The Local Loop

A National Award, a Zoning Fight, and Hockey Coming to OCC — The Local Loop Ep. 11

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504846/fan_mail/new] April 13, 2026 quietly became one of the biggest civic days this area has seen in years — and most people missed it. Trevor and Dion break down all of it. Downtown Farmington won the Great American Main Street Award — one of only three in the country. Same night, Farmington Hills Council unanimously opposed a 9-bill zoning preemption package out of Lansing that would force duplexes by-right and 1,500 sq ft minimum parcels statewide. Culver's finally cleared Council on the third try after 18 months of review. And the hockey payoff Trevor teased last episode: a new OCC / Little Caesars AAA arena coming to Orchard Ridge, opening 2028. Plus a quick spring catch-up and the Megan Keller Olympic goal connection you didn't know you needed. 🎧 Hit play, then hit subscribe so you don't miss what's happening in your own backyard. Drop a comment with what you want us to cover next. 🏡 Trevor Medema | Compo & Medema Real Estate — comporealty.com 🏛️ Main Street Farmington — mainstreet.org 🏒 OCC Athletics Complex — oaklandcc.edu/future-plan/athletics-complex Stay in the loop.

Art, Placemaking, and a City Coming Alive — The Local Loop Ep. 10

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504846/fan_mail/new] Trevor and Dion are back after a long winter and they've got a lot to catch up on. From sandhill cranes and red-tailed hawks at Kensington to skiing Vermont and 3D printing rabbit holes, the guys ease back into the groove before diving into the real meat of this episode: what's happening in Farmington and Farmington Hills right now — and it's a lot. First, they talk about the Make A Wave community glass art installation coming to the new Promenade Park in downtown Farmington. 672 hand-made tiles, inspired by the Rouge River, created by community members at Fired and Fused [https://firedandfused.com/make-a-wave/] — and yes, Trevor and Liv made one. The goal? Connect Shiawassee Park to downtown in a way that's walkable, beautiful, and unmistakably Farmington. Then they break down the Governor Warner Mansion renovations — a $1 million state-funded project that's been years in the making. Phase one tears off a crumbling 1960s addition and replaces it with a modern addition designed to highlight the historic mansion, not copy it. The long-term vision: weddings, corporate events, and a true destination venue steps from downtown Grand River. From there, the conversation expands into what both cities are doing around placemaking and public art — including Farmington Hills' new public art ordinance requiring developers to include art on-site or contribute to a city art fund, a ban on new gas stations and car washes, $41 million in road investment, and a renewed focus on mental health police training. Plus: the DIA, Detroit's bankruptcy, and why you should absolutely be going to the art museum you're already paying for as an Oakland County resident. Oh, and there's a big hockey announcement teased for next episode. Stay tuned. 🏡 Trevor Medema | Compo & Medema Real Estate Group comporealty.com [https://comporealty.com] 🔥 Fired and Fused | Downtown Farmington Glass Studio firedandfused.com [https://firedandfused.com] | Make A Wave Project [https://firedandfused.com/make-a-wave/] 🏛️ Governor Warner Mansion Info — City of Farmington website: farmgov.com [https://www.farmgov.com] Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through on Grand River, this is the podcast for you. Stay in the loop.

The Local Loop: Election Reflections, Holly Days, and Community at Work

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504846/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Dion return after a short break to catch up on a busy stretch for Farmington and Farmington Hills. They break down the recent local election results, voter turnout, and what the campaigns revealed about civic engagement in the community. The conversation expands into healthcare, employer sponsored insurance, and why national policy debates often feel very personal at the local level. From there, they shift into the holiday season, talking about Holly Days, the holiday market, the parade, and the many volunteers and organizers who make these traditions possible. The episode wraps with reflections on why community involvement matters year round and how winter tends to bring both challenges and connection closer to home.

The Local Loop: The Culver’s Controversy, Holiday Spirit, and the SNAP Cuts That Could Hit Home

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504846/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Dion catch up on local buzz and dig into a few hot topics around town. They start with the debate over a proposed Culver’s at 12 Mile and Orchard — the zoning issues, traffic concerns, and what it means for small business growth in Farmington Hills. Then they talk about upcoming community events like Holidays in the Hills and the annual Warren Miller ski film premiere before closing on a serious note about the potential end of federal SNAP benefits and how it could impact Michigan families. It’s a mix of local insight, lighthearted back-and-forth, and real community talk from two guys who live it every day.

Mayor Theresa Rich on Community, Growth, and What’s Next for Farmington Hills

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504846/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Dion sit down with Mayor Theresa Rich for a wide-ranging conversation about leading Farmington Hills through growth and change. They talk about her hands-on approach as the city’s ambassador, the push for more diverse boards and commissions, and her plans for the next term. Mayor Rich shares updates on redevelopment along Grand River and 12 Mile, the vision for a new Costick Center, and how the city can stay welcoming while planning for the future. It is an honest and upbeat discussion about inclusion, leadership, and keeping Farmington Hills moving forward.