Economic Development

Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.

An 826michigan writing tutoring session at Beezy's in Ypsilanti in 2013.

Nonprofit 826michigan moves to Ypsi with plans to create 25,000 new writers by 2030

After two decades of nurturing young writers from a whimsical robot shop in Ann Arbor, the nonprofit 826michigan is relocating its headquarters to Ypsilanti in a move aimed at deepening impact and expanding access to literacy education.

Latest in 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.  

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.

Skyline High School's Environmental Sustainability Club.
What happens to AAPS’ recyclables? Students take action to counter an old rumor

Ann Arbor Public Schools students have likely heard that the district doesn't recycle. While this may hold true to a certain extent, there might be more behind the issue than they realize. Student writer Anna Birchok digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth program.

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.

Alijah Braatz is a student in Washtenaw Community College's automotive CTE program.
WCC offers high school students opportunity to try future careers firsthand through CTE programs

Washtenaw County students can pursue career prospects in career and technical education programs available through Washtenaw Community College.

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.  

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