News Summary
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has initiated the Ford50 Campaign, aiming to raise $12 million to bolster its civic education program. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ford’s presidential inauguration, the campaign promotes values like cooperation, bipartisanship, and integrity, especially crucial in today’s divisive climate. With $10 million already secured, the campaign seeks community support to reach its final goal. Local developments include housing initiatives and a rebranding effort at GVSU, reflecting community engagement in addressing current challenges.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has announced the launch of its Ford50 Campaign, a significant initiative aimed at raising $12 million to enhance its civic education program. This campaign commemorates the 50th anniversary of Gerald Ford’s inauguration as President of the United States in 1974 and seeks to champion values such as cooperation, bipartisanship, civil discourse, patriotism, decency, and integrity.
The foundation underscores the urgency of teaching civility in a time marked by national divisiveness. The Ford50 Campaign specifically targets K-12 students, college-aged individuals, and lifelong learners, offering programs designed to instill the values that Ford exemplified during his presidency. To date, the campaign has successfully garnered $10 million in support, leaving $2 million still needed during the public participation phase.
Significant contributions have been received from notable families and major businesses within the community, emphasizing local support for the campaign’s goals. The need for civil conversations is particularly pertinent in the context of recent political tensions in Ottawa County, where discussions have intensified over the county commission’s leadership. Currently, there are five candidates contending to replace the ousted county administrator, John Gibbs, marking the commission’s third attempt at securing stable leadership.
Local Developments
In related community news, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) students returning to campus in Allendale are noticing evidence of a rebranding effort, as the main campus is now referred to as the “Valley Campus,” while the downtown campus will carry the name “City Campus.” This rebranding initiative aims to reshape public perception of GVSU, moving away from its previous image as a “college in the cornfield.”
On another front, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has achieved its goal of building and rehabilitating 75,000 housing units ahead of schedule. The new objective is to enhance this effort, targeting the completion of 115,000 housing units by September 2026. Governor Whitmer placed particular emphasis on the Hope Village project, a $3.5 million initiative that includes a 16-unit tiny home community managed by Mel Trotter Ministries and Next Step of West Michigan.
Employment Challenges
Despite these efforts, August saw a wave of economic uncertainty unfold across Michigan, with 640 layoffs announced by various employers in the state. Notably, TerrAscend Corp, a North American cannabis company, revealed plans to lay off 236 employees and cease operations in Michigan by the end of the month. TerrAscend operates several dispensaries across the state, including the popular Gage store located in Grand Rapids.
Community Engagement
Residents and local leaders continue to express interest in the developments affecting Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas. The engagement with programs like the Ford50 Campaign and various local initiatives reflects a community striving for unity and progress amidst the ongoing challenges of leadership, education, housing, and employment.
In conclusion, the Ford50 Campaign represents a timely effort to promote civility and civic education in the face of national divisiveness, highlighting the profound impact that Gerald Ford’s legacy continues to inspire. Engaging K-12 students, young adults, and lifelong learners, the initiative seeks to build a future grounded in the values of cooperation and integrity.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Hello Grand Rapids – $12M effort hopes to keep it civil in honor of President Ford
- Big Rapids News: And now for something different: civility unfolds
- Detroit News: Gerald Ford Presidential Foundation and Political Civility
- Wikipedia: Political Civility
- Google Search: Civic Education
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
