Leadership Projects
At the Community Foundation, we’re not waiting for change to happen. We’re leading it. Our Leadership Projects reflect our commitment to transforming vision into action - turning overlooked spaces into vibrant places, and moving from ideas to impact.
Over the years we have listened closely to our region. Through community listening tours and focused board sessions, we identified what matters most: strong public spaces, equitable opportunity, and a riverfront that pulses with life. Those insights shape the work you’ll see here.
Projects like Rotary Park and Play Michigan! led the way in creating accessible, vibrant spaces in 2019 and 2023. And with the completion of Fish Ladder Music Park, we are ready to fully activate the riverfront and open the doors to new possibilities.
Our approach is simple and bold:
- Move quickly: we take on projects that aren’t just talked about, they’re built.
- Fill the gap: we step in where momentum stalls and bring resources, capacity, and vision.
- Anchor community: every project is grounded in inclusivity, access, and local identity.
- Elevate economy: good public spaces build pride, attract talent, and strengthen this region for everyone.
- Invest for impact: We use financial tools and innovative funding strategies, including Local Impact Investing, to support projects that strengthen our community while generating measurable returns.
If you’re curious about how it all fits together, or want to join in the next chapter of our work, reach out our President & CEO, Laurie Baumer, at (517) 281-9054 or lbaumer@ourcommunity.org.
Placemaking is a collective community vision and process of reimagining public spaces (such as neighborhoods, downtowns, waterfronts, parks, plazas, markets, etc.) and the arts and activities that create culture and a social environment.
Leading and Collaborating for Impact
We believe a strong economy benefits everyone, especially those facing the greatest challenges. When our region thrives, all residents have more opportunities to succeed.
Economic development is about more than jobs. It’s about creating places where people want to live, work, and stay. Talented individuals and businesses are drawn to cities with vibrant downtowns, welcoming public spaces, and rich cultural and artistic life. Thoughtful placemaking is a proven strategy that delivers a “multiplier effect,” boosting the local economy by attracting people, employers, and new opportunities.
Our Current Placemaking Focus
We take the lead on projects that need attention and where others are not yet active, and we collaborate on existing projects where we can help address gaps or overcome challenges.
Our focus is the region’s urban core, including the Michigan Avenue corridor from the Capitol to Abbot Road, extending a quarter mile north and south of the avenue, and encompassing the downtown riverfront.
