communityconversations
Area refugees work to overcome cultural barriers, challenges
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 12-01-2015 under LOCAL LIFE
The West Michigan Education and Cultural Center (WMRECC) in Kentwood (2130 Enterprise Street) serves hundreds of refugees a year in the greater Grand Rapids area. Michigan is often among the top 10 states in the United States to accept...
Affordable housing workshop to tackle development issues in Grand Rapids
Submitted 11-24-2015 under NONPROFITS
In March 2015, the City hosted its first annual Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Cities Neighborhood Summit. Over 350 community leaders, organizers and citizens gathered to join in the conversation about how to strengthen Grand Rapids neighborhoods. At...
Urban agriculture and placemaking: Toward building resiliency
by (levigardner1)
Submitted 11-17-2015 under OPINION
I have been in counseling for the majority of my adult life. I nearly always balked at the seemingly outrageous cost of this endeavor, questioning whether or not it was worth the large amount of money for what sometimes felt like limited...
Time to challenge unconstitutional statute on City powers over open carry laws
by (Attorney Jack H...)
Submitted 11-10-2015 under OPINION
Open Carry campaigns are taking over Grand Rapids streets and campuses. Those who object are told there is nothing that can be done because Section 2 of Act 319 of the Michigan Firearms Code deprives Michigan cities of any power to control guns in...
Placemaking gone digital: Local library assistant turns Eastown into video game
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 11-03-2015 under LOCAL LIFE
Drew Damron is a Grand Rapids history and video game enthusiast. He’s also a local cartoonist, and a library assistant at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This past summer, Damron released a video game, The GRpg, Chapter 1, at the Grand Rapids...
GRPS Director of Communications explains major bond proposal up for vote on Tuesday, November 3
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 10-27-2015 under NEWS
The Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) bond proposal is up for a vote on November 3, 2015. The $175 million dollar bond proposal would add 2.1 mills to property tax bills, an annual cost of $103.50 for the owner of a $100,000 house, according...
ACLU to bring conversation on police practices to Wealthy Theatre
by (ACLU of Michiga...)
Submitted 10-20-2015 under NONPROFITS
On October 28 at 6:30 p.m., the Western Branch of the Michigan ACLU, along with our friends and partners in the fight for justice, is hosting an event at the Wealthy Theatre, titled “Avoiding the next Ferguson: A discussion on policing and community...
Principal of Shawmut Hills encourages neighbors to participate in Westside growth
by (SaraMelton)
Submitted 10-13-2015 under OPINION
The economic, environmental, and cultural health of a community rests heavily on vibrant public spaces and successful public schools. They are essential components of public infrastructure that take on pressing social concerns such as childhood...
Urban agriculture + placemaking = new economy
by (levigardner1)
Submitted 10-06-2015 under OPINION
Drive through the city to see abandoned lots with a “For Sale” sign, and you are faced with a fascinating conundrum. Inquire from a real estate agency the value of that property and they will de facto respond with its financial value....
Just wrong enough: How swinging inside an ArtPrize house creates community
by (tfox)
Submitted 09-29-2015 under OPINION
In the past week I've had the curious experience of acting as a performer in Kate Gilmore's installation "Higher Ground", at SiTE:LAB's Rumsey Street Project. An entire house on the site of Rumsey Street has been transformed to...