Economic Development

Julie Molenda

SBAM Nurture Benefits program enhances compensation for child care providers

The Small Business Association of Michigan Nurture Benefits will expand access to health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings for Michigan's child care providers.  

Latest in Economic Development
A pickleball game at Wolverine Pickleball.
Ann Arbor pickleball facility wins statewide energy efficiency award

The award honors Wolverine Pickleball CEO and co-founder Christie Howden for making environmentally conscious choices during the building of her 39,000-square-foot pickleball facility.

A "bag tree" of cloth bags for people to borrow at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market is one example of how Ypsi businesses and organizations are already encouraging plastic-free living.
Event challenges Ypsi residents to use no plastic for 5 days

Ypsilanti residents and businesses are invited to participate in the five-day Ypsi Plastic-Free July Challenge, sponsored by Ann Arbor nonprofit ZeroWaste.Org, July 28-Aug. 1.

A postcard from the early 1900s depicting a dairy wagon owned by the Ann Arbor- and Pittsfield Township-based McCalla family. It is one of thousands of postcards to be digitized in a new database.
U-M library digitizes a century of Michigan postcards, from 1840s on

Featuring locations across the state and dating from the 1840s to the mid-20th century, the 66,470 postcards document personal family moments, local news events, towns that no longer exist, and social changes.

A graphic for the Tariff Resource Center website.
Online resource center offers help for Washtenaw County businesses struggling with tariff impacts

In an effort to support Washtenaw County companies impacted by tariffs, Ann Arbor SPARK has created the Tariff Resource Center, a website offering policy updates and tools to help businesses navigate an uncertain situation.

Mohammed Shawls and Dawn Kotcher participating in the Summer Challenge at YDL's Michigan Avenue branch.
Ypsi library offers social services, Summer Challenge, youth performance opportunity this summer

From the eighth annual Summer Challenge to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, the Ypsilanti District Library offers a full slate of free programming.

Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.
Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  

Bhakti Javiya is an AmeriCorps VISTA economic empowerment associate at Jewish Family Services in Ann Arbor.
AmeriCorps cuts would pose major threat to Washtenaw County nonprofits

From grandparents to low-income children, residents across Washtenaw County are being impacted by recent changes to federal AmeriCorps funding.

Rowers at the inaugural RowFest.
Free beginner rowing lessons offered in Ypsi Township in advance of national rowing championship

Two free rowing classes will be offered to the public as part of RowFest 2025, a national rowing championship coming to Ford Lake in Ypsilanti Township this year.

Kaysi Hohner in welding class at Saline High School.
Diversity in skilled trades: Women find rewarding work in traditionally male-dominated fields

In the latest installment of our Voices of Youth series, student writer Lillian Gentry interviews female students and adults about their experiences in skilled trades.

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