Grand Rapids Committee of the Whole Meeting: Proclamations and Zoning Updates - June 2, 2026
Grand Rapids Committee of the Whole Meeting: Proclamations and Zoning Updates - June 2, 2026
On June 2, 2026, the Grand Rapids City Committee of the Whole convened to approve proclamations for Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month, adopt routine consent items, and discuss updates to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning code and the comprehensive zoning ordinance update (Zone GR).
Consent Calendar
- Approved a resolution recommending approval of a liquor control social district permit for the amphitheater.
- Approved election day polling locations and early voting sites for the August 2026 primary election, including a change for precinct 9 to New Vintage Place and a temporary relocation for precinct 51 to Brookside Christian Reform Church. Inspector pay rates were set consistent with previous elections.
- Approved the updated Neighborhood Enterprise Zone exemption certificate for 125 Ottawa LLC, increasing units from 36 to 40, with 20% set aside at 60% AMI, and a 15-year certificate valued at approximately $1.8 million.
- Approved a resolution establishing June 16, 2026 as the date for the city commission to consider text amendments to zoning regulations for accessory dwelling units.
Discussion Items
Proclamations
- Pride Month Proclamation (June 2026): Mayor David LeGrand read the proclamation. Commissioner Kilgore noted he is the first openly LGBTQ+ commissioner and emphasized the need to defend inclusion. Jazz McKinney of the Pride Center spoke, urging attendees to go beyond symbols and practice inclusion. An employee resource group event (Prism GR Pride in a Box) was announced for June 18.
- Gun Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (June 2026): The proclamation was read, noting that less than 2% of gun deaths involve self-defense. Office of Public Accountability staff Letitia Lipscomb was recognized. Pastor Bishop shared a story about a young man asking for prayer to make it home safely, and called for increased investment in people, noting that $1.7 billion in construction funding had been allocated but more investment in "bones and minds" was needed. A commissioner (likely Womack) advocated for individual responsibility and cultural change regarding guns, drawing parallels to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Text Amendments
- Staff presented updates from the ADU task force tier 1 recommendations. Proposed amendments include: increasing maximum floor area to 1,000 sq ft (but not larger than primary structure), exempting ADUs from accessory structure square footage limits and count limits, and removing bedroom limits (letting building code control occupancy).
- A debate ensued regarding subsection H, which prohibits short-term rentals in ADUs. Mayor argued for a broader conversation to allow short-term rentals to bring unlicensed operators into the regulatory framework, citing traveling nurses and new residents as users. Staff noted that full policy discussion is needed and that Michigan law limits nuance. Commissioner Usasi suggested discussing this as part of the larger zoning update. Commissioner Knight raised concerns about social implications of allowing six unrelated people in a studio apartment without privacy, especially regarding domestic violence. Staff clarified that building code occupancy limits would apply, but Commissioner Knight wanted a minimum bedroom requirement. The mayor argued against pre-authorizing individual units. No vote on the short-term rental issue; it was noted as a future conversation.
- The motion to approve the resolution to introduce the ordinance changes (for final vote on June 16) passed unanimously.
Zone GR Zoning Ordinance Update Briefing
- Consultant Leslie Oberholzer from Coda Metrics presented the "Directions Report" for the comprehensive zoning update (Zone GR). The project aims to implement the community master plan "Bridge to Our Future" by balancing conservation, evolution, and growth. Key priorities: housing supportive (14,000 new units by 2027, allowing duplexes/triplexes/quadplexes), business friendly (raising heights in commercial districts, broadening allowable uses), context sensitive (development character approach, reducing parking minimums near transit), green and healthy (tree canopy, waterway access), and predictable/transparent (using building types with images).
- Public engagement included a community launch on May 12 with over 100 attendees and 15 community connectors.
- Commissioners discussed the importance of addressing data center regulation (Commissioner Kilgore noted hundreds of constituent concerns, and direction was given in December to explore special use permits; Mayor expressed skepticism about viability in city). Commissioner Isasi emphasized ensuring zoning reflects community values, such as not allowing detention centers. Commissioner Knight highlighted the need to include neighborhoods like NICA. Staff agreed to provide written progress reports bi-monthly.
