The Local Loop

Send us Fan MailApril 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-complexStay in the loop.

Send us Fan MailTrevor 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 — 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🔥 Fired and Fused | Downtown Farmington Glass Studio firedandfused.com | Make A Wave Project🏛️ Governor Warner Mansion Info — City of Farmington website: farmgov.comWhether you're a longtime local or just passing through on Grand River, this is the podcast for you. Stay in the loop.

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Deon sit down with Farmington Hills Councilman and mayoral candidate Randy Bruce for a deep dive into the city’s future. From redevelopment challenges and housing density debates to ideas for modern zoning and walkable neighborhoods, they unpack what it takes to keep Farmington Hills thriving. Randy also talks about the next steps for the Costick Center, how the Heritage Park partnership will change the community, and what real leadership means in a “weak mayor, strong manager” system. It is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about local progress, civic responsibility, and what makes Farmington Hills special.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Deon cover everything shaping Farmington and Farmington Hills right now. From Harvest Moon’s return and the Grand Raven Festival to big openings like Lone Light Distillery, they break down the best ways to enjoy fall locally. The hosts also dive into the headaches of nonstop road construction, new housing proposals stirring controversy, and the latest on Sheetz’s legal fight with the city. Plus, they look ahead to the mayoral race, early voting, and why local elections matter more than most people think. A packed episode with community updates, real talk, and a few laughs along the way.

Send us Fan MailAffordability isn't coming to the Farmington housing market anytime soon, according to real estate expert Trevor, who reveals why "the days of the $150,000 house are over." Our conversation explores the complex factors driving up housing costs in our community – from high interest rates and limited inventory to the psychological price barriers that influence buyers' decisions. Even with recent market shifts, houses priced competitively continue to move quickly while others sit, reflecting a nuanced reality for both buyers and sellers in our area.Meanwhile, an unexpected threat has emerged in local gardens: invasive box tree moths are decimating ornamental boxwoods throughout Farmington and Farmington Hills. We break down exactly what these pests are, why they're so devastating (native predators don't recognize them as food!), and practical solutions homeowners can implement to save their landscaping. The City of Farmington recently issued disposal guidelines, highlighting the community-wide concern about this spreading infestation.Taking a journey back through time, we uncover Farmington's fascinating origins as "Quaker Town" in 1824 and trace its development along what was originally Native American trails that became Grand River Avenue. Perhaps most surprising was Michigan's 30-year experiment with wooden plank roads in the mid-1800s, complete with toll booths right in downtown Farmington. These historical insights provide context for the Founders Festival celebrations happening throughout the city.Whether you're a potential homebuyer, a gardener battling boxwood pests, or simply curious about the rich history beneath our feet, this episode connects the threads of Farmington's past and present. Looking to engage with the community? Don't miss the upcoming cornhole tournament on July 25th hosted by the Greater Farmington Area Chamber's Young Professionals group!

Send us Fan MailTrevor and Dion sit down with Todd Lipa of CARES to talk about transforming a childhood church into a full campus of community care, from food and family services to the beloved Duck Race in Shiawassee Park.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Local Loop, Trevor and Dion dive into what’s happening in downtown Farmington, share their thoughts on rising housing prices in the area, and wrap things up with a little love for Movement Detroit.It’s part local insight, part personal perspective, and all real talk — as always.Whether you’re curious about new developments in Farmington, navigating the housing market, or just here to vibe with two locals who care, you’re in the right place.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode of The Local Loop, a community-centered podcast focused on Farmington and Farmington Hills, Michigan. In this episode, hosts Trevor Medema and Dion De Gennaro introduce themselves, talk about how this podcast came to be, and share what they hope it will grow into.It’s casual, honest, and a little rough around the edges, but that’s kind of the point. This is just two locals having real conversations about the place they call home.Thanks for tuning in. We’re glad you’re here at the start.