Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting - March 31, 2026

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on March 31, 2026, to approve several resolutions, receive briefings on the Neighborhood Investment Plan funding and officer-involved shootings, and conduct interviews for the city attorney position. All resolutions were passed unanimously. The meeting also included a closed session for pending litigation and a public forum for city attorney candidates.

Consent Calendar (Unanimously Approved Items)

• Commissioner Attendance: Approved Commissioner Belcheck's attendance at a summit in May.
• Downtown Social Districts: Revised to add five locations around the amphitheater, extending to railroad tracks.
• Social District Application: Approved permit for Beastro Bellavita (Bistro Elvida).
• Lake Eastbrook Apartments Brownfield Plan: Approved a brownfield plan for a 132-unit apartment development at 3538 Lake Eastbrook. The developer (Scott Weirda) will designate 45% (60 units) at 90-100% AMI for up to 25 years. Eligible housing TIFF activities are approximately $10.8 million over 25 years, with a total capital investment of $26 million. Aspirational participation goals for micro, local, women-owned, and minority-owned enterprises are 15.38% ($3.6 million).
• Nap Hills Development Brownfield Plan Amendment: Approved a brownfield plan amendment for 38 townhomes at 27 Lake (Wheeler Group). 20% of units set aside for 100% AMI, total development costs $12.3 million, with 12 years of reimbursement. Diversity participation goals set at 22%.
• Market Properties Transfer: Approved execution of documents to transfer three properties (201, 235, 333 Market) to the Convention and Arena Authority. The city will retain a pocket park, a 50-foot riverside trail, and a connecting trail. The second parcel is anticipated for private development with up to 20% affordable housing at 100% AMI.

Briefings and Discussion

Neighborhood Investment Plan Funding

Mr. Tucker presented the funding recommendations for the Neighborhood Investment Plan, approved in January 2026. The plan utilizes federal funds (CDBG $3.9 million, HOME $2.4 million, ESG $302,000), opioid settlement funds ($730,000), affordable housing fund ($700,000), and Justice Assistance Grant. 120 applications were received for the Notice of Intent, requesting $58 million—the largest year on record. Recommendations cover eight outcome areas, including homelessness prevention, affordable housing creation, homeownership support, behavioral health, economic opportunity, and neighborhood safety/engagement.

Commissioners expressed support for the process and highlighted the importance of neighborhood associations. Some discussion centered on ensuring that funds for neighborhood safety achieve measurable outcomes. Commissioner Covar noted progress in harm reduction (e.g., Narcan accessibility). Commissioner Jester thanked staff for navigating federal uncertainty. The public comment period runs March 27 to April 29, with final approval expected May 12.

Officer-Involved Shootings Review

Interim Chief Trig presented a review of ten officer-involved shootings (OIS) from 2022-2025, excluding two (one pending litigation, one under investigation). Each incident involved subjects who presented weapons (firearms or bladed weapons). Five subjects shot at officers, three raised firearms, and two charged with blades. In all cases, the subject's actions initiated the deadly force response. Prosecutor Becket found all officer uses of force justified.

The presentation also included data on gun seizures: a 126% increase in illegally possessed firearms seized post-COVID (476 per year vs. 210 pre-COVID). Community shootings (non-OIS) trends were shown by ward. The department emphasized de-escalation training, grappling techniques, and a sanctity of life policy.

Commissioners discussed officer mental health support, diversity in hiring, and the duty to intervene policy. The mayor highlighted the department's transparency in releasing body camera footage. The chief noted that two officers resigned after OIS incidents.

Closed Session

The commission moved into closed session to discuss pending litigation.

City Attorney Interviews

The commission conducted public interviews for three city attorney candidates: Sarah Hartman (current city attorney), Matt Cross (outside candidate from northern Michigan), and Philip Strom (interim city attorney). Each candidate answered 14 questions on leadership, experience, transparency, and community engagement.

After the interviews, Mosaic Public Partners summarized feedback from stakeholder panels (executive team, community stakeholders, law community, law department staff, and a public forum). Key themes: All candidates were well-qualified. Sarah Hartman was noted for strong litigation experience but seen as conservative. Matt Cross brought diverse experience from smaller agencies but lacked experience in a diverse urban setting. Philip Strom was viewed as most aligned with the city's needs, with strong institutional knowledge and community involvement, though some questioned his ability to delegate.

Commissioners shared initial impressions. They decided to reconvene on April 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to deliberate and make a final decision. The public was invited to provide input at the evening commission meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All six resolutions were unanimously approved.
• The Neighborhood Investment Plan recommendations will proceed to public comment and final adoption in May.
• The commission received the officer-involved shootings briefing and will continue discussions on pursuit policy and civilian appeals board review in future months.
• The city attorney selection process will conclude with a decision on April 1.