Public Meetings - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on May 19, 2026, to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and related ordinances. The meeting included public comment on traffic safety, transit funding, and budget priorities, followed by commissioner discussion and unanimous votes. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from previous meetings (motion carried unanimously). - Approved the consent agenda (items passed unanimously out of committee and not pulled for discussion) (motion carried unanimously). - Received and filed multiple communications: from Julia Irvin regarding Dash adjustments; from the public urging support for Kalamazoo Avenue safety funding; from Rebecca Bruis appealing fee assessment for foral request PD 2026-808; from the Grand Rapids Chamber and the South Down Corridor Improvement Authority commenting on the FY 2027 budget. Public Comments & Testimony - Debbie Dynan (Oakdale Park Church, Together West Michigan) thanked commissioners for including $600,000 in the budget for Kalamazoo traffic safety, but expressed concern that a planned crosstown bike trail signal at Griggs could consume all those funds, leaving no money for Adams and Hancock intersections. She requested a crossing guard at Griggs, not a full signal. - Mark (Grand Rapids) criticized budget amendments for repeatedly adding money for police, courts, and corporate interests while cutting Dash transit service. He argued the city could raise revenue by ticketing loading‑zone violators at night, citing a former police chief's estimate that one night of ticketing in the arena district could pay a month of his salary. He urged the commission to stop “regression of transit.” - Mark (returning to podium) suggested using roundabouts on Kalamazoo at Adams and Griggs as cheaper and safer alternatives to traffic signals. - Russell Omstead (First Ward) expressed frustration that the budget passed without full representation from his ward (the First Ward commissioner seat is vacant). He asked that commissioners break the impasse on filling the seat, endorsing Kurt Raphard as a short‑term appointee with no future political ambitions. He also asked what happens to the vacant commissioner's salary. - Mark (again) warned against building data centers, claiming they consume excessive water and hurt residents, citing examples in Georgia. He urged citizens to register and vote. - Santiago (Northeast Side) invited the public to a non‑partisan brunch for politically engaged young people on May 24, 2026, at The Muse (727 Leonard) from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring food, drinks, and presentations on financial equity and community power. - Shannon (Third Ward) urged the commission to plan for increased spending on public transit in the FY 2028 budget, emphasizing that good transit requires both coverage and frequency. She also recommended funding co‑responders and mental health professionals rather than increasing police officers, and advocated for more affordable housing. - Lucas criticized the budget for guaranteeing a minimum funding slice for police under the city charter while other essential services like parks, fire, and transit do not have such guarantees. He called this “sick, backward, misguided” and urged a charter revision. Discussion Items - Budget Adoption (FY 2027): Commissioner Asasi presented the budget ordinance, noting it was first presented April 28, with a work session May 5 and a public hearing May 12. Total appropriations: approximately $786,039,409. The millage rate decrease of 0.1076 mills brought the total city levy to 8.7511 mills. Discussion included: support for a contractual communications pilot (outside support for social media and communications) and a desire to rework an administrative support pilot to be more equitable. Commissioners praised staff for keeping water/sewer rate increases sub‑inflationary, for the property tax millage rate decrease, for a $7 million transfer to the budget stabilization fund (raising it above 12% of expenditures), and for continued investments in housing, infrastructure, public safety, and the Third Ward Equity Fund. - Budget Amendment No. 7 (FY 2026): Commissioner Belchak highlighted 18 items, including $5.3 million from Corewell Health for Lefingwell Avenue reconstruction, $6.7 million for debt service on amphitheater/soccer stadium bonds (paid from the hotel/motel tax), and the $7 million budget stabilization fund transfer. Key Outcomes - Adopted Ordinance for FY 2027 budget (roll call vote: 7-0, with immediate effect). - Adopted Budget Amendment No. 7 for FY 2026 (roll call vote: 7-0, with immediate effect). - Both votes were unanimous. - City Manager noted the budget funds all collectively bargained agreements for their second year, sustains capital project debt service (amphitheater, soccer stadium, fire station, MLK Park Lodge), and continues park and trail investments. - Mayor LeGrand highlighted that water/sewer rate increases were below inflation and that the millage rate was reduced due to higher property values. - City Manager announced the police chief search: position closes first week of June; interviews scheduled June 17; final candidate selected in July.

