Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state.
Students from four local Great Lakes Bay Region schools – including John Glenn –participated in the 12th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition at SVSU. They presented months of hard work, planning, research, and development for a chance at $77,500 in college scholarships and grants.
Fisher Companies celebrates 100 years of business, marking a century of growth, community commitment, and family legacy across Mt. Pleasant, Midland, and Bay City. Founded in 1925 by Ralph and Zelda Fisher as a small sand and gravel business, the company has grown into a diverse network of family-owned enterprises. Discover how they’re giving back to the community as part of their centennial celebration.
A new Bay City nonprofit, the Ability Social Club, fosters community and creativity for adults 21 and up. This inclusive welcoming center in Downtown Bay City is especially designed for folks living with a range of abilities.
Local foundations are vital engines of growth and development in Bay County, channeling millions of dollars into critical community initiatives. From supporting educational opportunities for students of all ages to funding the creation of parks, trails, and cultural institutions, these organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life.
IFF, a community development financial institution based in Illinois, has invested and shown a commitment to uplifting communities by providing financial support all over the state, including Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Part of IFF’s investment in Grand Rapids has been focused on the 49507 zip code, centered in a collection of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. They're working with local nonprofits including Amplify GR and LINC UP and neighborhood residents to help propel development.
Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs, and other incentives and resources aim to make the career more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.
Visitors can experience a recently renovated Bay City State Park, with new and improved parking lots, sidewalks, pedestrian signs, bus zones, electric vehicle parking spots, and an upgraded visitor center.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass aren’t the only things national fishing tournaments are reeling into the Great Lakes Bay Region. Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw also saw hundreds of people and nearly a million dollars come into the area from direct spending of participants and tourists from these annual events.
Quality child care is necessary, but not always available or affordable. The MiLEAP Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund has launched a $59 million fund to provide new and expanding home-based and center-based facilities across the state.
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