Economic Development

Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.

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 Economic 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.

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.

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. 

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.

Trailblazing soccer leader Carrie Taylor returned to her hometown to inspire the next generation of female athletes at Flint Style Soccer’s first-ever Empowering Women in Soccer clinic.
Soccer star Carrie Taylor returns home to lead girls’ empowerment clinic in Flint

Trailblazing soccer leader Carrie Taylor returned to her hometown to inspire the next generation of female athletes at Flint Style Soccer’s first-ever Empowering Women in Soccer clinic.

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.

Flint teens ages 15 to 19 can apply for paid summer jobs during the City of Flint’s Youth Job Application Event on June 12 at the Clio Road Service Center.
City of Flint to host summer job application event for youth on June 12

Flint teens ages 15 to 19 can apply for paid summer jobs during the City of Flint’s Youth Job Application Event on Thursday, June 12, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Clio Road Service Center.

100K Ideas presents 100Karnival — a student-led fundraiser packed with games, prizes, snacks, and summer fun.
100K Ideas brings carnival fun to downtown Flint with a student-led fundraiser

100K Ideas presents 100Karnival — a student-led fundraiser packed with games, prizes, snacks, and summer fun. From dunk tanks to cotton candy, it’s your chance to support local college students while having a blast.

Rx Kids recently hit a major milestone as the program surpassed over $10 million in cash prescriptions to enrolled moms, babies, and families since launching in Flint in 2024.
Rx Kids reaches $10M milestone in fight against child poverty in Michigan

Rx Kids recently hit a major milestone as the program surpassed over $10 million in cash prescriptions to enrolled moms, babies, and families since launching in Flint in 2024.

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