The committee received updates on crime statistics, the successful opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater, the police chief search process, and an interim report on canine policy benchmarking. Discussions also highlighted violence prevention funding and a new trauma response pilot program. Crime Statistics Presentation - Chief Trig reported that auto thefts continue to trend downward, from 108 incidents in 2023 to lower levels through April 2026. Robberies decreased from a high of 55 in 2024 to 44 year-to-date. - There have been six fatal shootings (person shot incidents) in 2026, including two multiple-victim events. Half of the victims were teenagers aged 15 and younger. - GRPD's clearance rate is 100% for homicides so far in 2026, well above the national average of 55%. - Year-to-date statistics include 13 reported fatal overdoses and 127 illegally possessed guns recovered through April. Acrisure Amphitheater Opening - Chief Trig and Chief Brown reported that the first event (Lionel Richie concert) was a success with no major incidents. One medical call handled by fire, a handful by AMR, and an additional engine at headquarters was busy due to high downtown foot traffic. - The Emergency Operations Center was activated with police, fire, National Weather Service, and drone surveillance. Pedestrian safety and traffic patterns worked well, with learning curves expected for future events. - Committee members expressed appreciation for the collaborative planning across city departments, CAA, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Police Chief Search Update - The city manager announced that Public Sector Search and Consulting has been selected to conduct the permanent chief search. Interim Chief Trig has indicated he will be a candidate. - Finalist interviews and a public forum are scheduled for the week of June 17, 2026, with an announcement expected in July. Office of Public Accountability (OPA) Update on Canine Policy Benchmarking - The city manager reminded the committee that a review of GRPD's pursuit and canine policies was requested following officer-involved shootings. OPA has completed a draft benchmarking analysis comparing GRPD policy to peer cities and national standards. - OPA Director Davis stated the draft has been shared with the city manager and police department for feedback; the final report and briefing are anticipated at the June committee meeting. The review focuses on canine policy, not foot pursuits. - An evaluation of the CAP process is also planned, with an update expected in July. Violence Prevention and Trauma Response Funding - Commissioner Koger noted that the Third Ward Equity Fund includes a new pilot: a trauma/psychological emergency response program, with $150,000 set aside to develop the concept. An additional $250,000 was allocated for Grow 1000 violence prevention programming. - The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing community trauma after violent incidents, complementing police accountability efforts. Key Outcomes - OPA will present the final canine policy benchmarking report to the committee in June 2026. - The public will have an opportunity to meet police chief finalists during the week of June 17, 2026, with a selection expected in July. - The Third Ward Equity Fund formally supports $150,000 for a trauma response pilot and $250,000 for violence prevention programs.

The committee met to consider several resolutions and receive updates. Key actions included approving liquor and budget-related resolutions, advancing a crime prevention ordinance amendment, and discussing commission support allocations. The meeting also featured a presentation on summer parks and recreation safety programming. Consent Calendar - Development Liquor License: Resolution approving a request from Norma Gordon for a development liquor license at 53 Monroe Center NW. Approved unanimously. - CPTED Ordinance Hearing Date: Resolution setting June 2, 2026 as the date to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 175 (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). Approved unanimously. - Omnibus Budgets for Authorities: Resolution approving FY2027 budgets for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Corporation, Land Bank Authority, Smart Zone Local Development Finance Authority, and six Corridor Improvement Authorities plus the Uptown Business Improvement District. Approved unanimously. - Omnibus Budgets for DDA and Related Entities: Resolution approving FY2027 budgets for the Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Improvement District, and Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority. Approved unanimously. - Property Tax Millage: Resolution establishing the 2026 property tax millage rates. Approved unanimously. - Service Provision Fees: Resolution authorizing service provision fees effective July 1, 2026. