A student at the International Academy of Flint

Educational support programs pivoted quickly to bridge technological inequities exposed by COVID

No internet access in the home. A lack of technological equipment in general. Having to care for younger siblings while a parent works. No transportation. Those barriers to education had long existed for many Flint-area youths before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. But for many students, they suddenly became what seemed like insurmountable roadblocks when schools Continue Reading

Flint Cultural Center Academy on the Cultural Center campus

AIA-Flint Chapter annual design competition showcases the ‘excellent talent’ of local firms

Although the American Institute of Architects Flint Chapter had to hold its annual Celebration of Design Awards virtually this fall, the work that was honored will have a tangible impact on the local landscape for years to come. Five projects designed by area architects were recognized during the November awards presentation: • The Mott Community Continue Reading

Exterior shot of the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Flint

An iconic, historic building set to begin life anew as downtown Flint’s Hilton Garden Inn

“Awe.” “Appreciation.” Those are some of the responses the professionals involved with repurposing the former Genesee County Savings Bank building in downtown Flint hope to see from visitors when the long-vacant structure debuts as a Hilton Garden Inn in October. “I love working on historical buildings and the fact that we’re trying to preserve them,” Continue Reading

Downtown Swartz Creek

Grand Blanc and Swartz Creek declared ‘Redevelopment Ready’ More local communities expected to seek the MEDC certification

Ask economic developers what they expect from local units of government, and they’ll probably answer something like this: “Transparency. Predictability. Efficiency.” Thanks to the state’s Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) program, some Genesee County municipalities are achieving exactly that type of balance in their daily development activities. RRC, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., aims Continue Reading

Local companies step up to deliver essential medical supplies for frontline healthcare workers

While some Genesee County businesses were categorized as “essential” and were allowed to continue operating under the executive order Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued in March to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, at least a couple decided to become even more vital. For example, two area businesses — Fenton-based Domico Med-Device and BAJ Glass Continue Reading

A crowd of people

A ‘Complete Count’ crucial to making informed decisions for business and community leaders

Some basic math illustrates the importance of an accurate census count for Flint and Genesee County. “We cannot afford to miss anyone,” said Anthony Turner, Flint’s 2020 census coordinator. “A 10,000-person undercount is $2 billion (in federal funding) over 10 years that the city misses out on. Everybody will lose.” Indeed, the results of this Continue Reading