We already know this city is amazing, but it's cool to know other cities of similar sizes are trying to figure out how they too can polish themselves like Grand Rapids has over the last decade.

The city I'm talking about is my hometown of Toledo, Ohio. I moved from there back in 2007 to chase down my dream of seeing different parts of the country and being on the radio.

Of the handful of cities I've been to, Grand Rapids reminds me most of my hometown. This goes beyond the similar skylines and the neighborhood pride both cities have, there is a real rich history written in each city. The biggest difference? Grand Rapids is booming in 2015, Toledo is still struggling. I'm hopeful Toledo is on the verge breaking through, as Grand Rapids has, as a Midwest boom-town.

I apparently am not the only one who sees Toledo's potential in Grand Rapids. I was reading the Toledo Blade over the weekend, as I like to keep up with their news, and smack dab on the front page is an article written about everything I just mentioned. The headline? How Grand Rapids, Mich., Got Its Government in Order. Yes, Keith Burris, the author, broke down the two cities. He mentions how both have gone through rough times, and how one of them has made its way back (spoiler, it's Grand Rapids).

Burris spoke to Mayor Heartwell about his goals, and how to run government, but there are three things Burris credits Grand Rapids with that cities like Toledo need to adopt, "a blessed spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and optimism."

It's a solid article, and something Grand Rapidians should be proud to read. Grand Rapids has set an example for other cities in our country, and they're paying attention!

On the eve of ArtPrize I find it only fitting to leave you with one of the best quotes from this story, which references Grand Rapids coming back from its tough times.

Grand Rapids figured out that no one was coming to save Grand Rapids but the citizens of Grand Rapids.

Well done Grand Rapids!

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