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - CPTED Ordinance Update: Colin Cooper (Planning Department) presented two amendments: aligning code references with the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and appointing an appeals officer (similar to the backyard chickens/beekeeping model) to handle appeals. Noted only one appeal in program history (for a time extension). Discussion centered on whether vape shops are covered (depends on tobacco sales). Commissioners asked about evidence of effectiveness; a comprehensive update is planned for late summer/early fall. - Budget Adjustments and Commission Support: City Manager presented proposed changes based on prior discussions. Items included: administrative services officer and administrative analyst positions funded through December 31; no consensus on enhanced commission support (administrative and communications contracts). Manager offered $100,000 in contractual services as a bridge. Commissioners debated equity, value, and constituent service. Commissioner Kilgore suggested funding an energy/carbon specialist (administrative analyst) annually; Commissioner Sassi and others preferred revisiting in September. Commissioner Belcher and Mayor supported continuing current support. City manager concluded: remove the $100,000 contractual services and develop a transition plan to phase out enhanced support. - Summer Parks and Recreation Safety Update: Laura Claypool (Parks Department), Shannon Harris (Grow 1000), and Brandon presented summer programming. Highlights: outdoor pools open June 6 (free passes for youth, on-site security), free day camps at four parks (500 participants expected), free fitness classes (16/week, 10,000 participants last year), free kayak weekends (June 12-14, July 10-12), roaming security downtown parks 10pm-6am, cameras in 11 parks. Grow 1000 youth employment: 141 job offers placed, 219 on waitlist, partnering with 32 work sites (11 city departments). Violence prevention programs: City Vibes (with Urban League), NightQuest (basketball-based), and new Freestyle Fridays at Muse GR (music/recording studio). Also noted new free open gym hours at MLK Park. Key Outcomes - Property tax millage decrease of 0.1076 mills approved; average taxpayer increase of $37/year (due to rising property values). - Service provision fees approved: 63% unchanged, 25% at cost-of-living adjustment, 12% above COLA. - Budget ordinance (item 7) moved to final roll-call vote at the night meeting. - Enhanced commission support (administrative and communications contracts) to be phased out; city manager will develop transition plan. The $100,000 in contractual services removed. - Administrative analyst (energy/carbon specialist) funded through December 31, 2026; decision on permanent funding deferred to September. - Mediation coordinator position deferred pending anticipated state funding. - Third Ward Equity Fund allocations approved: $200,000 for traffic/pedestrian safety, $50,000 for Rx Kids, $250,000 for youth violence prevention/employment, $200,000 for Southeast Grand Rapids economic development, $150,000 for trauma support farm, $50,000 for South Town arts/culture, $100,000 for neighborhood associations. - Summer programming and safety measures presented and acknowledged; no formal vote required.

The Committee on Appointments met on May 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. to consider three agenda items: two appointments and a discussion of current board and commission vacancies. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 a.m. Consent Calendar - Resolution confirming Mayor Le Grant's appointment of Laurie Hinckley to the Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeal Board was approved unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Hinckley’s appointment will replace the current board chair, as that member continues to serve until a replacement or reappointment is decided. Commissioner Isasi noted that this body had experienced several openings and that it is an important role. - Resolution approving the city commission's appointment of Chad Rule as an alternate to the Utility Advisory Board was approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Vacancy List Update: City staff member Miss Bosker guided the committee through current vacancies. Upcoming actions include: - Filling several vacancies on the Police Civilian Appeal Board (including one true vacancy assigned to Commissioner Purdue and additional appointments by Commissioner Belchak and the mayor) - Filling vacancies on the Historical Commission, Land Bank Authority, Economic Development Corporation, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Board of Art and Museum Commissions, and Graham Valley Regional BioSolids Authority (which includes city employees) - Reappointments or new appointments for the Stormwater Advisory Board, where there are multiple vacancies: two mayoral appointments (from specific organizations), one true vacancy for Commissioner Knight, and one member serving until Commissioner Belchak finds a replacement. Commissioner Belchak stated she hopes to have new ideas soon. Key Outcomes - Appointment approved: Laurie Hinckley to the Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeal Board (unanimous voice vote). - Appointment approved: Chad Rule as alternate to the Utility Advisory Board (unanimous voice vote). - The committee noted that further appointments are expected in June 2026, including the mayor's final decision for the Police Civilian Appeal Board.

