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There has been an intensified effort to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure. Certainly, you’ve noticed all of the road and bridge construction. There is much more work on being done on various kinds of infrastructure. Zach Kolodin is the state's chief infrastructure officer and the director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. He discussed the ongoing efforts with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

For more than 100 years, the Girl Scouts has worked to help turn young girls into strong, productive women. March is Women’s History Month, and the evolution of the Girl Scouts as an institution continues. JoAnna Roach is adult education and enrichment director for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She was a scout herself and now dedicates her professional life to working with girls and volunteers in what she calls “the best job in the world.” JoAnna joined WEMU's David Fair as the first guest on a month-long Women’s History Month series on "Washtenaw United."

As always, WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts executive director, Russ Collins to discuss new and returning movies. In an extended version of "Cinema Chat," they were joined by Leslie Raymond. She is executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and she provided a sneak peek at the 62nd edition of the festival that kicks off Tuesday, March 26.

Women are earning more roles in leadership positions than ever before. But we are still without equal access and opportunity. As we wrap up our Women’s History Month series on "Washtenaw United," we explore the challenges of winning and building more leadership roles for women. WEMU's David Fair talks with the President and CEO of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Dr. Darienne Hudson shares her journey to leadership as a Black woman and what hurdles she’s working to help others overcome.

Did you know that state and local governments collectively spend about $1.3 trillion each year in procurement? That’s products like furnishings, computers, vehicles and pens and staplers. Many of these products are harmful to the environment, and so now, there is a movement towards sustainable procurement policies. It turns out Ann Arbor is leading the way and being used as a model around the country. WEMU's David Fair talks sustainable procurement with Matt Naud. He was the first ever environmental coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor and is now Senior Consultant for the Ann Arbor-based Resource Recycling Systems.

For quite some time, Ypsilanti went without a brick-and-mortar art supply store. That is no longer the case. Megan Foldenauer opened Ypsi Art Supply & Atelier almost a year ago. She says she couldn’t have done it without the help and mentorship of many in the Ypsilanti small business community. Selling art products and learning about the art of community building—that’s what Megan talks about with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

Where are the arts + creative industries now, four years since the COVID pandemic devastated our lives, communities and businesses? Alison Watson, director of the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, has a view of the sector across the state. Alison joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact," and we catch up on the current state of the arts.

Learning about art can be exciting and intimidating, whether it's at the elementary level or in college. For the last two years, students from Ypsilanti International Elementary School (YIES) have been mentored by students from the University of Michigan Stamps Schools of Art and Design to develop their skills for their annual International Baccalaureate Exhibition project. YIES fifth-grade teacher Melanie Eccles has helped lead this partnership, and she talks about how it has expanded the heart and minds of both her students and the Stamps students with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

There is just one week to go before the April 15th tax deadline hits. Qualified Washtenaw County residents can access free tax preparation assistance from trained professionals. The amount of credits and refunds some are receiving are proving to be life changing. Megan Thibus from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan discusses the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Historic preservation architect and advocate Ilene Tyler has an answer. The Michigan Historic Preservation Association does too, as it honors Ilene and her Ann Arbor Old Fourth Ward Association colleagues with the 2024 Community Award for historic preservation activities that promote and protect the neighborhood. Ilene joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."