Guest blogger Cary Tyson: What is Community Development?  There are at least eleven definitions quoted in the Community Development  Handbook, the primer for Professional Community Economic Developer (PCED) exam.  They include, but are not limited to...

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Guest Blogger Dana Kollewehr: I have had the good fortune of being the Main Street Director in Grand Haven during what could arguably be considered one of the most pivotal time periods in downtown’s and the community’s history. Downtown Grand Haven is currently in the midst of a multi-million dollar infrastructure and streetscape project which will set the stage for future growth in our community. Although the project is months from completion I have learned many valuable lessons and tidbits along the way that might be useful for anyone engaged in a project like Grand Haven's.

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I’m always conscious of calling downtown redevelopment “economic development,” because it is often considered “real” economic development’s little brother. It’s cute, it makes everyone feel good, but it is usually stuck at the kid’s table when it comes to serious economic policy. It shouldn’t be. Here’s why...

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 “Original windows not only help define the architectural style of homes and buildings that matter, they are an integral part of the character of the neighborhoods and downtowns that we all love. Take a moment today to share some window love with the world, be it for your house, a gem down the block, or a find on your favorite Main Street.” 

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.... One sentence from one essay from this one book helped me define the answer to the question most asked of us Michigan staff: how do you get resistors on-board with Main Street? In short, you don’t. The decision is up to them. It all comes down to a bottle of champagne.

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