Give a gift to the Journalism Collaborative to keep our community informed!
Give a gift to the Journalism Collaborative to keep our community informed!
The Equitable Community Development Project is a solutions-oriented journalism initiative covering community development and quality of life issues in Southwest Michigan, created by the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative.
Our reporting focuses on Southwest Michigan organizations, projects, and developments that promote equity, particularly in community development efforts that build neighborhood assets and create healthy places where residents can achieve their best health and well-being.
To Southwest Michigan community members about what assets are needed in the realm of community development that will improve their quality of life
About how we can create more equitable community development processes and about what is working to boost equity
On effective approaches to community development that create an equitable playing field for all community members
Current decision-making processes lack inclusivity, often excluding marginalized voices—such as people of color, youth, seniors, and grassroots organizations—from key discussions.
Barriers to engagement, including limited access to technology and transparent conversations, further prevent true community participation.
Systemic and structural challenges, such as bureaucratic red tape and a lack of resources for entrepreneurs of color, hinder progress toward equitable development.
Lack of awareness exists around the role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in the development of neighborhoods and overall economic vitality of a community.
Community Promise Federal Credit Union, a tiny but mighty credit union in the Edison Neighborhood, is determined to bring essential banking and financial services to an underserved neighborhood and beyond.
Created by Public Media Network.
An in-depth conversation with Gwendolyn Hooker, the CEO and Founder of Hope Thru Navigation, and the developer of Tiny Houses of Hope. The three tiny houses on the corner of North and Westnedge Ave., are the first of 24 tiny houses hoping to provide housing for people with few to no options to ever have a home.
Created by Public Media Network.
SWMJC hosted a panel of Southwest Michigan housing leaders and local journalists who cover housing focused on the affordable housing conundrum, answering questions about what we can do next to solve the housing affordability crisis.
Created by Public Media Network.
