Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

Edison residents take opportunity to Imagine Kalamazoo 2035

Edison residents kicked off Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 by turning potholes, sidewalks, and other everyday neighborhood concerns into hands-on input about the city’s long-term future.

Latest in Community Development
Voices of Youth: A safe haven for children entering foster care comes to Battle Creek

Battle Creek’s Isaiah 117 House, set to open in March of 2026, seeks to reduce trauma for children entering foster care by providing a safe and supportive place during removal and placement.

Wheel the World puts Kalamazoo on the map for accessible travel

Wheel the World’s accessibility audit has positioned Kalamazoo as a national leader in inclusive travel, benefiting both visitors and local residents.

Suprise unveiling: Kalamazoo’s Cooney Cultivation Center at Farmer’s Market moving tribute to veteran activist

Kalamazoo honored longtime activist and commissioner Don Cooney with a surprise dedication of the new Kalamazoo Farmers' Market Cooney Cultivation Center, a community hub designed to nurture youth, connection, and local growth.

La Loma Supermercado brings authentic flavors — and cultural pride — to Battle Creek

La Loma Supermercado, a new $3 million Mexican and Latin American grocery and taqueria in Battle Creek, is bringing authentic flavors, cultural connection, and community vibrancy to the region.

Curtain rises again: New owners aim to revive Kalamazoo’s State Theatre for second act

A Texas Corners couple has purchased Kalamazoo’s historic State Theatre and plans a multimillion-dollar restoration to bring the 1927 landmark back to life for its 100th anniversary.

Formerly unhoused, Bill Brown now builds trust and hope with Kalamazoo’s unhoused

For Bill Brown, it’s important to be out there first thing in the morning when the homeless wake up cold and hungry, wondering what they are going to do. He offers hand warmers, gloves, hats, and food bags. He gives them hope.

Millage request is next stop for Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit

Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit is seeking a five-year millage increase to sustain bus services and expand its growing on-demand Metro Link program.

Program assists some unhoused from elsewhere to find their way back home

A program called Finding Your Way Home operated by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, with assistance from local organizations that help homeless people is assisting people get back to their hometown.

Poet’s Press: “The Streets Still Remember,” reflections on growing up on Kalamazoo’s Northside

Poet's Press, a Second Wave quarterly series presented in partnership with the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival, launches with our first installment by poet Markeva Love and collaborating artist Taylor Scamehorn. This series features news poems — an experimental form that examines local people, places, and events through a personal, poetic lens. 

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.