Author

Tommy Allen

Tommy Allen's Latest Articles

At KDL’s Summer Wonder series, literacy appears disguised as dinosaurs, bubbles, and, most of all, discovery

KDL’s Summer Wonder program turns reading into shared discovery, helping families build curiosity, strengthen relationships, and find community.

#RG20LookBack: Can one small garden help grow a community movement? (Yes!)

In his 25th #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Matthew Russell's 2019 story about a GR resident's rain garden helps protect local waterways.

#RG20LookBack: Permission to play

In his 24th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2011 story about Rob Bliss' Grand Rapids LipDub video, where he joined hundreds of others in the communitywide production. He reflects on the "Rob Bliss factor."

#RG20LookBack: People have the power…to change

In his 23rd #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2014 story, "Let's Break Some Laws & Eggs Together," a cheeky look at two ordinances that no longer fit the Grand Rapids many envisioned.

#RG20LookBack: A lesson in inclusion, revisited at an uncertain moment

In his 22nd #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2025 story, "Beyond Compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces," showing how companies like Steelcase value the insights of people who navigate barriers every day.

Three years in the making, the Grand Rapids Public Museum turns curiosity toward the river

Grand Rapids has been rediscovering its river for years, and starting June 13, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is ready to meet you there.

Created with love: East Kentwood students deliver empathy through our stomachs

Behind each illustrated recipe showcased by East Kentwood students lies a story of family, culture, and connection, demonstrating how food can serve as a universal language of empathy.

Voices of Youth: Lessons learned from listening to young people

Over the past three years, Voices of Youth has shown us that by actively listening to what young people want, we often develop better ideas. Here, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the achievements and lessons learned over three years with Voices of Youth. 

#RG20LookBack: West Michigan models making progress over time

In his 21st #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Deborah Johnson Wood's 2009 story about efforts to restore rapids to the Grand River — a timely reflection following last week's groundbreaking of the Grand River Restoration's Lower Reach project.

#RG20LookBack: The Rapid’s evolution and our journey to the future

In his 20th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2018 story, “The Rapid 25 years on: Looking back on the transit’s evolution as instrumental CEO retires,” by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, examining key periods in our local transit history and highlighting Peter Varga’s 25-year leadership.

Our Partners

Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
Kids Food Basket
The Right Place
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Don't miss out!

Everything Grand Rapids, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

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