Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting: February 10, 2026 – Proclamation, Sister City, Audit, Climate, Mobility
Grand Rapids City Commission Committee of the Whole Meeting – February 10, 2026
The Grand Rapids City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole on February 10, 2026. The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, followed by the unanimous approval of a sister city agreement with Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Commissioners then received presentations on the city's fiscal year 2025 financial audit, greenhouse gas reduction initiatives, and a proposed Mobility Blueprint. The meeting concluded with a vote to enter closed session for legal consultation.
Proclamation – Black History Month 2026
- Mayor David Le Grand read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month, highlighting the theme "African Americans and Labor." Mayor Le Grand emphasized the enduring legacy of African Americans in shaping the nation and the city's commitment to equitable economic outcomes.
- Mr. Davis (city staff) expressed gratitude for the proclamation, noting the contributions of African Americans in building Grand Rapids. He invited attendees, including members of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and former city employee Jordan Eatman, to join a photograph.
- Commissioner Kilgore led the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (the Black national anthem) with those present.
Sister City Partnership with Vaughan, Ontario
- City staff presented a resolution to authorize a sister city agreement with Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, making it Grand Rapids' first Canadian sister city.
- Representatives from Vaughan – Deputy City Manager Michael Genova, Senior Advisor Gazal Mard Moman, and Economic Development Officer Christian Zavarella – attended and provided a presentation on Vaughan's growth, economy, transit connections, and shared priorities such as public art and healthcare innovation.
- Emily Smith (Secretary of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International) and Molly Grimes (Vaughn Committee Co-Chair) spoke in support, highlighting the partnership's development since 2023 through virtual meetings and delegations.
- Commissioner Kilgore commended the partnership as a "bridge between people and culture" amid current political tensions, and Commissioner Belcher emphasized the personal connections built during the delegation's visit. City Manager Washington noted learning opportunities from Vaughan's smart growth strategies.
- Vote: The resolution passed unanimously (all ayes).
Financial Audit – Fiscal Year 2025
- City Controller, along with auditors Bill Brickie and Marie Steagel (Plant Moran), presented the audit results for the year ended June 30, 2025.
- The city received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion – the highest level of assurance – and was on track to receive the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association award for quality financial reporting.
- Key findings included:
- One new accounting policy (compensated absences) implemented; no errors.
- A proposed adjustment related to debt for the amphitheater and soccer stadium (contractually supported by other entities) was recorded, but it was a financial reporting entry with no cash impact.
- Two internal control findings: (1) delays in bank reconciliations due to the new Oracle ERP system implementation (June reconciliation completed in early December 2025), and (2) an audit adjustment for the aforementioned debt. Both findings were already being addressed by management.
- No noncompliance with laws or regulations was identified.
- City Controller also summarized the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and a resident's guide, noting $677 million in revenues, $174 million in expenses, a $96 million increase in net position (total net position over $1.1 billion), and $88.4 million in unassigned general fund balance. Outstanding debt was $674 million, up from $466 million in prior years, but credit rating remained AA (stable). Pension and OPEB plans were 77% funded.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiatives
- Sustainability Director Wilkinson and Assistant City Manager Matthews provided an update on two projects from the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP):
- Vicinity Energy eSteam Program: A 20-year subscription (at ~$310,000/year, total $6.2 million) would allow the city to receive steam generated by electric boilers using renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,100 metric tons CO2e (city's portion) or 15,000 metric tons if all customers participate. Cost per metric ton: $20.56. The program would reduce local point-source pollution from a nearby natural gas plant. Staff plans to bring the subscription decision to the budget process and update the steam tariff ordinance.
- Butterworth Landfill Solar Project: A 2-megawatt solar array via a power purchase agreement (PPA) with developer ownership, estimated 20-year cost of $58,000 (annual ~$2,900) due to comparison with Consumers Energy's renewable energy program. The project would reduce emissions by 539 metric tons CO2e at $5.38 per metric ton. A state grant reduced the primary circuit extension cost by $3 million. Construction must begin by July 4, 2026, to meet timelines. Staff will bring a decision to the February 24 meeting.
- Commissioners expressed support, with Commissioner Kovert emphasizing fiscal prudence and community priority for Butterworth solar. Mayor LeGrand highlighted the local air quality co-benefits of the eSteam project and noted that the Butterworth site requires coordination with the Convention and Arena Authority regarding parking. Assistant City Manager Matthews confirmed that solar over parking was considered but was 150% more expensive without outside funding.
Mobility Planning Update
- Mobile GR Director Jessica Smith presented the proposed Mobility Blueprint, intended to operationalize the community master plan's mobility vision into project prioritization and capital investments over a two-year timeline.
- The blueprint builds on extensive prior engagement (Vital Streets Plan, community master plan, Vision Zero) and responds to feedback from the Vital Streets Oversight Commission, mobileGR Commission, neighborhood associations, and businesses requesting clarity on project sequencing and parking impacts.
