Stories

Development News City officials and contributing artist unveil the newly restored "Ascension" sculpture to the public.

After years in storage, a repaired and restored 1970s-era sculpture is reintroduced to Palmer Park

"This sculpture is a wonderful example of why people love this park," says People for Palmer Park President Stacy Varner.

Development News Rendering of McGraw Mini-Park courtesy of RJ Miller.

New pocket park planned in NW Goldberg neighborhood

“This project will transform an underutilized corner lot into a safe, beautiful green space, creating a neighborhood asset for all to enjoy,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz.

Feature Story Chantele Jones

From tree-cutting to vegan desserts, Build Institute graduates enrich Detroit’s business landscape

Detroit has always hustled harder. Here are three entrepreneurs who are part of a much bigger movement that supports small businesses in our city. 

Partner Content JP Morgan Chase

How to exercise good financial health this summer

Gail Taylor, a Community Manager with JPMorgan Chase in Detroit offered top financial tips to help achieve financial freedom and build generational wealth.

Longform Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi, director of Detroit Life Is Valuable Everyday (DLIVE), and Juanita Houston, DLIVE's lead healthy minds coach.

Michigan programs aim to stop violence against youth before it happens

Medical researchers in Michigan are designing innovative programs to intervene in cycles of violence.

Feature Story Woodbridge homes are known for their unique flair.

Resilient Neighborhoods: This Detroit neighborhood is using tech to tell the story of its housing

A Detroit nonprofit is taking an innovative and interactive approach to sharing the history of the neighborhood it serves.

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Development News The Belt, an activated alleyway in downtown Detroit.

City seeks 9 stewards for Arts Alley initiative, offering $10K fellowships for community liaisons

Applications for the program, which will award nine $10,000 fellowships, are due by midnight on Friday, May 26.

Development News “Our park’s 'Universal Design' recognizes the need for a broad range of options for community members of different ages, learning styles, and with variations in mobility,” says Boggs Park Co-Project Manager Shoshanna Utchenik.

Boggs School to build universally-accessible Boggs Park in Islandview neighborhood

“Our park’s 'Universal Design' recognizes the need for a broad range of options for community members of different ages, learning styles, and with variations in mobility,” says Boggs Park Co-Project Manager Shoshanna Utchenik. “At Boggs Park, ‘you can’t say you can’t play’.”

Feature Story Grocery Detroit

Food for thought: Mapping Detroit's grocery stores

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of stores closed temporarily, a handful of restaurants became small grocers, and organizations distributed supplies via emergency food boxes. Now, despite many corner and convenience stores, most Detroiters get their groceries at one of 64 full-service spots. 

Feature Story Members of SPCA and Cody Rouge CAA accept a check to help plan upgrades of Greenview-Wadsworth Park.

Resilient Neighborhoods: Major upgrades are coming soon to this northwest Detroit park

This Northwest Detroit community has a lot to be excited about when it comes to parks. Here's why.

Feature Story Marygrove

Model D shines at SPJ Detroit awards, claims first in education reporting

Our talented team received first place in the digital category for education reporting for the powerful series Early Education Matters, and fourth place in Consumer/Watchdog/Investigative Reporting, Feature Reporting, and Social Media Strategy. 

Longform Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) founder Eric Paad and CIP spokesperson Dorothy Paad.

UP nonprofit offers education and support in effort to end caregiver shortage

The Marquette-based nonprofit Caregiver Incentive Project is working to create solutions to Michigan's alarming caregiver shortage.

Feature Story The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is the state association representing and advocating for Michigan’s public mental health system and those served by this system.

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan study shows integrated care is growing

A recent study by the Center of Healthcare Integration and Innovation shows that integrated care in Michigan’s public mental health system has not only grown in the last six years but that the initiatives are diverse and available in rural, suburban, and urban committees.

Feature Story Amanda Alexander at the NAACP Annual Freedom Fund dinner

“Defense, Offense, and Dreaming” to meet the impacts of mass incarcerationQ&A with Amanda Alexander: Nonprofit Journal Project

Detroit Justice Center’s Founding Executive Director Amanda Alexander tells why she started the law firm that’s provided free legal services to over 5,000 people since opening five years ago and her vision for a just and safe city, shared by many Detroiters.

Development News Larry Phillips and Kimyana Freeman, co-owners of the soon-to-open Waffle Café Detroit.

New gourmet waffle café and restaurant eyes June opening on Avenue of Fashion

“I love being able to help people bring their dreams, goals and aspirations to pass. This year is about taking collaborative efforts and partnerships to the next level,” says Waffle Café Detroit owner Kimyana Freeman.

Development News The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform is intended to accelerate investment in mobility and electrification statewide.

These Detroit mobility startups just received $200K in grants to support high-tech projects

“With the support of MEDC, PlugZen is committed to making sure Metro Detroit communities have access to affordable EV charging and a stake in the future of the EV infrastructure they depend on,"​​ says Kwabena "Q" Johnson, president at PlugZen.

Partner Content Marcus Reliford stands by the checkout lanes at Rivertown Market.

This riverfront Detroit market became a reality thanks to an innovative community investment program

Detroit's new neighborhood-style Meijer grocery got off the ground with the help of a special initiative aimed at encouraging economic development in low-to-moderate income communities.

Partner Content Block party

Getting space savvy: How Marygrove is marketing itself as an event space

“We want to create smaller events to support the community,” says Nina Payne, who has stepped into event management at Marygrove. “We want to invite professional people […] and show them how amazing this historic building is.” 

Feature Story Hostile architecture

Voices of Youth: Detroit teen dives into the history of hostile architecture

Hostile architecture doesn't just hurt those without a home. Detroit student Nyla Davison pens a short essay about the defensive design strategies used in her city, and what she wants for the future.