The Fiscal Committee of the Grand Rapids City Commission met on May 19, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting lasted approximately 24 minutes, adjourning at 8:54 AM. During the session, the commission considered several resolutions, including recognizing a local nonprofit, authorizing a lease amendment, approving a budget ordinance amendment, and receiving financial reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Brandy Alloway, founder of Be Creative for Kids, presented her organization. She explained that the nonprofit, founded in 2024, partners with three local foster care agencies (Wellspring Lutheran Services, Samaritas, and Bethany Christian Services) to make birthday cakes for children in foster care. She noted her background as a third-ward resident and former for-profit confectioner. Discussion Items - Resolution Recognizing Be Creative for Kids as a Local Civic Organization: Initially tabled due to a question about the organization's services, the item was reconsidered after Ms. Alloway testified. The commission then approved the resolution unanimously. - Resolution Authorizing Amendment to Lease Agreement for Kent County Court Administration Building (180 Ottawa Ave.): Phil Wheeler from Facilities and Fleet Management explained that the amendment temporarily renews the existing lease through December 31, 2026, to bridge the ownership transfer after the debt service on outstanding bonds is paid in full on June 1, 2026. The city's tenant space will convert to an ownership stake at the current occupancy share. The resolution passed without dissent. - Ordinance Amending Section 1 of Budget Ordinance 2026-11 (Fiscal Year 2026, Amendment 7): Budget Director Miss Claren detailed 15 appropriations, including $565,000 from a donation for the Grand River Edges Trail, $785,000 in interest earnings from the Scribner bond to enhance that project, and $7 million transferred to the Budget Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund). Discussion clarified that the $7 million is not needed to balance the budget but is a prudent move amid economic uncertainty (e.g., rising fuel prices, inflation). The transfer would increase the stabilization fund to 12% of general fund expenditures, exceeding the 10% fiscal policy target. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting it requires a two-thirds vote to access. The ordinance was approved. - Bid List Resolution for May 19, 2026: Passed without discussion. - Comptroller's Warrant Report (April 28 – May 4, 2026): The comptroller reported cash payments totaling $21,457,972.15, including $5.8 million in payroll and over $861,000 in income tax warrants (4,259 refunds issued and 472 checks/electronic payments). The report was received and filed. - Treasurer's Report (April 29 – May 5, 2026): City Treasurer highlighted the city's investment portfolio of $677 million earning an average 3.34% return. He noted that $785,000 in interest earnings on the Scribner bond was part of a broader effort earning over $6 million from recent debt issuances. He discussed market pressures (rate hikes, energy costs) and praised the team's work. The report was received and filed. Key Outcomes - Be Creative for Kids recognized as a local civic organization (unanimous). - Lease amendment for Kent County Court Administration building authorized (unanimous). - Budget ordinance amendment 7 approved, including the $7 million transfer to the Budget Stabilization Fund (unanimous). - Bid list resolution approved (unanimous). - Comptroller's warrant report and Treasurer's report received and filed. - The meeting adjourned at 8:54 AM.

The Grand Rapids City Council met on May 19, 2026, and passed several resolutions including approvals for street resurfacing, traffic safety improvements, a construction agreement for a new apartment building, and handling of property charge appeals. All motions carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Summer Tax Charges and Appeals: The Council considered a resolution to place charges on summer tax statements. Discussion addressed two appeals: one for a property that was not a rental (appeal number three) and another due to a billing issue caused by ownership change timing, which nullified the charge because of a delay in deed recording. The motion carried unanimously. - Street Resurfacing – Leonard Street Detour: The Council approved a resolution to increase the scope of work and authorize expenditures to a contract with Wyoming Excavators Inc. for rotomilling and resurfacing at various locations. The additional work involves resurfacing Leonard Street from the East Beltline to I-96 to serve as a detour during MDOT's bridge reconstruction over I-96. The cost increase is $1,109,930, bringing the total project cost not to exceed $4,743,430. MDOT will reimburse the city for this work. The motion carried unanimously. - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons: The Council approved an agreement with MDOT and