- The process will involve an "involved" level of community engagement, with an RFP for a consultant in the near term, and funding requested in the FY27 budget.
- City Manager Washington clarified that while safety and maintenance projects continue, the city will pause larger transformational corridor projects (e.g., Wealthy Street, Seymour Square) during the blueprint development to ensure alignment.
- Commissioners supported the effort, with Commissioner Kilgore urging that reversible, low-cost experiments (e.g., green striping) continue in parallel. Commissioner Isasi stressed the need for consistency and clarity for small businesses. Commissioner Purdue asked for a list of paused projects; the city manager acknowledged the Wealthy Street and Seymour Square corridors as examples. Commissioner Glover highlighted the importance of responsiveness and cited past quick actions like scooter corrals.
Closed Session
- The Commission voted unanimously to enter closed session in Room 601 for legal consultation (city attorney request). The vote was recorded: Commissioners Kilgore, Robbins, Belchak, Purdue, Isasi, and Mayor LeGrand all in favor.
Key Outcomes
- February 2026 proclaimed as Black History Month.
- Sister City agreement with Vaughan, Ontario authorized (unanimous vote).
- Financial audit accepted; staff to continue addressing control findings.
- Greenhouse gas initiatives advanced: eSteam subscription to be considered in budget; Butterworth solar decision targeted for February 24 meeting.
- Mobility Blueprint development approved with a pause on two corridor projects (Wealthy Street, Seymour Square); consultant to be engaged.
- Closed session held for legal consultation.
Meeting Transcript
Call this meeting committee the whole to order with my microphone. First order of business is uh a proclamation on uh National Black History Month, and I'd ask Mr. Davis to come up with me as I read it to the community. So, whereas throughout our nation's history, African Americans have made profound and lasting contributions to the United States in every aspect of life, from arts and science to politics, business, education, and beyond, and whereas African Americans have been pivotal in shaping the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our nation, overcoming immense challenges and adversity to build a better future for all. Whereas in 1926, historian Carver Woodson established a celebration of Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month in 1976, following President Gerald Ford's call to recognize the contribution of African Americans and the need to continue efforts for racial equality and justice. Whereas Black History Month is an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of African Americans, honoring their impact in our nation's growth and progress. And whereas the theme for this year's celebration, African Americans and Labor, highlights the undeniable links between oppression under slavery and African Americans' pursuit of better labor laws and protection for workers across all industries. And whereas Black History Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work towards justice, equality, and pursuit of freedom for all, and provides an opportunity for all people to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diverse contributions of African Americans to the story of America. We recognize the endurance, the enduring legacy of African Americans and labor movements, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing equitable economic outcomes for all Grand Rapidians. Now I, David Le Grand, mayor of the City of Grand Rapids, proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month, a time to honor the rich legacy, enduring strength, and transformative impact of African Americans in our nation's past, present, and future. Now, Mr. Davis, I think we'll say some words. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, City Commission, City Manager. We're so grateful for this uh proclamation that honors African American History Month here in the city of Grand Rapids. I will take a moment of personal privilege to say I'm proud to work in a city where we still honor the contributions of all people, especially uh those who uh serve in this great organization. I am proud to be a part of an organization that recognizes the contributions of African Americans and the great work that they've done to help build Grand Rapids along with other people in our community. We're joined today uh by members of the employee resource groups around the city of Grand Rapids, especially NFBPA, which is the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, but also joined by the president, former city employee, uh, who's a vice president at Experienced GR, Jordan Eatman. Uh, grateful that he's joining us today. And we're grateful for the work of all of our city employees across the organization. Thank you for what you do for the city of Grand Rapids. Thank you for what you do to embed equity into all uh across the entire organization, and thank you for what you do to serve the people of Grand Rapids. So thank you, City Commission and Mayor for still uh standing up and honoring such an important thing in our community. Thank you so much. And that at this time we would invite uh all who would like to to join us for a photograph. Commissioner, we'd invite you to come down uh and we will make sure we commemorate uh Black History Month. Occasions like this, I always have this strong inclination to want to sing at least one verse of Lift Every Voice and sing. Let's do it. Can we can we do it for real? Let's do carry it off. Let's do it. I'll do it. All right, please stand for the singing of the black national anthem. We're doing it for real? Let's do it. Lift every voice and sing till life and ring ring with the liberty. Let our rejoice sing as the leaves me. Let us march on Victory is one. Next up, and I think without any musical uh element, we will have uh resolution authorizing a sister city agreement. Well, I don't think they've decided yet. No. Thank you. Um good morning, Mayor and Commissioners. Uh nice to be before you today. Um, the resolution uh on your agenda is to approve a sister city partnership with Vaughn in Ontario, Canada. And this follows up on a presentation by uh Catherine Baker, president of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, also known as GRSCI, on January 27th at your last meeting. Just a brief note sister cities partnerships have Lou uh my parliamentarian notes that we haven't had a motion yet. So it's uh motion on the resolution. Thank you. Thank you.
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