Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, July 8, 2025

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.

Feature Story

A new grant program in Muskegon Heights is helping commercial property owners upgrade storefronts and revitalize the city’s core.

Economic Development

Facade grant program launches to boost Muskegon Heights downtown renewal

Shandra MartinezMonday, July 7, 2025

New grant supports storefront upgrades in Muskegon Heights’ core, encouraging private investment alongside public revitalization efforts.

Feature Story

A couple stands in the dining area of a staged CLT home at 2080 Union, highlighting the space.

Economic Development

Dwelling Place expands affordable homeownership through Community Land Trust

Shandra MartinezMonday, July 7, 2025

Dwelling Place’s Community Land Trust program creates lasting affordable homeownership opportunities across West Michigan for working families and single-income households.

Feature Story

Two former members of the Grand Rapids Black Sox.

Published Together: Whitecaps honor Black Sox, support youth with Delta Project Night

Joel Van Kuiken Monday, July 7, 2025

The West Michigan Whitecaps have teamed up with The Delta Project, a local nonprofit focused on empowering youth of color, for Black Sox Appreciation Night on Wednesday, July 9, at LMCU Ballpark.

Feature Story

KCAD design students explore inclusive design by navigating kitchen activities from a wheelchair user's perspective.

Equity

KCAD students redesign kitchens to promote inclusive, user-informed housing solutions

Shandra MartinezMonday, July 7, 2025

Design students at KCAD partner with Disability Advocates of Kent County to create hands-on, accessible kitchen displays that challenge industry standards and expectations.

Feature Story

Ashley Cramer received the 2025 Gentex Foundation’s Amanda Clark Scholarship.

Kids and Education

Gentex scholarship helps Zeeland grad pursue STEM degree at Kettering

Shandra MartinezThursday, July 3, 2025

Ashley Cramer earns Gentex Foundation’s Amanda Clark Scholarship, receiving $20,000 to study computer science at Kettering University.

Feature Story

The Healthy Housing Workgroup, part of CHIP, tackles basic home repairs such as plumbing, blight removal, insulation, and energy efficiency.

Community Development

Allegan County organizations unite to make homes safer and healthier

Shandra MartinezWednesday, July 2, 2025

Government and nonprofits team up to fix housing issues, improve health, and support families through repairs, training, and shared resources.

Feature Story

Equity

Deaf mentor's journey shows strength of inclusive hiring and support services

Shandra MartinezFriday, June 27, 2025

Leah Broomfield’s new role as a deaf mentor highlights how inclusive hiring and community collaboration open doors for deaf professionals.

Feature Story

Families could see aviation technology in action with several flyovers during Aviation Day at West Michigan Regional Airport.

Transportation

WMU grad returns home to lead West Michigan Regional Airport

Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 25, 2025

Matthew Neyens brings Denver expertise and deep Michigan roots to WMRA, with a focus on expanding aviation access, driving economic growth, and strengthening community partnerships.

Feature Story

Ryan Kilpatrick, lead consultant for Housing Next, leads a panel discussion.

Community Development

Report: Ottawa County housing progress continues, but gaps remain for many

Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 25, 2025

Leaders share updated housing data, highlighting strides made and ongoing efforts to expand access for households with low, moderate, and middle incomes.

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