authorized expenditures of $725,845 as the local share for installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons at eight locations across the city. The project is funded by a $750,000 highway safety grant from MDOT, with additional local funds from Vital Streets and traffic safety budgets. The motion carried unanimously. - Verdance Apartments Construction Agreement: The Council approved a construction agreement with the developer of Verdance Apartments, a five-story building under construction on Bridge Street just east of Gold. The agreement allows the developer to bury street lighting at no cost to the city. The motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four resolutions passed unanimously with no opposition. - The meeting adjourned after approving all items. Note: No public comments were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

The City Commission met on May 12, 2026, for a regular meeting that included a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and fees, several ordinance amendments, and extensive public testimony on police funding, traffic safety, immigration policies, and affordable housing. Mayor LeGrand presided, and an interpreter was present for Spanish-language public comment. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Consent agenda items including approval of previous meeting minutes (April 27, 2026) and the consent agenda (items passed unanimously from committee). Public Comments & Testimony - D. Jones (entrepreneur, pastor) urged the city to continuously fund 3D-printed construction, highlighted workforce development partnerships with GRPS, and requested investment in the Stockton School hub. He also asked federal and state governments to increase community funding. - Colette Crowley (15-year-old student) demanded budget shifts from policing to community-based safety, sanctuary policies per Movimiento Cosecha, and an independent investigation into the killing of DaQuan Johnson. She spoke on behalf of students. - Karina Rodriguez (GRPS senior) described fear of ICE and police, called for adoption of Cosecha’s sanctuary policies, and accountability for GRPD in the DaQuan Johnson case. - Lisette Gallardo Nunes (GRPS senior) urged investments in affordable housing, mental health services, youth programs, and community organizations. - Abby (student) asked for local police to focus on public safety rather than federal immigration enforcement and called for transparency in surveillance tools. - Lisa (GRPS freshman) dedicated her time to students whose parents were deported. - Senior at City High Middle stated that the $75.4 million police budget is too large while affordable housing and mental health crises persist. - Sharon Smith (First Ward resident) expressed concern that the 80% area median income threshold for affordable units in the Indiana Avenue project is disproportionate to the neighborhood and requested a lower threshold (40% or 60%). - Hema (Spanish, with interpreter) opposed the Indiana Avenue Brownfield project, stating she was displaced from the area by rising rents, and opposed police cooperation with ICE. - Deb Van Dynan (Oakdale Park Church, Together West Michigan) requested a four-way stop at Adams Street and a flashing crosswalk at Hancock on Kalamazoo Avenue from the budget. - Champagne (Third Ward resident, Oakdale Neighbors) described dangerous speeding on Kalamazoo Avenue, crashes into buildings, and fear for pedestrians. - Peter T. Winkle (Third Ward resident) criticized the commission for prioritizing billionaire developments over traffic safety, and asked that the budget fund safety measures on Kalamazoo. - Daniel Van Muir (bicyclist, resident) noted that bicycle lanes are less important than pedestrian safety on Kalamazoo. - Mike Colby (GVSU student) called the GRPD budget excessive and demanded sanctuary policies and action on police violence. - Michael Sequonzo (GVSU student, Grand Rapids native) asked for sanctuary policies and accountability for DaQuan Johnson’s death. - Satory Spicer (Sudden Enlightenment founder) encouraged the commission to meet community members where they are and fund prevention-based safety. - Scott Acheson sang a song about taxes, then criticized the $75.4 million police budget, called for participatory budgeting and community control over police. - Jasmine (East Town) joked about oversized traffic lights and asked for traffic safety funds to go to Kalamazoo. - Bukelwa (disabled business owner, Taste of Africa Michigan) asked for safer crosswalks on Kalamazoo and support for small businesses. - John (Second Ward) praised clerk staff, requested a better precinct map, and noted inadequate public transit in Creston. - Mark (resident) warned about gerrymandering and urged voter mobilization. - Hema (second comment) reiterated sanctuary policy demands, stating the mayor is incorrect that the city cannot implement 287(g) prohibitions. Discussion Items - Ordinance Amendments: The Commission adopted two