Strike Up the Trolley Band
Civic leaders recently launched an investigation into the potential for a streetcar system in downtown Grand Rapids. The experience of cities like Portland, OR suggests that's reason to celebrate.
Andy Guy's Latest Articles
What Streetcars Look Like
Trolleys already roam the streets in cities like Philadelphia, Tampa, Little Rock, and Seattle. And dozens of other places are studying, engineering, or expanding streetcar routes. Could they work in Grand Rapids?
Clang Clang Clang Went Grand Rapids
If you think Grand Rapids' revival is rocking now, watch what happens when the city lays down some streetcar track. A growing band of developers, bankers, and young professionals say that will take the renaissance to a whole new level.
Questions for Kevin Stotts
The czar of leadership talks about developing community trustees, what Gen X wants in the central city, and plugging young people into civic life
The Entrepreneur’s Perspective
Dr. Stephen Forrest, the vice president of research at the University of Michigan, has a reasonable idea to revive the Midwest economy. Is anybody listening?
A Minute with Jerry Kooiman
The expansion of Michigan State University’s med school in Grand Rapids will attract researchers, faculty, and students from around the world. And Jerry Kooiman is the first one on the ground.
Beat Down Economics
While Michigan fixates on factory closings, slumping home sales, and job losses, a growing body of evidence suggests the news isn't all bad. A new report argues the state is experiencing growth amidst destruction and you better believe it.
The Local Lowdown
Local First is one of two organizations in Michigan - and 50 in the U.S. - promoting the power of neighborhood business. Elissa Sangali, the group's new leader, explains why keeping it local is so important.
King of the Table
Lisa Oliver-King recently returned from Nashville where she participate in former Vice President Al Gore's Climate Change Project. She took time out from her ambitious local organizing efforts to visit with Rapid Growth.
Steel Water Rises
Cyril Lixenberg, the artist from Amsterdam, is nearing completion of Grand Rapids newest public sculpture, a massive steel structure to commemorate the city's historic step forward in preventative health care.
