
Latest in Economic Development
How KCAD student collaborations are building community
Since 2016, a group of graduate students in KCAD's Master of Architecture program have had an opportunity to offer a solution to an architecture issue in Grand Rapids. The projects have included designing a greenhouse, wayfinding project, and visioning new uses for a historic building.
Designing a better world: Wege High School Collaborative Studio builds skills and networks
The Wege High School Collaborative Studio is a summer program that gives West Michigan high school students hands-on experience in sustainable design and problem-solving. Applications for 2024 are open.
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Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up
Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.
Social Work Career Promotion Tool Kit shares benefits and pathways to rewarding careers
The toolkit is designed to enhance recruitment and promote social work career opportunities across the state. It includes sample language for websites, emails, and social media posts as well as recommended language for various professionals, including high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and behavioral health providers. There are also photographic materials for outreach usage.
Hope Starts Here puts Detroit’s young children first
The Hope Starts Here initiative brings together a team of advocates and champions who are leading the charge for Detroit’s early childhood systems. A collaboration among The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and a host of agencies, community based organizations, and most importantly, Detroit residents, Hope Starts Here formally launched in 2017.
Planned closure of overnight Battle Creek Shelter has local faith leader looking for solutions
After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.
Expert support for breastfeeding mothers expands in Southwest Michigan
Lactation Medicine is becoming a more recognized specialty given how integral breastfeeding is to infant and maternal health. Dr. Karen Garcia, a Newborn Hospitalist with the Bronson Hospital System, supports breastfeeding families in both Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties.
Voices of Youth: What’s next for Lakeview Square Mall?
Voices of Youth's Mason Allen has been going to Lakeview Square Mall "before I can remember." But over the years, he has watched the mall struggle against what's being called the "retail apocalypse." Allen speaks with a Battle Creek official to learn what changes are underfoot.
Tri-Share makes quality child care more affordable for working parents
MI Tri-Share is a first-of-its-kind cost-sharing funding model. The state, the employee, and their employer each chip in for one-third of the price of child care.
How KCAD student collaborations are building community
Since 2016, a group of graduate students in KCAD's Master of Architecture program have had an opportunity to offer a solution to an architecture issue in Grand Rapids. The projects have included designing a greenhouse, wayfinding project, and visioning new uses for a historic building.
Designing a better world: Wege High School Collaborative Studio builds skills and networks
The Wege High School Collaborative Studio is a summer program that gives West Michigan high school students hands-on experience in sustainable design and problem-solving. Applications for 2024 are open.
Partner Partner Content Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up
Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.
Social Work Career Promotion Tool Kit shares benefits and pathways to rewarding careers
The toolkit is designed to enhance recruitment and promote social work career opportunities across the state. It includes sample language for websites, emails, and social media posts as well as recommended language for various professionals, including high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and behavioral health providers. There are also photographic materials for outreach usage.
Hope Starts Here puts Detroit’s young children first
The Hope Starts Here initiative brings together a team of advocates and champions who are leading the charge for Detroit’s early childhood systems. A collaboration among The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, and a host of agencies, community based organizations, and most importantly, Detroit residents, Hope Starts Here formally launched in 2017.
Planned closure of overnight Battle Creek Shelter has local faith leader looking for solutions
After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.
Expert support for breastfeeding mothers expands in Southwest Michigan
Lactation Medicine is becoming a more recognized specialty given how integral breastfeeding is to infant and maternal health. Dr. Karen Garcia, a Newborn Hospitalist with the Bronson Hospital System, supports breastfeeding families in both Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties.
Voices of Youth: What’s next for Lakeview Square Mall?
Voices of Youth's Mason Allen has been going to Lakeview Square Mall "before I can remember." But over the years, he has watched the mall struggle against what's being called the "retail apocalypse." Allen speaks with a Battle Creek official to learn what changes are underfoot.
Tri-Share makes quality child care more affordable for working parents
MI Tri-Share is a first-of-its-kind cost-sharing funding model. The state, the employee, and their employer each chip in for one-third of the price of child care.
