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Articles by Jaishree Drepaul
Placemaking Archives - Common Ground
Detroit Housing for the Future Fund returns to drive affordable housing, stable neighborhoods Latest in Placemaking From Pews to Pints: Why some rural Michigan churches are reopening as breweries The desire to keep existing churches and historical buildings intact has motivated and inspired a number of Michigan’s 400 licensed brewery owners.
Mental health crisis care without an ER wait
Amarae Sisson, left, and Kristen Andrews are community health workers at Summit Pointe First Step Urgent Care. For some Michiganders seeking mental health assistance, the road to accessing care can be long, winding, and, sometimes, with service gaps along the route. Recognizing this, experts across the state are finding ways to make things easier.
substance use disorder Archives – Common Ground
LifeWays: In Jackson and Hillsdale counties, the road to recovery starts here Latest in substance use disorder Community mental health’s unsung heroes: Ashley Gibson, recovery coach Gibson’s journey from inmate to recovering addict to recovery coach gives her a unique perspective. OPEN Warmline will help Michiganders with opioid use disorder access vital medication Connecting Michiganders with buprenorphine will address the state's 12,800 fatal overdoses since 2020.
LifeWays: In Jackson and Hillsdale counties, the road to recovery starts here
LifeWays has two taglines: “Help Begins Here” and “Hope Begins Here.” For Katelynn Miller, working with a genuine group of people to help clients improve their lives is one of the best things about her job. As the outpatient and SUD supervisor at LifeWays — a CMH and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with locations in Hillsdale and Jackson — she’s proud of the life-changing services offered. “I get the privilege of being able to work with some talented therapists.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic
LifeWays: In Jackson and Hillsdale counties, the road to recovery starts here Like many Michigan Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and community mental health agencies, LifeWays supports people in recovery.
Development Archives - Common Ground
Latest in Development How real estate developers are using predevelopment assistance to revitalize communities Predevelopment assistance provides local real estate entrepreneurs with a pathway to community investment and growth. Michigan Municipal League collaborates, educates, and advocates for the state’s communities Michigan Municipal League shares innovative programs, fosters collaborations, and connects communities with resources.
Block by Block Archives – Common Ground
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs How real estate developers are using predevelopment assistance to revitalize communities Predevelopment assistance provides local real estate entrepreneurs with a pathway to community investment and growth.
Environment Archives - Common Ground
Michigan city to achieve ambitious goals through sustainability energy utility Latest in Environment How one community plans to permanently preserve drinking water supply The Bluebelt program is designed to permanently protect properties that are vital for safeguarding Ann Arbor’s drinking water supply.
From Vacant Lots to Vibrant Buildings: How Real Estate Developers are Using Predevelopment Assistance to Revitalize Communities – Model D
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Maybe it’s a boarded-up factory, a neglected brownfield, a long-vacant downtown storefront, or the empty upper stories above a once-busy shop — in every Michigan city and town, there are buildings and lots people walk by, picturing what it could become.
Michigan Communities Tackle Housing Crisis with Zoning Reform and Collaboration
Courtesy photo. – Joel Arnold, planning and advocacy manager for Communities First, Inc. underscores the need for zoning reform across Michigan. Photo by Doug Coombe. – Leah DuMouchel, director of programs and communications, Michigan Association of Planning, says that the wider potential of zoning maps is worth exploring. Photo by Doug Coombe. – Andrea Brown, executive director, Michigan Association of Planning, notes historic attention from lawmakers.
CTE classes offer career experience in Washtenaw County high schools. Here's how to sign up for them
This article is part of Concentrate's Voices of Youth series, which features stories written by Washtenaw County youth with guidance from Concentrate staff mentors, as well as adult-written stories spotlighting local youth perspective. This story by adult writer Jaishree Drepaul highlights career and technical education enrollment opportunities in Washtenaw County.
Ann Arbor tech festival a2tech360 returns for 10th year
Ann Arbor SPARK is bringing back its signature event, a2Tech360, for a 10th year. The annual, family-friendly celebration of local tech innovation and the talent driving it takes place Sept. 24-Oct. 3. “It’s been fun to talk with the folks that were involved from the beginning and sort of look back at the different events and see how much it has evolved," says Jennifer Hayman, senior vice president of marketing, communications, and events for Ann Arbor SPARK.
