NYT praises Grand Rapids' focus on food

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An article in the New York Times touts Grand Rapids' focus on food for growth of the city.

The article appeared in the newspaper on Tuesday and points to Grand Rapids' vibrant restaurants, locally brewed beers, talented chefs and the soon-to-be Downtown Market as reasons for growth.

The New York Times article also cited the philanthropy in West Michigan for the major accomplishments in recent years.

"Few small cities, and possibly none in the industrial Midwest, have been nearly as successful. One reason is the distinctive partnerships formed between this city’s redevelopment agencies and wealthy industrialists and philanthropists. Hundreds of millions of private dollars have been raised here to build a downtown that encourages entrepreneurs, develops career-track jobs and attracts new residents."

The article praises the city's ability to keep and attract young professionals, and its unemployment rate, which is lower than the state and national averages.