Detroit Startup Week is about a month away. It is exciting to see the growth in downtown Detroit. Detroit was recently ranked the No. 4 City where Downtown is Making a Comeback. It must be an exciting time to be part of the downtown Detroit community. The city promises to be buzzing during Detroit StartupContinue reading “Detroit Startup Week Kicks off with Legal Panels: There are Legal Matters Startups Need to Know.”
Category Archives: community development
Recent Michigan House Bill Would Repeal Prohibition on Rent Control – A Response to the Affordable Housing Crisis?
On March 30, 2017 House Bill 4456 was introduced. The Bill would repeal Michigan’s prohibition on Rent Control. The Bill was presumably proposed in response to the affordable housing crisis in Michigan and all across the United States. Other local governments across the U.S. are exploring legislative avenues to address the housing crisis. According toContinue reading “Recent Michigan House Bill Would Repeal Prohibition on Rent Control – A Response to the Affordable Housing Crisis?”
Reflections from the Past-Board Chair at Mel Trotter Ministries.
On Wednesday my year-long term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mel Trotter Ministries came to an end. It truly has been my honor to serve. As I reflect on my year of service, I wanted to share a few thoughts. Who was Mel Trotter? On Tuesdays throughout the year, Mel Trotter MinistriesContinue reading “Reflections from the Past-Board Chair at Mel Trotter Ministries.”
Fintech Update: Disruption for Good. The OCC’s Remarks Yesterday to Fintech Innovators at LendIt USA in New York
Yesterday, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency gave remarks about Fintech Innovation at LendIT USA (The Worlds Biggest Show in Lending and Fintech) Conference in New York. You can read Mr. Curry’s remarks here. Mr. Curry praised the innovative Fintech Companies who “have fueled healthy competition to modernize and improve how the nation’s financial services needsContinue reading “Fintech Update: Disruption for Good. The OCC’s Remarks Yesterday to Fintech Innovators at LendIt USA in New York”
Real Estate Law and Affordable Housing Issues: Lawsuit Alleges Landlords Discriminating Against Families.
Here’s a profound truth those in the real estate industry will readily acknowledge: Owning and Managing Real Estate is challenging. I hear it from my Property Owner/Manager clients. I experience it when I am in court litigating or negotiating landlord/tenant disputes. Here’s another profound truth: In many parts of the country, including Grand Rapids, Michigan, we have anContinue reading “Real Estate Law and Affordable Housing Issues: Lawsuit Alleges Landlords Discriminating Against Families.”
Michigan Legislation Update: The Urban Food Initiative. Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores.
Two Thanksgivings ago I took my family to New York City. Even amidst the chaos of protecting my 4 young children from darting out into oncoming traffic – we absolutely loved the City. We loved the walk-ability of City life – that you could walk down a block to a grocery store and get allContinue reading “Michigan Legislation Update: The Urban Food Initiative. Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores.”
Michigan Business Law Update – Proposed Bill Aimed at Removing Barriers to Employment for Ex-Convicts
Yesterday I read an Article from the Business Bridge – Senate Considers Employer Incentives to hire ex-Prisoners. This article discusses Senate Bill 14 – introduced just recently. Check out the Bill Analysis here. The Bill would create the “Work Opportunity Act” which would install an “employer reimbursement program to provide grants to employers for hiring people whoContinue reading “Michigan Business Law Update – Proposed Bill Aimed at Removing Barriers to Employment for Ex-Convicts”
Update on Fintech, Social Entrepreneurship and Special Purpose National Bank Charters for Fintech Companies.
Last month, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency gave remarks about Special Purpose National Bank Charters for Fintech Companies. You can read Mr. Curry’s remarks here. Mr. Curry announced that the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) would move forward with considering applications from financial technology (fintech) companies to become special purpose national banks. Mr. Curry hadContinue reading “Update on Fintech, Social Entrepreneurship and Special Purpose National Bank Charters for Fintech Companies.”
A “Fierce Urgency.” Reflections on Community Development/Affordable Housing.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” –Continue reading “A “Fierce Urgency.” Reflections on Community Development/Affordable Housing.”
A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.
It is the end of 2016. I am having “big picture” thoughts as the year ends. I have a pretty nice “big picture” view out of my office window. Out of my office window from the 12th floor of 99 Monroe overlooks many ice skaters at Rosa Parks’ Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. It isContinue reading “A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 