Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

FIM's President and CEO, Rodney Lontine, sits pensively onstage inside the Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint on June 18, 2025.

The FIM expands its vision, community outreach, and creative partnerships in new season

Under the leadership of CEO Rodney Lontine, the Flint Institute of Music is undergoing a powerful transformation guided by a new strategic framework centered on accessibility, education, and community wellness.

Latest in Community Development
Maiya LeGardye is the manager of Flint Local 432 and presenter of the new show, Uptown Sounds.
Maiya LeGardye discusses ‘Uptown Sounds’ that amplifies music by local and indie artists

Flint native Maiya LeGardye discusses the inspiration behind her new radio show, Uptown Sounds, and the importance of giving independent music artists a platform to shine.

Contemporary photographer Ayana V. Jackson will lead an Artist Talk at MW Gallery in Flint on June 28, discussing her work that reimagines Black identity.
Contemporary photographer Ayana V. Jackson to speak at MW Gallery, June 28

Contemporary photographer Ayana V. Jackson will lead an Artist Talk at MW Gallery in Flint on June 28, discussing her work that deconstructs colonial-era portraiture and reimagines Black identity. 

The City of Flint is launching 'Wellness Wednesday,' a weekly initiative starting June 25, offering free health screenings, wellness resources, and expert consultations to residents. 
City of Flint launches weekly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ initiative to promote community health

The City of Flint is launching 'Wellness Wednesday,' a weekly initiative starting June 25, offering free health screenings, wellness resources, and expert consultations to residents. 

Flint-Genesee Job Corps, which serves as a beacon of hope for Flint students, is being threatened with closure by the Trump Administration.
“An oasis in the ruins”: Flint-Genesee Job Corps students brace themselves during uncertain times

The potential closure of Flint’s Job Corps has left students and community members reeling and unsure of what comes next. As legal battles unfold in federal court, Flint’s youth face a ticking clock and an uncertain future.

Now on view at the Flint Institute of Arts until Sept. 14, the ‘Beyond Survival’ exhibition features artwork by incarcerated artists in Michigan. (Artwork credit: Bryan Earle. The Dream, 2012. Pen on paper, 8 x 10 inches.)
‘Beyond Survival’ exhibit at FIA features artwork by incarcerated artists in Michigan

Now on view at the Flint Institute of Arts until Sept. 14, the ‘Beyond Survival’ exhibition features artwork by incarcerated artists in Michigan. Created in confinement with limited materials, these pieces reflect resilience, imagination, and the power of expression.

Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.
Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

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. 

Hamilton Community Health Network will host a free behavioral health talk on Friday, June 20, at the North Pointe Clinic in Flint.
Hamilton Health Network to host free behavioral health talk focused on building a healthy mindset

Hamilton Community Health Network will host a free behavioral health talk titled 'Building a Healthy Mindset' on Friday, June 20, offering practical strategies to help community members strengthen emotional and mental wellness. 

Celebrate Black excellence, community, and entrepreneurship at Flint’s Black Wall Street Festival on Saturday, June 21, at the Mays Senior & Community Center.
City of Flint to host Black Wall Street Festival, June 21

Celebrate Black excellence, community, and entrepreneurship at Flint’s Black Wall Street Festival on June 21, at the Mays Senior & Community Center. The free event will feature local vendors, live performances, food, and free community resources.

Flint artist and now community organizer G-S tha DreaM stands with his arms wide open during his closing performance at a Juneteenth festival on June 8, 2025.
G-S tha DreaM leads Civic Park’s Juneteenth with music and a mission to give

Led by local artist G-S tha DreaM, Civic Park’s Urban Renaissance Center hosted a Juneteenth event that blended high-energy performances with a mission to uplift and give back.

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