Issue Media Group

??In our March newsletter, we're doubling down on inclusion. And we're here to uplift the boldness, creativity, and strength in your community or field—reach out to learn how we can work together.?? As we look toward the changing of seasons, we know that some things remain constant. At Issue Media Group, one thing that never changes is our commitment to reporting on the voices, people, and work that are too often sidelined or unrecognized. This has always been part of our DNA. IMG was created and grown out of the need to tell different stories than those that typically dominate media. Who’s working behind the scenes to make life better in their community? Which efforts have quietly been laying the groundwork for a brighter future? And when we shed light on those unsung, amazing things all around us, might that help move us all forward? Twenty years after our founding, we remain steadfast in our belief that the answer is a resounding yes. Especially when it?feels?like things are standing still or even moving backward, it’s critical that we take the time to see the possibility around us. To see how people are helping each other, living their values, and opening doors we didn’t know were even there. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing stories about some of those hidden doors. Specifically, we’re sharing stories about how efforts aimed at helping a small group of people have the potential to make life better for all of us. The richness of diversity and the importance of inclusion seem to be up for debate right now. They shouldn’t be. We see every day through our journalism that when communities strive to become more accessible and more welcoming, it creates more opportunity for everyone. The stories in this month's newsletter bring that point home. And we will keep telling them, through every season. Read more and check out the stories: https://shorturl.at/yanQF

??? Stormwater infrastructure ?? Urban agriculture ?? EV fleets These are just a few strategies outlined in Sterling Heights' climate action plan. Cities have long been critical leaders on combatting climate change and improving climate resilience, and Michigan's fourth-largest city is taking bold steps to become carbon neutral by 2050: https://shorturl.at/6vZ8P Our Partner City program ensures reporting on community stories of forward momentum and progress—stories that might otherwise go untold. Get in touch to talk about how we can help bring your city's story to new audiences. ???

??♀? ??? Did you know only 14% of the construction workforce are women? To build the workforce—and the communities—of the future, we'll need to grow that number. At the Build Like a Girl event in Midland, girls in grades 5-12 heard firsthand from women in male-dominated fields, practiced hands-on skills like bricklaying, and learned about the breadth of careers in construction from skilled trades to architecture. Read more in Catalyst: https://shorturl.at/rmNDE

So far, 2025 certainly has been … uncertain, hasn’t it? The new presidential administration has brought swift and sweeping changes. And already we see communities responding: Local leaders try to understand the impacts on their residents and their budgets; institutions look to provide stability in areas where the future feels in flux; people seek information and clarity from all kinds of media. In this moment, there are so many issues requiring diligent, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented coverage. While we deeply value the many national news outlets that will keep us up to date on the latest breaking news and policy analysis, IMG publications have a different role. Our journalism illuminates real people doing important work and helps move communities forward. As the landscape shifts in coming months, Issue Media Group will continue reporting on critical challenges, persistent and emerging,?and?the people working tirelessly to solve them. We’ll also continue to share stories of community, connection, and compassion—stories with the potential to unite people around shared values, goals, and love for their communities. In this month's newsletter, you'll see stories that exemplify our DNA: They’re community-driven and solutions-oriented. They offer a human-centered and place-based lens for understanding the world we live in, even amidst the uncertainty we face. If your neighborhood, town, or issue could benefit from our approach, reach out to see how we might partner. Read more: https://shorturl.at/FSpgq

Green-collar job opportunities are growing, and green skills are in high demand—does Michigan have enough qualified professionals to meet the need? SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers is helping ensure that it does. Their EcoCorps program offers people the chance to explore careers in areas like environmental restoration, forestry, solar & electrification, invasive species management, and more. Read more in this week's Rural Innovation Exchange: https://shorturl.at/8nm1Q

Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized Tribes and more than 240,000 Native Americans or Alaska Native residents. Those communities will now have an official seat at the policymaking table: Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation. Our coverage highlights what this means, including: ?? A point of contact for Tribes to keep the legislature informed about Tribal issues ?? Official consultation of Tribal considerations on issues like land, water, wildlife, and economic development ?? Training for legislators and their staff on Michigan's Tribes, their history, and how to work with the new office ?? An important recognition of Tribal sovereignty and the importance of Tribal voices in policymaking ?? The chance to encourage more Tribal citizens to run for elected office in Michigan Read more:

"Depressed." "Disappointed." "Embarrassed." "Insecure." These are just a few of the words that four Detroiters use to describe how they felt while experiencing homelessness. They recall feeling stereotyped, judged, forgotten, and forced to rely on their own determination rather than protected by a social safety net. Read more in our two-part series on homelessness in Detroit: What is it like to be homeless in Detroit? https://shorturl.at/xi661 What would it take to end homelessness in Detroit? https://shorturl.at/YWn8S This work is made possible with support from our partners, the Detroit (Region O) Regional Housing Partnership and the McGregor Fund.

Our journalism has an impact on the communities we serve—real game-changing, move-the-needle effects. Money raised for a nonprofit, volunteers coming forward, public support for a cause: this is impact for us at Issue Media Group, where our mission is to do vital journalism that moves communities forward. Read more in our January newsletter:

Where can you 3D print a prototype, get your stand mixer fixed, see a live tortoise, and even rent local art to display in your home? The library! Across Michigan, rural libraries have transformed into vibrant community hubs, offering residents access to a wide range of services, cultural experiences, and much more. Read all about it in this week's UPword:

From Model D Media's Resilient Neighborhoods series, read how FORCE Detroit uses community safety and healing to reduce violence—and is achieving incredible results.