Who We Are

Southwest Action Group (SWAG) is a community development organization rooted in the heart of Southwest Lansing, a neighborhood rich in culture, diversity, and resilience. Our mission is to turn underinvestment into opportunity by focusing on what makes communities thrive: people, place, and purpose.

What We Do

We drive change in three core areas:

Small Business Support

Helping local businesses grow and thrive through promotion and community partnerships.

Strategic Placemaking

Reimagining public spaces with art, beautification, and design that reflect our neighborhood’s identity.

Community Engagement

Bringing residents, stakeholders, and leaders together to create lasting change from the ground up.

Why It Matters

Southwest Lansing has long been overlooked; however, its people are anything but. This is a place of creativity, strength, and heritage. At SWAG, we believe that investment shouldn't skip over neighborhoods like ours. It should start here.

Our Team

Paul Anderson

Executive Director

Olivia Vaden

Board President

Ali Bennett

Board Vice President

David Wiener

Board Treasurer

Our Work

Our annual report gives the Southwest Lansing community an honest look at the work we're doing on your behalf, from neighborhood cleanups to small business support, coalition partnerships to community events. See where we've been and what we've accomplished.

2025 ANNUAL REPORT