Stories

Innovation News SPARK's Annual Meeting at the EMU Student Center on April 30, 2024.

Ann Arbor SPARK looks back on 20 years, celebrates local entrepreneurs at annual meeting

Hundreds gathered for a luncheon at the EMU Student Center to applaud the organization, which advances the economy of the Ann Arbor region by attracting and retaining innovative businesses and people.

Feature Story otsegocommuityfoundation

Preparing for disaster: Community Foundation of St. Clair County creates fund for catastrophes

Disasters are not common in Michigan but there have been a memorable few in the past several years. With that in mind, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has initiated a fund to meet the immediate needs like housing, food and medical care and also to help long-term recovery efforts.  

Ontonagon seeks E.R. solutions following hospital conversion to rural health clinic

With the conversion of Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital to a rural health clinic, the Ontonagon community is looking for solutions to make sure emergency medical care is available around the clock for the county's aging population. 

Longform Huron Vista and The Residences at Huron under construction on W. Clark Rd. in Ypsilanti.

Three affordable housing developments set to open soon in Ypsi

As housing and rent costs continue to soar across the country, developers in Ypsilanti are working to address a shortage of affordable new units – and, in one case, open the door to home ownership for residents.

Proactive zoning attracts new businesses to Kingsford

Rezoning abandoned retail sites for more expansive business uses attracted new companies to those locations in Kingsford, a small community in Dickinson County. 

Marquette Area Blues Fest to end in 2024

“We are a small, but dedicated and passionate group of blues lovers, and to put it bluntly, we’re not getting any younger. Most of us have been involved in planning and executing the fest for the entire twenty years, and over the last few years, it has become increasingly difficult to host and present the festival to our standards,” the Marquette Area Blues Society said in a statement.

Michigan’s tallest waterfall poised to become a state park.

“It’s time we honor that agreement and include this iconic and beautiful area in Michigan’s system of State Parks and Scenic Areas,” representative Greg Markkanen, said. “In doing so, we can pair the celebration of our rich natural resources with honoring all the brave and courageous individuals who served and sacrificed in our military.”

Feature Story Tracie McMillan is the author of "The White Bonus."

Q&A: Journalist Tracie McMillan on how the "cash value of racism" benefits white Americans

In her new book, Michigan native McMillan traces the lives of five white families, her own included, to examine and ultimately tally "how race benefits people who are white."

Innovation News The Campfire Loyalty app website.

Get rewards for purchases at Ypsi businesses with this new app created by U-M students

Three University of Michigan students are working with Ypsilanti businesses to develop a loyalty app for customers shopping in downtown Ypsi. 

Innovation News A contestant in the 2023 Pitch@WCC competition.

WCC's inaugural Start-Up Week to feature pitch competition and entrepreneurship workshops

Washtenaw Community College’s Entrepreneurship Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year by expanding its Pitch@WCC competition to include four days of free entrepreneurship activities and educational opportunities.

Feature Story Macker-List

Gus Macker kicks off 50th season with tournament at Central Michigan University

Gus Macker Basketball hosted their first Michigan outdoor tournament of the year with 752 players competing at Central Michigan University on April 27 and 28, 2024. This year marks the 50th season of the Gus Macker tournament.

Innovation News Participants in a past #MI-Internship Prep cohort.

Free summer program offers job skills training for Southeast Michigan youth

Young adult job-seekers are being invited to expand their employment potential through #MI-Internship Prep, a free summer internship preparation course.

Longform PreK for All Summary

PreK for All Summary


Longform Vibrant Futures

Early Education Community of Practice brings unified message to state focus on early childhood care

The Community of Practice has expanded to 30+ Michigan organizations focused on early childhood. Members have access to a variety of resources and experts and are able to provide solutions and mobilize quickly.  

Longform A family poses in front of their ICCF community land trust home.

Community land trusts make home ownership possible for more Michiganders

Michigan has a huge housing shortage. To address this need, many communities are utilizing community land trusts, like ICCF, to ensure affordable homeownership for generations to come.