Urban Core Collective

10/15/2026

Want to participate in our elections beyond casting your own ballot?

Michigan allows members of the public to participate as poll watchers or election challengers, who observe election activities under specific rules.

Poll watchers and challengers have different roles and responsibilities, so take some time to learn what each role involves before signing up.

Learn more about becoming involved in Michigan elections:

michigan.gov/sos/elections/pollworker

Your participation can be part of making election processes visible and accountable!

10/14/2026

PEPPA wants to hear from parents and caregivers across our community! We have four community surveys focused on the issues that impact families, students, and our schools.

Choose the survey that speaks to your experiences:

🖤 Black Parent & Caregiver Priorities Survey
🎓 Special Education (Education & Special Needs) Survey
🏫 School Boards, Budgets & Education Survey
🤝 Family Engagement & Community Outreach Survey

Take a survey today: https://urbancorecollective.org/peppa

Your voice is part of our collective voice and what we hear will help PEPPA identify the issues our community wants to see addressed.

The results of the surveys will be shared at the Fall Fest: PEPPA Town Hall! We'll come together to hear what families are saying, identify our top priorities, and begin planning how we can take action.
RSVP today: https://forms.gle/Sdn8UDDigAJyJFT1A

10/06/2026

PEPPA is bringing families together for a special Fall Fest Town Hall at the MLK Park Community Center!
Register today:https://forms.gle/SVzhnN98UFcF8HRi9

The whole family is invited for a trick-or-treat-style event where you can explore community resource tables and participate as we reveal what our community surveys have uncovered. Together, we'll identify the issues that matter most to our families and make a plan for the change we want to see in our children's education.

Have you completed a PEPPA Community Survey? Make sure your voice is included!

Surveys can be found here: https://urbancorecollective.org/peppa

10/01/2026

"Today, many people are concerned about data centers because of the threat they pose to our water, our ability to make choices about our communities, and our democracy. People are also worried about their electric bills continuing to rise even as they cut back on energy use, buy more efficient appliances, and switch to LED lightbulbs. But there’s a process that could have a huge impact on both data centers and our electric bills that many people aren't talking about: the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). An IRP is a long-term plan for how an electric utility will provide energy to its customers in the future..."

Read more in our blog: https://urbancorecollective.org/post/irp-101

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

📣 Parents and Caregivers: What matters most to YOUR family?

From our children's classrooms to the resources families need to thrive, your experiences matter. PEPPA is gathering community voices to identify the issues impacting our families and help shape the change we want to see!

First, take the PEPPA surveys and make your voice count! We will be discussing the topics that matter most to you at our upcoming Town Hall.

https://urbancorecollective.org/peppa

Then join us for the Fall Fest: PEPPA Town Hall at MLK Lodge, where we'll share the survey results, connect with families, and turn our collective voice into action.
Save the date and register today: https://forms.gle/SVzhnN98UFcF8HRi9

09/28/2026

A few hundred votes can shape the future of a city.
As millions of people vote in November elections, far fewer participate in primary elections where many important local races are decided.

The people elected to local offices help make decisions about:

🏠 Housing and development
🏫 Schools and education
🚌 Transportation and infrastructure
💰 Public spending and city budgets
🌳 Parks and community resources

If you've ever wondered whether your vote makes a difference, this workshop is for you.

Join us for What's on the Ballot? to learn who's on your ballot, what these offices do, and how local elections shape everyday life in Grand Rapids and Kent County.

Register today: https://actionnetwork.org/events/whats-on-the-ballot-2

09/22/2026

Many of us care deeply about our communities, but aren't always sure who's making key decisions about schools, transportation, housing, public safety, and local budgets.

That's exactly why we're hosting What's on the Ballot?

This workshop will help you connect the issues you care about to the offices and elections that shape them.

Join us on Monday, October 5 at the UCC office from 6-8pm.

Register today: https://actionnetwork.org/events/whats-on-the-ballot-2

09/17/2026

What is canvassing?

You may have seen our canvassers out in the community and wondered what they’re up to. Canvassing is the practice of talking with community members, listening to what matters to them, and sharing information about important issues and opportunities to make the community heard.

With November’s election coming up, our canvassers will be out connecting with neighbors across the community about important issues that will be on the ballot. 🗳️

So, if you see one of our canvassers at your door or out in the community, don’t be afraid to say hello! Take a few minutes to talk, ask questions, share what matters to you, and learn more about what’s on the ballot!

09/16/2026

Join us for What's on the Ballot?, an interactive workshop designed to help community members understand the offices, candidates, and issues they'll see on their ballot this election season.

Whether you're a first-time voter or simply want to be more informed, this workshop will help you understand how government works and how your vote can create change.

✅ Learn what local, state, and federal offices actually do
✅ Understand why local elections matter
✅ Build confidence before Election Day

Register today: https://actionnetwork.org/events/whats-on-the-ballot-2