Key Outcomes
- All proclamations and consent items were approved unanimously (voice votes).
- The ADU text amendment introduction was approved unanimously; final vote scheduled for June 16, 2026.
- The Zone GR directions report was presented and received; additional public engagement and work sessions planned; staff to provide regular updates.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, despite the nice positive attitude and all of the lovely conversations that are going on, I realize that we haven't started yet. So, gonna call uh meeting of the committee of whole to order, and our first item of business is uh Pride Month proclamation. Mr. Davis, yes. I'm invited. Our partners over here to this time. All right. So, I'm gonna read the following proclamation. Whereas the city of Grand Rapids is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, particularly those within the pride community, and whereas our commitment to equity and fairness extends to all residents, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, and whereas the contributions of the two spirit lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all other related individuals are vital to the rich cultural, economic, and social fabric of Grand Rapids, and those individuals deserve to feel safe, free from discrimination, and to be able to live without fear of harassment. And whereas, while this community has made significant progress, there remains ongoing work to ensure true equity, inclusion, belonging, and acceptance for every member of our community, and whereas Grand Rapids recognizes and celebrates the many two SLGBTQIA plus residents, advocates, artists, educators, public servants, organizations, and community leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen and enrich our city, and whereas this year's pride theme is for all of us and serves as a reminder that thriving communities are built through unity, visibility, collective care, and shared responsibility, making sure that all people are welcomed, valued, and supported. And whereas the City of Grand Rapids remains committed to advancing equity and creating spaces where all can live authentically and with dignity. Now I, therefore, David LeGrand, mayor of the city of Grand Rapids, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as Pride Month in Grand Rapids and urge all residents in celebrating and supporting our vibrant Pride community thank you, Mayor, Commissioners, uh City Manager, members of community. Uh today we recognize Pride Month and celebrate the diversity that helps make our city strong. Our community is made up of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life, and that diversity enriches our neighborhoods, workplaces, and civic life. Pride month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. As a city, we are at our best when every person feels welcome, valued, and able to fully participate in community life. So thank you to those who continue to work towards building a community where respect, understanding, and belonging are shared by all. Congratulations on this proclamation. I especially would like to thank our uh ERG group, uh Pride GR for their work that they do through, I'm sorry, Prism GR for the work that they do throughout uh the city of Grand Rapids, especially with staff, and we are also joined by many community partners today, especially uh Jazz McKinney, who represents the Pride Center. I'll give her a moment uh to have some remarks. Thank you. Um I just wanted to remind everyone that Pride Month isn't just a decoration, it isn't just a pretty rainbow, though it is, but it isn't just a pretty rainbow. It's not just a flag on a building or a social media post, it's a reminder that some of the people sitting in this very room serving the city have had to fight just to exist. Our employees, the city employees, our community reflect everyone in this community, queer people, trans people, our elders. We want to remember that there was a time that we were illegal. Young people are still figuring out who they are. Families may look different than what is considered to be the default. So when we honor pride Month, what we're saying is you belong here, you matter, and we see you. That shouldn't be considered politics. That should just be considered humanity. It makes us who we are, but when you do this, it makes us feel safer, but it's not the end-all be all. We need to continue to do things that help us to show up as our full selves, to be there for each other, to make residents and non-residents feel fully seen. So I ask you for this month. Don't just wear the colors. Don't just say happy Pride Month and keep it pushing. Ask someone how they're doing. Learn something, understand what inclusion truly means, not just as a checkbox, but as a practice. Remember that pride started as a protest, but it is still a promise that we are here and we are going to be here. And I also want to acknowledge that I understand that the next one will be about gun violence and that these issues are intersectional. Our queer community is impacted by gun violence as well. So I need you to listen to the next one as well because it matters to all of us. Thank you. So we want to ask uh both commission and our partners to join us for a photo. But in addition to that, we want to make sure that we end up invite everyone to the Prism GR employee resource group pride in a box celebration that they have every year. That'll be Thursday, June 18th at 10 a.m. in the city hall uh Monroe multi-purpose room. This event will feature pride swag, educational resources, and representatives from local organizations uh serving the community. No registration is required, and we hope to see you all there. So thank you. I get it.
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