It's been almost two years since my move from Texas and my start on the League's Marketing and Communications Team, where I've learned much about what makes Michigan great and what local leaders are doing to make it even better. As a member of Generation Z, I've been lucky (or unlucky) to have spent almost every year of my life with access to technology. Today, I spend many of my waking hours looking at a screen—for work, for entertainment, for connection. There's no need to go outside to say hello, as a text, video chat, or phone call will do. "Bless the Telephone," a song by Labi Siffre in 1971, conveyed the wonders of this type of technology, but in 2026, I want to say 'bless the sidewalk' that will allow me to get off the phone and say hello in person—not only to be connected to the people around me, but also to be a contributor towards the wider community.  

Recently, I had the privilege of joining a tour of Northville's new developments, led by Northville Mayor Brian Turnball. Highlighted on the tour were the Northville Downs redevelopment, the Serenity Point/Randolph Drain restoration, a new farmers market, a new roundabout at Seven Mile and Sheldon Road, and more. Where someone else might be drawn to the details of these projects, I was drawn to how well the spaces in Northville were connected to each other and how placemaking was at work. Within walking distance, the Northville Downs (which will provide 424 residences) connected to the downtown, which connected to Ford Field Park, which connected to the Mill Race Village. I can imagine how residents from the community will have many opportunities to cross each other's daily paths. If humans are a product of their environments, then connecting people with each other should begin by connecting their environments to each other.

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…connecting people with each other should begin by connecting their environments to each other.

While I was on the tour, on a Friday afternoon in October, Northville was busier than most small cities I've seen during the day. Halloween decorations filled the downtown streets, and every block was occupied with people being with people. Just the night before, the Northville Downtown Development Authority hosted "Witches Night Out," where thousands gathered, supporting small businesses and celebrating together. It was fulfilling to hear about the event's success and the energy it created from people coming together. This success and energy are only made possible because the environment elicits it, again 'bless the sidewalk.'  

Two weeks later I took a weekend trip to Texas, and while at a coffee shop with a friend, a barista overheard me mentioning Michigan. With her being a former resident, we connected over the state and within five minutes the word 'community' was brought into the conversation. She shared how much easier it was for her to feel connected to community in Michigan, and that now in a state where everything is bigger, it's easy to feel far away from one another. This short conversation reminded me that the feeling of community is never forgotten and that creating it is more important than ever. In cities, both small and large, creating places that facilitate connection—sidewalks connecting to gathering spaces and events bringing people together—is not only worthwhile, but essential. 

Author

Agnes Krahn

With a background in the nonprofit sector, Agnes is committed to positively impacting communities and is always ready to contribute towards a shared mission. She believes everyone is born with a unique set of gifts and talents that they can use to make their community a better place. Agnes provides administrative support to the MarComm team and is dedicated to enhancing events for the League. In her free time, she loves exploring new cities, spending time outdoors, and helping others discover their Enneagram type.