Miss Kim owner opens new Ann Arbor restaurant focused on vegetarian Asian food and affordable prices
Little Kim, the latest dining venture from the team behind Ann Arbor Korean restaurant Miss Kim, has opened its doors at 407 N. Fifth Ave. in Ann Arbor. Featuring fresh and flexible vegetarian-focused fare in a welcoming, casual setting, the new restaurant is a fun and easy way to experience the talents of a five-time James Beard Award-nominated chef.
Ann Arbor pickleball facility wins statewide energy efficiency award
Christie Howden, CEO and co-founder of Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor, has won the 2025 Energy Champion award from the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). The award honors Howden for making environmentally conscious choices during the building of her 39,000-square-foot pickleball facility. "It was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t realize I was doing anything extraordinary. I was just doing my thing," Howden says.
U-M library digitizes a century of Michigan postcards, from 1840s on
The University of Michigan's (U-M) William L. Clements Library has transformed 150 boxes of postcards from the David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography into a new, searchable digital database. 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.
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. "We created the Tariff Resource Center as a practical, responsive tool for our business community. Companies told us they were feeling squeezed by rising costs, shipping delays, and unclear policy changes," says Melissa Sheldon, SPARK's director of research and development.
New documentary examines Ann Arbor's history of disability rights advocacy
Director Zach Damon says his film, "Resilience Revealed: Ann Arbor’s Disability Legacy," is for "anyone who wants hope." "If you need hope, or a reason to be inspired about your community and where you're living, and if you need a film that can help you become resilient in your own life, this is it," Damon says.
Self-driving truck company opens $5.6 million Ann Arbor Twp. facility, creating 500 local jobs
TORC Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a leader in autonomous truck technology, has announced the opening of a new facility in Ann Arbor Township. Backed by a $3 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the company will invest $5.6 million into the expansion. This development will also result in the creation of up to 500 high-paying jobs. "This announcement is just the beginning and there’s still a lot of work ahead.
CTE millage to go before Washtenaw County voters as CTE program demand increases
The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Board of Education is placing a career technical education (CTE) millage proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot in Washtenaw County. This millage, if approved, would levy one mill over a decade to support CTE programs from preschool through high school.
Ann Arbor SPARK, WCC celebrate first Michigan grads of manufacturing education program
Five students have made history as Michigan's first graduates of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. The national program trains advanced manufacturing technicians by combining classroom learning with paid experience at a sponsoring employer. With support from Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor SPARK, and other members of the FAME Mitten Chapter, the inaugural cohort is leaving the program with two years of work experience, degrees, and job offers.
U-M works to preserve and disseminate education data as feds pull funding for its collection
As Americans continue to digest cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) are striving to maintain and widen access to education data critical to informing public policy. "I think the big thing is that there's just a whole lot of uncertainty around what type of research the federal government will support and enable through their data collection," says Kevin Stange, co-director of U-M’s Education Policy Initiative.
Study finds union training programs bring millions to Washtenaw County economy
Destination Ann Arbor has announced results of a recent study showing that three major national union training programs hosted in Washtenaw County injected $23 million into the local economy last year. "This is really encouraging news for our local economy, because each summer, Washtenaw County becomes a national destination for skilled trades training," says Chad Wiebesick, Destination Ann Arbor's director of media relations.
Ann Arbor's Broadway Park West development receives $1 million grant for public pavilion
The nonprofit Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy was recently awarded a $1 million grant to support the largest brownfield redevelopment in Washtenaw County’s history, Broadway Park West in Ann Arbor. The grant came from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking program (RAP).
Ann Arbor SPARK annual meeting highlights economic development wins and climate change threats
Nearly 400 people attended Ann Arbor SPARK's Annual Meeting and Regional Economic Forum on May 21 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center. The event showcased SPARK's achievements in fostering economic growth and innovation in Washtenaw County, while its keynote speaker discussed climate change's potential impact on the county's economy.
From champion carpenter to apparel entrepreneur, Washtenaw CTE students are "powerhouse" achievers
This article is part of Concentrate's Voices of Youth series, which features stories written by Washtenaw County youth with guidance from Concentrate staff mentors, as well as adult-written stories spotlighting local youth perspective. In this installment, adult writer Jaishree Drepaul talks to three local career and technical education (CTE) students about their professional achievements. In Washtenaw County, more youth are discovering the power of career and technical education (CTE) programs.
U-M leads in national effort to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding
Spurred by China's current dominance in shipbuilding and America's reliance on foreign shipyards, the United States government is taking measures to revitalize the country's maritime power. Doing so will require research, strategic investments to address a shipbuilding skills gap, and international collaboration.
