#RG20LookBack: From an “Atomic” moment to the present day
For his tenth #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits its 2007 “Atomic Object is People” story, tracing West Michigan’s thriving tech culture.
#RG20LookBack
In honor of Rapid Growth’s 20th anniversary, Publisher Tommy Allen revisits stories from the archives, offering a fresh perspective through behind-the-scenes insights, analysis, and updates on how those topics have evolved.
#RG20LookBack: Power of art as a community convener
For his ninth #RG20LookBack, Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2013 story, written while he was Lifestyle Editor, about the Division Avenue Arts Collective’s eviction from Avenue for the Arts just days before its 10th anniversary.
#RG20LookBack: A bit of hope at start of Women’s History Month
For his eighth #RG20LookBack, Publisher Tommy Allen honors Women’s History Month by revisiting a 2018 series that not only celebrates women-owned businesses but also highlights how many entrepreneurs begin their education long before they ever step into a classroom.
#RG20LookBack: Jeff Hill and the power of showing up for each other.
For his seventh #RG20LookBack, Tommy Allen reflects on the lasting impact of his predecessor, Jeff Hill, who served as Rapid Growth publisher from 2008 to 2015.
#RG20LookBack: North Monroe’s focus on parks, people, and play is transforming this neighborhood.
For his sixth #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth’s Tommy Allen revisits Monroe North’s transformation into a vibrant riverside neighborhood shaped by redevelopment.
#RG20LookBack: DACA — A personal view from here to Washington
For his fifth #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth’s Tommy Allen reflects on thinking he understood DACA—until sudden federal changes forced him to learn faster, listen closer, and document how policy reshapes neighbors’ daily lives.
#RG20LookBack: How neighborhood identity factors into planning a socially productive park
As part of Rapid Growth's 20th anniversary, we revisit a 2014 innovation story by Anya Zentmeyer, documenting a subtle but significant shift in Grand Rapids public planning sessions and citywide meetings.
#RG20LookBack: La Lucha Fund supports undocumented and mixed-status families
Celebrating 20 years, we revisit a 2020 story where La Lucha Fund and partners created direct cash relief for undocumented Kent County families excluded from CARES Act aid.
#RG20LookBack ‘A Family Loving Environment’
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, we’re revisiting archival stories that captured cultural shifts in our community. The 2010 snapshot of Rachel Hood and Dave Petroelje, brand-new parents making climate, clean energy, and public health relatable to families, still resonates today.
#RG20Look Back ‘G-Sync: To The Powers of Three’
As Rapid Growth marks its 20th anniversary, we’re revisiting archival stories that captured cultural shifts in our community. “G-Sync: To the Powers of Three” (Jan. 19, 2012) asks what can happen when dialogue bridges cities that share a state, but not always a conversation.
