DTE Energy proposes renewable energy program
The state’s largest energy supplier announced a plan that enables urban customers to subscribe to receive energy from renewable resources.
Stockbridge
Located on the flatlands of the lower West Side, the Stockbridge district is located immediately west of the Grand River and Center City. The area is known for its working-class attitude, rich European traditions and, above all, resilience. The construction of the US 131 highway and Interstate 196 in the 1960's destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. It also scarred the heart and soul of a community. But today the Stockbridge district is emerging as a much stronger and vibrant place than it was before the bulldozers. With a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and locally-owned specialty shops, as well as aggressive investment in unique urban housing ventures, the Stockbridge area now stands on the leading edge of Grand Rapids' evolution into a thriving 21st century city.
Neighborhood Sensibilities
World-class cities and vibrant neighborhoods don't just happen. They're the product of big dreams, targeted investment, and thoughtful planning. The Sustainability Package is Grand Rapids latest effort to bring those critical elements together.
Flying with Angels
Venture capital in the United States tends to target the coasts, raising a disadvatage for entreprenuers and good ideas in the Midwest. The Grand Angels aim to fill the void in west Michigan with money and advice to help promising local startups get up and running.
Lobbyist hired to advocate for GR in Washington
Despite strong opposition from some city commissioners, the city hired a D.C. lobbyist firm to advocate for federal dollars for Grand Rapids. $69,000 has been earmarked to pay for the service, but will it bring favorable results?
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.
The Beer Barons of River City
Entreprenuers began brewing beer in Grand Rapids before the city became a city. After some ups and downs in the industry, the tradition continues today.
An Economy of Apples
Farmland in west Michigan typically is more valuable for building superstores and subdivisions than growing fruits and vegetables. But, with increasingly more mouths to feed in heavily populated places like China, a growing crop of thinkers questions whether that's the best way to put the region's unique landscape to work in the global economy.
