Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

Rochelle Riley presenting at the 2023 gala.

Autism Alliance of Michigan gala will help build “A Brighter Tomorrow”

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is hosting its 13th annual Michigan Shines for Autism Gala on Saturday, April 20 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. This year’s theme is “A Brighter Tomorrow.” 

Latest in Community Development
Rendering of Sawmill Lofts in Grayling
Recent Michigan housing legislation incentivizes more housing developments

As part of the Make it in Michigan Strategy, the state of Michigan has new finance tools and opportunities to convert vacant land into housing via the Transformational Brownfield Fund and tax increment funding. The State Land Bank Authority and Michigan Community Capital are working with state, local, and federal organizations to develop attainable workforce housing in their communities.   

Melvin Henley
Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

The conference will include four break-out sessions offering a choice among 15 different topics.
AAoM’s “Navigating Autism Today” provides wide range of educational and networking opportunities

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) will host its first “Navigating Autism Today Conference” of the year on Friday, March 8 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Chris Uhl
What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties

As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institutions like IFF, Grand Rapids has a collaborative plan in place to address the issue.   

A completed home repair in Genesee County.
FHLBank of Indianapolis home repair programs make life-changing impacts on homeowners

The FHLBank of Indianapolis provides impactful resources for communities in Michigan and provides home repair programs and additional resources to homeowners via lenders like1st State Bank in Saginaw and Metro Community Development Corporation in Flint.

Building Community Value education session.
Lansing and Detroit organizations work to address the need for single-family housing

Block by Block spoke with Lansing and Detroit organizations on how they’re addressing the need for single-family housing in their communities. Building Community Value, based in Detroit, and the Capital Area Housing Partnership, based in Lansing, share their perspectives of the needs and how their resources are serving as building blocks for a better housing ecosystem.  

The Grand Rapids location will expand AAoM’s  Upbound Staffing employment program.
Upbound Staffing creates inclusive connections for employers and job seekers

Upbound Staffing helps prepare job candidates living with autism for all parts of a career search and assists businesses in making their work environments more inclusive.

What do breastfeeding, sanitation, vaccines, and lead paint have in common? Public health.

Q&A with Norm Hess, executive director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

Eric Lupher.
Housing a key element of “Michigan’s Path to a Prosperous Future”

Citizens Research Council, Michigan Municipal League, and Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation weigh in on state's housing needs, regional, minority-driven resources, and development within individual communities.   

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