Residents leverage alternatives to driving as generational perspectives on transit shift
Generational shifts in transportation have prompted a new outlook on alternative transportation and highlight solutions for getting around without a vehicle.
Southeast Community
MLK Freedom School – Empowerment through urban agriculture and food justice
Beginning in 2020 in her yard, Alita Kelly’s gardening caught the attention of some of the neighborhood youth, leading to conversations about social and racial justice, as well as the history of food. As a result, “freedom school” was born. Now, in collaboration with the city of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the MLK Freedom School has become an expansion of Kelly’s vision for the community.
Residents get more power in allocating ARPA dollars with participatory budgeting model
City of Grand Rapids is using a new model, the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), that will give residents more say in how its $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be spent in each of the city's three wards.
Pedestrian safety concerns and accidents prompt city planning and infrastructure changes
High automobile speeds and distracted drivers create increased pedestrian safety concerns, prompting infrastructure shifts and conversations about street safety.
Childcare options expanding in Grand Rapids southeast neighborhoods
IFF, the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) and Amplify GR are collaborating to build a 12,000 square-foot childcare facility and support existing small/home daycares in the 49507.
Vaccination effort spurs massive collaboration between Kent County and local health care providers
The Kent County Health Department and local health care providers are collaborating on what may be the biggest inter-organizational vaccination effort in Michigan’s history.
COVID-19 increases transportation challenges for the working-class, promotes community collaboration
COVID-19 has stunted economies across the globe and continues to create massive challenges. For individuals considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), increased hardship has prompted community organizations to seek collaborative solutions.
Answering the call: Local organizations collaborate in COVID-19 contact-tracing efforts
Contact tracing is a crucial component in combating communicable diseases. Several local organizations have reached out to the Kent County Health Department to provide assistance with their recent contact tracing efforts.
Local organizations work to assist residents and improve housing equity during COVID-19
For many, navigating the coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges, including increasing concerns around housing security. Nationwide, renters have raised complaints about discrimination within the housing sector. Local organizations are working to actively provide assistance to community members now and help improve housing equity in the future.
Received your absentee ballot application? City has mailed them to all registered voters
Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.
