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

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February 27, 2024

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.

Partner Partner Content AAoM’s “Navigating Autism Today” provides wide range of educational and networking opportunities

By Joseph Goral

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Community Development

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February 27, 2024

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.

Boosting childhood immunization rates vital to community health

By Rylee Barnsdale

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Healthy Communities

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February 27, 2024

Recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows that 91% of kindergarteners in 2022 were up to date on their vaccinations, while rates of younger ages are seeing a decline.

Holly Campbell, deputy director of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, and Dr. Pennie Foster-Fishman, project leader for the Northwest Michigan Community Health Innovation Region Behavioral Health Initiative.

Northern Michigan health department spearheads effort to expand behavioral health workforce

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Healthy Communities

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February 26, 2024

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan's cross-sector collaboration involves a wide range of stakeholders who are pitching ideas and taking action on recruiting and retaining behavioral health care professionals across the region — and beyond.

Inventing the Outdoors was originally on exhibit at the Michigan History Center.

The man who opened the U.P. to the world

By Jennifer Donovan

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Arts and Culture

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February 21, 2024

Webster Marble changed how early 20th century Americans viewed the outdoors. An exhibit honoring his legacy has found a permanent home in Escanaba. “For a region that is working hard to retain and attract talent and to encourage entrepreneurs, Webster Marble reinforces the ‘can do’ U.P. attitude," says Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce,

A production of "Matilda" at the Pine Performance Center. Photo: Rachel Bonacorsi

A positive impact on art and culture in the eastern U.P.

By Ann Dallman

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General

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February 21, 2024

The Erickson Center for the Arts serves as an important cultural and education venue in western Mackinac County, drawing regional residents and tourists alike.

The campus of Northern Michigan University.

Enrollment up again at Northern Michigan University

By Brice Burge

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Development News

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February 21, 2024

"Most of the enrollment increases are coming from our graduate education and our Global Campus offerings, which are both seeing significant growth in the last year,” said Jason Nicholas, assistant provost and director for Institutional Effectiveness at Northern Michigan University.

UPHS-Bell ranked among top 100 hospitals

By Brice Burge

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Development News

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February 21, 2024

“We’re very pleased to be recognized by Chartis,” said Mitch Leckelt, chief executive officer, UPHS–Bell. “Our top goal is to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients here in the Upper Peninsula—it’s very validating to see on paper what we work so hard for in our community each and every day.”

What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties

By Sarah Spohn

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Building Communities

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February 20, 2024

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.

State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

By Rylee Barnsdale

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Healthy Communities

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February 20, 2024

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.