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Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, publisher Tommy Allen reflects on what the publication’s solutions journalism model has meant for telling the stories of Grand Rapids. While he has not led the organization for its entire history, Allen has spent two decades as one of its key storytellers, much of that time as a photographer.
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Letter from the publisher: On 20 years of listening and the sharing of solutions rooted in community.
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, publisher Tommy Allen reflects on what the publication’s solutions journalism model has meant for telling the stories of Grand Rapids. While he has not led the organization for its entire history, Allen has spent two decades as one of its key storytellers, much of that time as a photographer.
KDL’s Let It Snow reading challenge turns winter into connection
At Kent District Library, longtime readers and librarians show how Let It Snow keeps patrons engaged through winter reading. The program runs through the end of February.
#RG20Look Back ‘G-Sync: To The Powers of Three’
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, we’re revisiting archival stories that captured cultural shifts in our community. “G-Sync: To the Powers of Three” (Jan. 19, 2012) asks what can happen when dialogue bridges cities that share a state, but not always a conversation.
Workforce development program for young adults nurtures confidence, direction, purpose
West Michigan Works!’ Ascend youth program helps participants build confidence, explore careers, and gain essential workplace skills.
Tech volunteers inspire students through hands-on classroom coding lessons
West Michigan tech professionals visit 52 classrooms, teaching coding basics and inspiring elementary students to explore future careers in computer science.
Lovet expands affordable veterinary care model with fourth Grand Rapids clinic
Chicago-based Lovet Pet Health Care opens fourth Grand Rapids clinic, aiming to reduce costs, expand access, and ease stress for pet owners.
Under the stars, together: Don’t miss GRPM’s 9th planetarium concert series
Grand Rapids Public Museum’s highly anticipated annual live-music series Concerts Under the Stars returns in 2026. Historically, delaying ticket purchases for this series might result in missing this once-a-year event entirely.
Right Place report highlights Grand Rapids’ growth, resilience, and future competitiveness
A new Right Place report shows how decades of planning have positioned West Michigan for sustained economic growth and opportunity.
12 days of Snowflake Break: Curiosity is on the calendar at the GR Public Museum
At a time when winter slows the city down, Snowflake Break shows how curiosity, culture, and community come together at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Rehab without borders: building a Grand Rapids-Ghana connection
Dr. Abena Tannor visits Grand Rapids to explore rehabilitation collaboration, innovation, and shared learning between Ghana and Mary Free Bed.
Bamboo Grand Rapids connects Michiganders by providing a third space that also combats loneliness
A once-vacant building in a creative Grand Rapids neighborhood now houses Bamboo’s expanded location, offering flexible workspace and connections to local and statewide innovation networks.
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Issue Media Group is a multi-local network of digital news outlets focused on community transformation through solutions journalism. We highlight the people and projects tackling challenges and driving change. Through its national, regional and local publications, IMG connects communities, shares impactful solutions, and inspires progress.
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Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
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Top 5 Articles
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Bamboo Grand Rapids connects Michiganders by providing a third space that also combats loneliness
2
Under the stars, together: Don’t miss GRPM’s 9th planetarium concert series
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Right Place report highlights Grand Rapids’ growth, resilience, and future competitiveness
4
12 days of Snowflake Break: Curiosity is on the calendar at the GR Public Museum
5
Workforce development program for young adults nurtures confidence, direction, purpose
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Rapid Growth is a local digital media outlet covering neighborhoods, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, health, sustainability, talent, and social innovation.
