MCLC’s current project is creating a new cooperative community in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Neighborhood. Starting with the seven vacant lots purchased by MCLC in November 2024 plus two adjoining buildings acquired at that time by Jim Jones, MCLC sponsored creation of the 11-member Polaris community in 2025. MCLC started leasing the Polaris buildings, and Jim acquired an adjoining duplex that houses five people, in 2026. MCLC is working on acquiring all three buildings in 2027 and then adding additional housing to expand the community to 23 members.
In July 2026, MCLC joined NCBA to continue building their network within the cooperative space.
“I appreciate the national lobbying work done by NCBA to promote cooperative housing and the resources NCBA provides through ‘Co-op Weekly’ Dave says “Like public radio, all of this is only possible through member support, and we wanted MCLC to be a part of that support.”
NCBA is proud to have members like MCLC, whose core values are shaped by the cooperative principles and whose work is resulting in more communities getting to experience affordable housing through the power of cooperative ownership.