FIRST & 42 - Blueprints and Breakthroughs

Issue #191 | Monday, September 21

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, plans are moving forward for 71 new apartments on a former public safety training site near downtown Kalamazoo. Don’t miss the excitement tomorrow night as five Michigan startups compete for $375,000 at the PitchMI & Software Semifinal. Miller Davis is helping bring Comstock Public Schools’ new STEM Academy to life with spaces designed for hands-on learning and innovation, and Kalamazoo’s Northside is set for a $10.6 million housing expansion adding 38 apartments. Plus, join us for MIX Design Day on Thursday, October 1, for an afternoon exploring resilience, adaptability, and community with creatives from across the region.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

71 Apartments Coming to Downtown Kalamazoo

Plans are moving forward for 71 new apartments at the site of a former public safety training center near downtown Kalamazoo. Rose Phase III would include 31 studios, 28 one-bedroom apartments, and 12 two-bedroom units, with 15 units income-restricted.

PitchMI Brings $375K Competition to Kalamazoo

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Miller Davis Brings STEM Academy to Life

Learn More

Kalamazoo County

$10.6M Expansion Adds 38 Apartments

Quick Hits

● Join 400 regional leaders at the 2027 State of Economic Development on January 28 as Southwest Michigan builds on its momentum. Register ›

● The 2026 Chamber’s Choice Awards honored businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders helping strengthen Greater Kalamazoo. Winners ›

● Bronson Healthcare, Duncan Aviation, and Kalsec were named Michigan Child Care Champions for elevating child care as a workforce issue. Video ›

● Michigan communities can apply for Bridge Builders Microgrants of up to $5,000 to support collaborative, resident-led projects. Read ›

● Leadership Greater Kalamazoo applications are now open for professionals looking to grow their leadership skills and community impact. Apply ›

● 269 Fest runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, celebrating the arts, culture, innovation, and music that make downtown Kalamazoo unique. View ›

Upcoming Events

MIX Design Day 2026: Design Under Pressure

Join MIX for an interactive afternoon exploring resilience, adaptability, and community with designers and creatives from across the region.

Thursday, October 1 | 1 - 6:30 p.m.

Register

Goodwill Richland Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting @ Goodwill Richland
Thursday, September 24

Shop Local Greater Kalamazoo Workshop (Virtual)
Friday, September 25 | 9 - 11 a.m.

Street Rod Nationals North @ Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26

Texas Township Community Townhall @ Charter Township of Texas building
Thursday, October 1 | 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Black & Brown Connect Mixer (Location TBD)
Thursday, October 1 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Business Leadership Summit @ Radisson Plaza Hotel
Thursday, October 22 | 7:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

denotes Southwest Michigan First event

Jobs Board

Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives

Southwest Michigan First is hiring a Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives. This role will lead public policy and legislative efforts, strengthen key partnerships, and help advance initiatives that support the people, businesses, and communities of Southwest Michigan. Learn more and apply today.

Apply