U-M leads in national effort to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding
Spurred by China's current dominance in shipbuilding and America's reliance on foreign shipyards, the United States government is taking measures to revitalize the country's maritime power. Doing so will require research, strategic investments to address a shipbuilding skills gap, and international collaboration.
Report finds $226 million economic impact in Ann Arbor from 2024 U-M football season
A new report released by Destination Ann Arbor underscores the vital role that University of Michigan (U-M) football plays in Washtenaw County's economy. The study reports that 2024-2025 U-M football home games generated $226.7 million in direct visitor spending from attendees residing outside Washtenaw County. Each home game contributed approximately $28 million in direct visitor spending.
Annual report finds "headwinds" for Washtenaw County's economic outlook
The 40th annual Washtenaw County Economic Outlook report, commissioned by Washtenaw Community College (WCC), found that the county will face significant economic headwinds over the next few years. The report was presented to a crowd of 200 on April 24 during the President's Leadership Recognition Luncheon at WCC. Economists Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich and Donald Grimes of the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics co-authored the report and shared the findings.
Nonprofit to implement action plan for child care crisis in Washtenaw County
The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Child Care Network has been chosen to lead Michigan’s Regional Child Care Coalitions for Washtenaw County and several other Michigan counties. As a result, Child Care Network staff are now able to act on important strategies outlined in the Livingston and Washtenaw Child Care Coalition's regional action plan.
Apprenticeship fair offers paid, on-the-job training opportunities in Washtenaw County
A collaborative of 10 Washtenaw County organizations will host its second annual Apprenticeship Fair on May 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Ypsilanti Community High School. The event is designed to connect job seekers interested in hands-on skills and professional experience with local employers. Attendees can expect to learn about apprenticeship programs providing professionally supervised, paid, on-the-job training.
Michigan Folk School builds community by passing on knowledge of traditional skills
Across the nation, facilities known as folk schools are hosting educational programming to keep hands-on skills like blacksmithing, weaving, and woodcarving alive. Over 100 folk schools exist in America, typically in smaller Midwest towns and rural areas. Washtenaw County residents only need go as far as the Michigan Folk School in Superior Township's Staebler Farm County Park to experience the importance of old traditions in the rapidly changing modern world.
Ann Arbor launches new concierge service for residents considering heat pumps
The Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations has announced the launch of A2ZERO Heat Pump Concierge, a free online tool that provides customized options for residents to switch from gas furnaces to electric heat pumps. Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to warm or cool a house by transferring, rather than generating, heat. Created in collaboration with Pearl Edison, residents can type in their home's details to get a list of heat pump system design options.
Ann Arbor SPARK returns to promote Michigan's startup opportunities at SXSW conference
Continuing a commitment to elevate Michigan as a nationwide leader in mobility, manufacturing, and entrepreneurial innovation, Ann Arbor SPARK returned to the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, this year. The organization co-sponsored Michigan Day at the conference's Midwest House on March 11. Michigan Day spotlighted Michigan's startup funding strategies and influence in hardtech (solutions that combine hardware and software) and advanced air mobility.
U-M joins new OpenAI initiative to advance AI research and education
The University of Michigan (U-M) has joined NextGenAI, a $50 million initiative designed to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. NextGenAI was recently founded by OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT. U-M's participation has the potential to strengthen the university's AI resources and boost its ability to conduct groundbreaking AI research.
WCC to host forum on pursuing artistic careers
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will host a free forum that aims to inspire and educate anyone interested in creative entrepreneurship, career-building strategies, and networking. The event, titled "Building an Artistic Life: Arts Career Forum 2025," will take place on March 21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the college's Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. in Ann Arbor Township. It's presented by WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center and Arts Management Certificate Program.
Ann Arbor software consultancy's new office reflects major growth over a decade-plus
Custom software design and development consultancy Atomic Object has seen major growth since its Ann Arbor office opened in 2013. At that time, the Ann Arbor office was one of two locations for the Grand Rapids-founded company, and it brought just four staff to Ann Arbor. Twelve years later, the company has 45 Ann Arbor staff who have created over 90 custom software products – so they needed a bigger space.
Small business 101: How to craft a smart exit strategy for your business
This story is part of a series about financial literacy for small businesses in the Ypsilanti area. It is made possible by University Bank. Sassa Akervall, co-founder of Saline-based Akervall Technologies, says the start of her business was the "American dream story." She moved from Sweden in 2000 with her otolaryngologist husband, Jan Akervall, and two young children.