ordinances: (1) amending Chapter 68 to allow civil infractions for historic preservation violations instead of a direct misdemeanor; (2) amending Chapter 170 to add Chapter 68 to the civil infractions ordinance with fines ($100 first offense, $200 first repeat, $400 second repeat, then misdemeanor). Both passed unanimously by roll call. Commissioner Purdue expressed that incarceration should be reserved for serious harms and that this is a step forward but not far enough. - Resolution – Special Events: Authorized the Armed Forces Thanksgiving event including a CH-47 flyover. Passed unanimously. - Resolution – Settlement: Approved a $90,000 settlement for the estate of Janice Wilson (incident date November 1, 2023). Passed unanimously. - Public Hearing – Uptown BID: One appeal received; the assessment roll will be presented for confirmation on June 2, 2026. - Public Hearing – Indiana Avenue Brownfield Plan & NEZ: Presented by Sarah Renero (Economic Development), developer Ross Bacon, and Jared Lutz (Michigan Growth Advisors). The $6 million project will create 29 residential units (20% at 80% AMI for 18 years) and small commercial space. Approval of the Brownfield plan and a 15-year Neighborhood Enterprise Zone was requested. Public comment included opposition from a displaced resident (Hema) and concern about AMI definition (Sharon Smith). Commissioners expressed strong support. - Public Hearing – FY2027 Budget & Fees: City Manager Mark Washington presented the $785 million budget ($206 million general fund). Highlights: millage rate reduction from 8.85 to 8.75 mills; average homeowner increase of $37 due to rising property values; $201 million for water/wastewater; $125 million for public safety ($75.4 million for GRPD); $19.8 million for economic prosperity; $48 million for streets; $40 million for parks; $10 million transferred to the Affordable Housing Fund; $7 million to the budget stabilization fund; $700,000 for traffic safety/mobility improvements (in FY27). The public hearing included extensive testimony (see above). No vote was taken; the budget will be adopted at a future meeting. - Commissioner Closing Comments: - Commissioner Purdue thanked the public and recognized student speakers from Kids Speak. She emphasized continued work on traffic safety and accountability. - Commissioner Kilgore confirmed that $600,000 from the Third Ward Equity Fund is allocated in FY26 for traffic calming on Kalamazoo Avenue, and that an annual allocation is being explored. The next economic development project team meeting is June 2. - Commissioner Knight expressed gratitude, noted the Rapid controls bus stops, and mentioned Mobile GR is exploring shuttles to supplement scaled-back Dash service. - Commissioner Sassi thanked attendees, discussed the co-response model, a recent shooting at Roosevelt Park, traffic stop study (2017), and the deadlock on the First Ward commissioner appointment—meaning the seat will remain vacant until the November election. He defended the decision to scale back Dash to avoid parking rate increases. He also addressed sanctuary policy demands, stating the mayor would elaborate further. - Commissioner Balchak thanked the young speakers, spoke about the need for community healing and therapeutic services, highlighted investments in Roosevelt Park Lodge, Lincoln Park, and Sullivan Field, and celebrated the fire department graduation. - Mayor LeGrand defended GRPD against accusations of malice, referenced his 36-year career in criminal justice reform, and enumerated the six sanctuary policy demands from Movimiento Cosecha, arguing that all six are already in place or impracticable: (1) prohibiting detention on civil immigration warrants – already policy; (2) preventing GRPD collaboration with ICE – already policy; (3) prohibiting sharing of Flock data – already practice; (4) banning 287(g) agreements – already prohibited by multiple policies; (5) opposing detention centers – none exist in the city; (6) preventing contracts with entities that contract with ICE – deemed unenforceable. He called for respectful dialogue. Key Outcomes - Approved ordinances amending chapters 68 and 170 (civil infractions for historic preservation violations). - Approved resolution authorizing the Armed Forces Thanksgiving special event. - Approved settlement of $90,000 for the Janice Wilson estate. - Budget hearing concluded; the FY2027 budget will be considered for adoption at a future meeting. - $600,000 for Kalamazoo traffic calming confirmed for FY26, with a June 2 follow-up meeting. - First Ward commissioner appointment remains deadlocked; the seat will not be filled before the November 2026 election. - Police chief recruitment is underway with applications due June 5; finalists will be presented for public feedback. - No vote was taken on sanctuary policy proposals; the mayor argued existing policies already meet the demands. - Public hearings on the Indiana Avenue Brownfield plan and NEZ will be subject to future votes.

