In Search of a Mobility Scenario
At the close of 2006, Grand Rapids dispatched a small party of civic leaders to learn about mass transit in Portland. They came back with news of a streetcar revolution.
Andy Guy's Latest Articles
Child’s Play
Health activist Paul Haan has helped secure millions of dollars in public funding and reached out to hundreds of families in Grand Rapids in an effort to eradicate childhood lead poisoning. The plan is working. Now he's targeting radon and other environmental health issues.
She Means Business
Kimberly Van Dyk's goal is to reenergize urban life in Grand Rapids by putting businesses back in the neighborhoods. She sat down to field a few questions from Rapid Growth.
The Constitution of Grand Rapids
In 1993 the City of Grand Rapids adopted an ambitious plan to revive its downtown. Today, that plan is basically a reality.
Stars Align for Kids in GR
Brian and Kathleen Kelly are fortunate to have friends like best-selling author Mitch Albom and rock star Brian Vander Ark. They're leveraging those friendships to raise $100,000 for DeVos Children's Hospital.
On a Mission in Madison Square
David Allen's nonprofit redevelopment group will invest $10 million this year to accelerate the revival of the Madison Square district. He took time out from his numerous community service projects to visit with Rapid Growth.
A Wonderful Point of Transition
In October 2006 the Van Andel Arena will celebrate its 10th year of operation. During that time the arena has brought the global entertainment to Grand Rapids and set off a remarkable building boom in the surrounding neighborhood.
Crane City
If the presence of construction cranes is a sign of a city’s upward mobility then the sky is the limit for Grand Rapids.
Ending the Exodus Myth
Conventional thinking holds that Michigan residents – especially innovative young talents like Paschka – are fleeing the state in droves in search of jobs, trendy cities, and convenient public services like mass transit. But they’re not, according to state and federal statistics. People born in Michigan tend to stay in Michigan. And, after a decade of heavy investment in the urban core, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area is not only holding on to its brightest young adults amidst a stubborn economic downturn. The region continues to draw new foreign and domestic residents.