Washtenaw County advocates work to end the "invisible" problem of human trafficking
Ann Arbor-based psychologist Lori Lichtman remembers being "horrified" 10 years ago when she found out that human trafficking is a serious problem in Washtenaw County. Today, Lichtman is one of many county residents working to raise awareness of the ongoing issue. "I was shocked to discover it was happening in local communities," she says.
Ann Arbor SPARK launches free tool offering local data and insights for entrepreneurs
Ann Arbor SPARK has announced the launch of a free software platform offering entrepreneurs data-driven insights on local competitors, marketing strategies, potential partners, economic trends, and more. The platform, called SizeUp SPARK powered by Bank of Ann Arbor, is available on SPARK's website. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy here locally, and this tool will help them stay competitive," says Melissa Sheldon, director of research for Ann Arbor SPARK.
Ann Arbor's Library Lane could see new library, housing under proposal from city and library
The city of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) are collaborating on a joint vision for the surface of the Library Lane Parking Structure. The news comes after several discussions between City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. and AADL Director Eli Neiburger, which yielded a draft framework for the site. "I'm really excited that we have been able to sit down together as two institutions and work on a resolution that will be a win for the total community," Dohoney says.
Young business owners ages 10-24 can get grant money through this Ann Arbor foundation
Through March 15, business-minded young Michiganders ages 10-24 are invited to apply to MI-IMPACT Foundation's second annual Kidpreneur! Grant program. The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit, which is dedicated to leading simple, sustainable projects and programs that impact Michigan youth, will award grants in varying amounts up to $50,000. The program's mission is to help recipients start or grow a business, or supply a service that they feel is valuable to their community.
U-M researchers develop cheaper, easier method to make seawater safe to drink
Engineers at the University of Michigan (U-M) and Houston-based Rice University have developed technology that makes it easier and cheaper to render seawater safe to drink. The technology efficiently removes boron, a natural component of seawater that exists as boric acid, from water without using costly chemicals. Boron becomes a toxic contaminant in drinking water if it gets past conventional filters for removing salts.
WCC's STEAM Week offers scholarships, resources for students considering STEAM careers
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is inviting high students and all community members to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) careers during its STEAM Week on Feb. 25-27. "STEAM Week has been a way that we give back to a community that has so richly supported us," says Susan Dentel, WCC's STEM Scholars faculty leader.
Ann Arbor announces discounts and rebates for electric lawn care gear
The city of Ann Arbor recently announced new discounts and rebates for electric leaf blowers and other electric lawn care equipment. The discounts and rebates will be available from March 1 to May 31 through two new programs. The goal is to help lower the cost of transitioning from gas to electric lawn care equipment in accordance with a new Ann Arbor ordinance that will prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers in 2028.
Small business 101: How to use e-commerce to help your business succeed
This story is part of a series about financial literacy for small businesses in the Ypsilanti area. It is made possible by University Bank. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small business owners realized selling online was not only good business, but necessary business. Today, although COVID-19 grows smaller in the rearview mirror, keeping in tune with e-commerce opportunities is still a valuable avenue to success.
Kids invited to build and test toy vehicles in traveling exhibit at Ann Arbor museum
From now until April, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is welcoming visitors of all ages to a new traveling exhibit called Mobilab. Mobilab invites participants to put together toy vehicles and then test their creations against fun challenges. "I think it's going to be a hot commodity," says Ari Morris, the museum's director of exhibits and technology.
Small business 101: 7 guiding principles to help your business succeed
This story is part of a series about financial literacy for small businesses in the Ypsilanti area. It is made possible by University Bank. For many entrepreneurs, having strong guiding principles for a business goes hand-in-hand with success. These measures are often invaluable when it comes to assessing a company's performance, identifying potential problems, making informed decisions, and setting future goals.
Suicide prevention nonprofit receives county millage funds as it builds Superior Township campus
This article is part of a series about mental health in Washtenaw County. It is made possible with funding from Washtenaw County's Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage. Ann Arbor-based suicide prevention nonprofit Garrett’s Space has been selected to receive $373,306 from the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage.
Ann Arbor nonprofit champions youth arts education, plans lantern walk at Leslie Science Center
Art's power to transform young lives is something that Kaila Piepkow says she could never get tired talking about. It's a phenomenon she's witnessed countless times as director of operations at Doodles Academy, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit championing access to high-quality holistic arts education for kids in grades K-5. "Art is a critical tool for learning, expression, and emotional development that every child needs," she says.
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