Features

Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 23, 2024

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Dayton, Jamillyah, and Dallas Palmer outside their new home in Pontiac.

Community Development

Oakland County's housing affordability problem is growing. How can we solve it?

Patrick DunnMonday, September 23, 2024

Leaders in the government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors are coming together to make housing more attainable for all county residents.

Community Development

Oak Park’s Nine Mile redesign indicates transformative direction for the city

Sierra OkoniewskiMonday, September 23, 2024

The City of Oak Park has completely reimagined a large segment of the Nine Mile Road Corridor, ushering new bike lines, pocket parks and economic opportunities into their growing community.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife Dr. Sonia Hasan enjoying "The Art of Dining" exhibit at the DIA.

The Art of Dining: New DIA exhibit a Middle Eastern feast for the senses

Kahn Santori DavisonSaturday, September 21, 2024

Featuring nearly 230 works, this tantalising free exhibit (to Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne residents) illuminates connections between art and cuisine from ancient times to the present day, demonstrating how food transcends cultures, backgrounds, and borders. We take a sneak peek.

Community Development

How a block grant helps Macomb build parks, add solar street lights

Genevieve FoxThursday, September 19, 2024

Within the last five years, Macomb County has received an annual grant amount of around $1.8 million. Here's what the county does with it.

“Spirit of Sterling Heights” by Marcia Wood

Community Development

Sterling Heights council member honored with Sinclair Service Award from Michigan Municipal League

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 19, 2024

“Being recognized for something you love doing is an unexpected honor,” says Sterling Heights council member Barbara Ziarko.

People plant trees during a volunteer work day at Palmer Park in Detroit.

Healthy Communities

Climate change hits Detroit harder than other cities. Here's how parks are working to change that.

Patrick DunnWednesday, September 18, 2024

Southeast Michigan's parks are working to address climate equity by mitigating climate change's disproportionate effects on already underserved populations.

Second Wave - MichiganEconomic Development

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Monique BedfordTuesday, September 17, 2024

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, September 17, 2024

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

A rendering of the future Fresh! by Gleaners.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Fresh food pantry set to open near Detroit, building upon other innovative Michigan models

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 12, 2024

Gleaners Community Food Bank has broken ground on Fresh! by Gleaners, an innovative concept that will make free, fresh food available to people living in Wayne and Macomb counties.

Josh Chapman, President and CEO, YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Blue Meets Green collaborative feeds economic prosperityNonprofit Journal Project Feature

Sarah SpohnThursday, September 12, 2024

The Blue Meets Green collaborative considers all sectors while cultivating a prosperous St. Clair County.

Sustainability

Oakland County receives countywide recognition for sustainability efforts

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 12, 2024

“This recognition is a testament to the county and its communities," says Oakland County’s Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell.

Community Development

Pickleball courts (and lots more) coming to this Ferndale neighborhood park

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 12, 2024

The next round of improvements slated for Ferndale’s Martin Road Park is underway.

At the decking station, the body and chassis of a Ram 1500 officially join together for the remainder of the assembly process at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights, Mich., facility.

Economic Development

This Sterling Heights plant becomes first in U.S. to build fully electric vehicle for Stellantis

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 12, 2024

“Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement,” says Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

Partner Content

Second Wave - MichiganBuilding Communities

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

Jaishree DrepaulTuesday, September 10, 2024

FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.

“We’re trying to build a Ferrari here, and I’m confident at this point that we really are,” says Jesse Hopkins, founder of Clay Avenue Guitar Co.

Entrepreneurship

How this local guitar company is feeling reinvigorated by its new Hazel Park workshop

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 5, 2024

“We’re trying to build a Ferrari here, and I’m confident at this point that we really are,” says Jesse Hopkins, founder of Clay Avenue Guitar Co.

Arts and Culture

Don’t miss out on these 10 experiences in the Detroit Month of Design

Monique BedfordThursday, September 5, 2024

From 3D-printed homes to stop-motion animation, this month Detroit proves why it is the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States. Here are some seriously cool experiences to get to this month.

Macomb County’s first-ever small business pitch contest was held on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Velocity in Sterling Heights.

Entrepreneurship

Sterling Heights business incubator and accelerator hosts small biz pitch contest. Here's who won

MJ GalbraithThursday, September 5, 2024

“This was a great contest between a variety of phenomenal new businesses that are really working to establish and grow their footprint in Macomb County,” says MCPED Director Vicky Rowinski.

Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 29, 2024

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.