Graduating in 2007, Simon Borst was part of the second class to receive the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship that covered up to 100 percent tuition at any Michigan public university or college for those who attended Kalamazoo Public Schools. Now Borst is among those who have returned to Kalamazoo. The artist tells their story in a graphic news form. This is the first of a two-part series.
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.
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.