The Fiscal Committee met on May 12, 2026, at 8:30 AM to consider six resolutions, receive the comptroller's warrant report, and hear the treasurer's economic update. All resolutions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Resolution 1 – FEMA Grant: Accepted a $135,000 grant from FEMA for Indian Mill Creek hazard mitigation projects. The funds will support an engineering study (hydrology and hydraulics) and public engagement with residents to develop flood mitigation projects. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2 – Knapps Corner Drain Bonds: Authorized the execution of a continuing disclosure certificate for the Knapps Corner Drain Drainage District Drain Bonds Series 2026. The $19.75 million project will reduce flooding risk; $16.2 million will be financed through bonds with partner contributions from Kent County ($2 million), Kent County Road Commission ($1.5 million), and Grand Rapids Township ($5,000), saving approximately $2.14 million in interest costs. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 3 – Additional Drain Maintenance Payment: Approved an additional $144,589.03 to the Kent County Drain Commissioner for fiscal 2026 maintenance assessments for Knapps Corner Drain, covering pump and hauling operations due to a wetter spring. The detention pond's design failure requires ongoing pumping until a permanent solution is completed (expected fall 2027). Approved unanimously. - Resolution 4 – Water Supply Bonds Notice: Noted the intent to issue water supply system revenue bonds not to exceed $21.05 million through the Michigan Finance Authority (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund). The bonds will fund lead line replacement (approx. $5 million) and nine water main replacement projects. Potential principal forgiveness of $5.39 million; 20-year loan at 2% interest. Closing expected late August 2026. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 5 – SCADA Budget Substitution: Approved a $700,000 budget substitution for the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) modernization project, funded equally from sewer and water replacement fund infrastructure investment projects. No impact on fund balance. SCADA monitors and controls the city's water and wastewater systems. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 6 – Bid List: Approved the bid list for May 12, 2026, containing approximately 10 items for equipment and services, including parks and recreation and water facilities. Approved unanimously. Reports - Comptroller's Warrant Report: For the period April 14–27, 2026, total cash payments of $31,012,771.96 were released, including $6.5 million in payroll, 10,221 income tax refunds totaling $1.2 million, and 1,333 accounts payable tax issues. Received and filed. - Treasurer's Report: The treasurer provided an economic update: CPI rose to 3.8% (above expected 3.7%), inflation remains sticky, driven by energy, fuel, transportation, and construction materials. The Federal Reserve maintained rates at 3.5%–3.75%. The city's investment portfolio of $668 million is earning 3.29% interest, with a strategy to extend maturities. The treasurer cautioned about budget pressures from contract renewals and urged departments to monitor permit activity and income tax withholding for signs of economic slowdown. In response to a commissioner's question, the treasurer and staff noted that the soccer stadium bonds are secured by hotel/motel tax revenue with a waterfall structure and a rainy day fund providing about 1.5 years of debt service coverage, and expressed confidence in the local economy given regional diversification. The report was received. Key Outcomes - All six resolutions were passed unanimously. - The comptroller's warrant report and treasurer's report were received and filed. - No further action was taken; the meeting adjourned at 8:51 AM.

The Community Development Committee of Grand Rapids, Michigan, met on May 12, 2026, from 9:15 AM to 9:20 AM. The meeting covered seven resolutions, all of which were moved, supported, and passed unanimously. A brief congratulations was offered to the newly appointed city engineer, Ms. Irving. No public comments were made. Resolutions Adopted - Item 1: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Project Planning Document Amendment for 2027 – Resolution adopted to support low-interest financing for water infrastructure, including an intermediate pressure district elevated storage tank and road projects on Sherman, Godfrey, and Wealthy. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 2: Construction Agreement and Easements for Jason Ridge West Phase 2 – Resolution approving a construction agreement and accepting two public utility easements for a development in Walker connecting to city sewer and water. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 3: Construction Agreement and Easement for the Drive Town Homes – Resolution approving a construction agreement and accepting a public utility easement for another development in Walker. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 4: Police Department All-Gender Locker Room Contract – Resolution awarding a contract to JWK Construction Inc. for $149,500 (total not to exceed $262,985) for an all-gender locker room at One Monroe Center, requested to support equity. No micro-LBE participation. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 5: Fire Department Training Facility Phase 1B Contract – Resolution awarding a contract to Clark Construction Company Inc. for $2,679,223 (total not to exceed $1,969,223 – note potential discrepancy in transcript: the total not-to-exceed amount is stated as lower than the contract amount). The project supports the fire training center and is funded partly by an Economic Development Administration grant of $1,475,000 with a 50% match. The burn building was bid separately. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 6: As-Needed Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Services Agreements – Resolution awarding contracts to multiple companies (Allied Mechanical Services Inc., Basin Electric Company, DHE Plumbing and Mechanical Inc., Franklin Holerta Company, and Hillard Electric Inc.) for emergency and small repair projects, total not to exceed $1,000,000. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 7: Sidewalk and Utility Easements for Lakeside Drive Improvements – Resolution accepting four easements from the Dominican Sisters to close a sidewalk gap on Lakeside Drive from Fulton Street to Michigan Street, with a combined total of $15,488. The project is supported by a Transportation Alternative Program grant from MDOT and preserves old-growth trees. Motion carried unanimously. Other Notes - Committee member congratulated Ms. Irving on becoming the city engineer, noting her name tag had been updated.