Big Time Campus
Grand Valley State University invests heavily in public art and architecture on its Allendale campus. Rapid Growth photographer Brian Kelly captures the beauty of this growing campus in a small town.
Grand Haven
Located on the sugar sand shores of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Grand River, Grand Haven is an active resort town and the epicenter of West Michigan's Water Wonderland. Grand Haven State Park is regularly rated one of the nation's top beaches. And the city features more than 100 miles of bike trail, 2 Great Lakes lighthouses, a busy waterfront boardwalk, and an extensive fleet of charter fishing boats. The city has felt the pain of Michigan's deindustrialization. But the community also is acting aggressively to reinvest in the urban core, leverage traditional assets such as a distinct quality of life, and position itself to compete in the 21st century. With the Big Lake on the front doorstep, it's hard to imagine anything but success.
What Makes a City Smart
Cities - the nerve center of the knowledge economy - must focus on four key factors to compete successfully.
If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It
Design and innovation drives economies. West Michigan has the talent, but how do we sell it?
The Power of Change
The pursuit of sustainability requires ending subsidies for business-as-usual and instead rewarding innovation.
Draggin’ Stuff Home
They're not World Market or Ikea, but the local thrift shops and salvage yards carry interesting items for the home decorator at a fraction of the cost.
