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Catalyst Radio: DDA's Kris Larson enthused about Grand Rapids' future

Catalyst Radio
Catalyst Radio
9/07/12 02:03pm
metro news

in collaboration with Linda Gellasch and WYCE Radio 88.1 FM

Kristopher Larson, new executive director for the Downtown Development Authority, is optimistic about Grand Rapids' assets and potential.
Underwriting support from:

About Catalyst Radio

Catalyst Radio is the weekly public affairs radio program of Community Media Center, with producer and host Linda Gellasch. The program is a feature of WYCE and The Rapidian and includes interviews with organizations and people working on social change and community support, examines media and free speech issues, and takes a look at the behind-the-scenes of Rapidian reporting. You can catch it on air at noon every Friday on WYCE 88.1 FM or streaming on the Grand Rapids Community Media Center Website.

Past Catalyst Radio episodes are archived on The Rapidian.

Kristopher Larson, executive director of Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority

Kristopher Larson, executive director of Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority

Don't have time to listen now? Download the mp3 and listen at your leisure.

 

INTERVIEW

In this edition of Catalyst Radio, we speak with Kristopher Larson, the new executive director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA, which is made up of nine mayor-appointed board members and numerous volunteers, is responsible for many of the improvements in the downtown Grand Rapids area.

In early August, Larson moved here from Long Beach, Ca. to begin his position as the DDA's executive director. He shares his background and what he considers are the strongest assets of Grand Rapids: the people, the innovation, the accessibility and the Grand River.

Larson also gives us an idea of what to expect from the DDA in the near future. The organization has plans that include changes in the downtown streetscapes and retail environments, restoration of the blue bridge and addition of more bike racks.

 

MUSIC

Music featured on Catalyst Radio – a couple of songs called “Downtown.”  First from Neil Young, and then finishing up with Frank Sinatra.

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