About Us
Westside Commercial Association (WCA) is a program of the NorthWest Initiative
(NWI), a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Mission
NWI Mission: Through community engagement and mobilization, NorthWest Initiative advances
the development of healthy, vibrant communities by building capacity to identify needs and
formulate strategies to create change. Click here to download the NWI Brochure. (PDF)
WCA Mission: creating enjoyable and prosperous business and residential areas of Lansing’s
Westside. Click here to download the WCA Program Brochure. (PDF).
History
NWI formed in the late 1990’s to address health disparities in Northwest Lansing.
A series of community summits and analysis of the root
causes of poor health in Northwest Lansing led to NWI’s
core programs which address:
Westside Commercial Association started in 2004 with a year-long study and workshops by the
MSU Landscape Architect Program. The study involved visual preference surveys amongst
residents and businesses to determine what look and feel would work best along Saginaw and
Oakland. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation of the final images. The study and additional
community input led to a set of goals and objectives and a series of committees to help
implement the findings.
In 2005, NorthWest Initiative partnered with the City of Lansing to create a program manager
position to implement the objectives.
Accomplishments
(as of September 2008)
Over the past three years, Westside Commercial Association (WCA) has facilitated nearly
$500,000 in support and resources to improve our area. This includes matching façade grants
program, the Saginaw/Oakland Corridor Analysis, and hundreds of volunteers, interns, and
professionals donating their time and talent. This figure also includes the numerous grants,
donations, and sponsorships we’ve raised to fund the Westside Summer Fest, the Westside
411, clean ups, street makeovers, flower planters, and public art projects.
In addition to these projects, WSA has advocated relentlessly for investment in public
infrastructure that will make the Saginaw Corridor more appealing for businesses, customers,
and residents. We continue to work with city and state officials to chart the course for
implementing the findings of the Corridor Analysis.
We have surveyed businesses and held community meetings each year to find out what matters
most to you. We have also promoted Lansing’s Westside as a district, by creating a brand and
logo, cooperative advertising options, and an electronic and paper newsletter.
Last fall we launched the Westside Commercial Association, which we will continue to build
through new and renewed memberships this fall and upcoming spring.
(NWI), a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Mission
NWI Mission: Through community engagement and mobilization, NorthWest Initiative advances
the development of healthy, vibrant communities by building capacity to identify needs and
formulate strategies to create change. Click here to download the NWI Brochure. (PDF)
WCA Mission: creating enjoyable and prosperous business and residential areas of Lansing’s
Westside. Click here to download the WCA Program Brochure. (PDF).
History
NWI formed in the late 1990’s to address health disparities in Northwest Lansing.
A series of community summits and analysis of the root
causes of poor health in Northwest Lansing led to NWI’s
core programs which address:
- Access to healthcare and health insurance.
- Access to fresh, healthy foods.
- Tools for creating “asset independence” and
- breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Jobs, services, and other businesses within
- walking distance of home.
- Safe neighborhoods and business areas.
- Engaging and uplifting experiences for children.
Westside Commercial Association started in 2004 with a year-long study and workshops by the
MSU Landscape Architect Program. The study involved visual preference surveys amongst
residents and businesses to determine what look and feel would work best along Saginaw and
Oakland. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation of the final images. The study and additional
community input led to a set of goals and objectives and a series of committees to help
implement the findings.
In 2005, NorthWest Initiative partnered with the City of Lansing to create a program manager
position to implement the objectives.
Accomplishments
(as of September 2008)
Over the past three years, Westside Commercial Association (WCA) has facilitated nearly
$500,000 in support and resources to improve our area. This includes matching façade grants
program, the Saginaw/Oakland Corridor Analysis, and hundreds of volunteers, interns, and
professionals donating their time and talent. This figure also includes the numerous grants,
donations, and sponsorships we’ve raised to fund the Westside Summer Fest, the Westside
411, clean ups, street makeovers, flower planters, and public art projects.
In addition to these projects, WSA has advocated relentlessly for investment in public
infrastructure that will make the Saginaw Corridor more appealing for businesses, customers,
and residents. We continue to work with city and state officials to chart the course for
implementing the findings of the Corridor Analysis.
We have surveyed businesses and held community meetings each year to find out what matters
most to you. We have also promoted Lansing’s Westside as a district, by creating a brand and
logo, cooperative advertising options, and an electronic and paper newsletter.
Last fall we launched the Westside Commercial Association, which we will continue to build
through new and renewed memberships this fall and upcoming spring.
| NorthWest Initiative - 1012 North Walnut, Lansing, MI 48906 - Phone: 517-999-2894 - Fax: 517-999-2897 |
| Westside Commercial Association Mission: To create enjoyable and prosperous business and residential areas on Lansing’s Westside. |
