Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Grand Rapids City Commission held a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, beginning in the evening. The meeting included public comments on agenda items, a budget ordinance amendment, public hearings on an industrial facilities exemption for City Built Brewing, and extensive public testimony opposing the city's use of Flock automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). Commissioners and the mayor committed to continued discussion and review of the Flock program but took no immediate action to alter it.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, which included routine approvals and items that passed out of committee unanimously, was approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ivan Diaz (First Ward) spoke on item C1, the Cure Violence contract, urging the commission to use its lobbyists to advocate for state and federal investments in social services and housing, and for increased taxes on the wealthy to fund such services.
• Lucas (First Ward) addressed item E2 (2027 meeting schedule), criticizing the cancellation of an evening meeting in July and the overall schedule changes that reduce public access. He urged the commission to hold all scheduled meetings and to prioritize public participation.
• Mark (Grand Rapids) spoke on item regarding a contract with VO4 for shared micromobility services, expressing concern about potential policy changes under a new transportation secretary that could eliminate bike lanes and ride-share services. He warned of unpredictable federal actions.
• Daniel (30-year resident) opposed the Cure Violence contract (item C1) from a religious perspective, urging the money be used instead to stop abortions at 425 East Cherry. He claimed the leading cause of death for African Americans is abortion.
• Alex Straith attempted to speak on a moratorium on expanding the Flock network but was informed the item was not on the agenda and could be addressed in the later general public comment period.
• Eric (Second Ward) spoke in favor of the VO4 contract, praising the switch from Lime and advocating for safer bike lanes and better e-bike infrastructure.
• D Jones supported the Cure Violence initiative but called for also addressing poverty, affordable housing, and healthcare. He urged the city to also support local neighborhood organizations with global goals.
• Martha Cooper (Grand Rapids) raised a point of order about unequal treatment of speakers, noting a previous speaker was allowed to speak on abortion (not on agenda) while another was stopped from speaking on Flock.
• Cindy Hicks (Sheldon Ave) opposed the Cure Violence contract, stating it has not reduced violence in her neighborhood. She described a recent incident where GRPD officers beat a youth due to a Flock camera, and she criticized the over-concentration of Flock cameras in her area.
• Public Hearing on City Built Brewing: Several speakers expressed support, including Lucas (commending the business), D Jones (supporting jobs), Emma Kema (supporting community involvement), and another speaker praising the brewery's food. One speaker opposed the brewery on religious grounds, citing harm from alcohol. The hearing was closed without a vote, referred to committee.
• General Public Comment (primarily on Flock): Over 40 speakers addressed the commission, the vast majority opposing the use of Flock cameras. Speakers raised concerns about Fourth Amendment violations, lack of warrants, racial profiling, data security and sharing, federal access (ICE), opposition to mass surveillance, and demanding cancellation of the contract and adoption of sanctuary city policies. A few speakers expressed general support for the police but still opposed Flock. No speaker spoke in favor of Flock cameras.

Discussion Items

• Budget Ordinance Amendment (Fiscal Year 2027): Commissioner Isassi presented a series of budget adjustments covering various departments, including receipt of a NextCycle Michigan grant for food scrap bins, improvements to the Grand River, Belknap Park pickleball court design, a FEMA hazard mitigation grant, Lincoln Park improvements, fleet vehicle purchases, support for the South Town Arts and Culture Initiative (Third Ward Equity Fund), capital bond and millage alignment for parks, program income for community development, Art Prize South Prize funding, North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority signage, and a WEGE Foundation grant for a wood chipper. Commissioner Kilgore highlighted the South Prize initiative expanding Art Prize venues in the Third Ward from one to 24, and noted economic challenges due to federal policies affecting city contracts. The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll call vote (5-0). Immediate effect was approved.
• Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for City Built Brewing: The Economic Development Department presented a 12-year tax exemption for City Built Brewing at 1560 Taylor Avenue. The $1.6 million project would rehabilitate a vacant property for beverage production and a tap room, retaining 14 jobs and creating 12 new jobs at an average wage of $30/hour. Commissioners expressed support, noting livable wages and community benefits. The public hearing was held, and then closed with referral to the committee of the whole.
• Flock Cameras/ALPRs: Although not a formal agenda item, the topic dominated the meeting. Commissioners and the city manager acknowledged the public concerns and committed to further review. Mayor LeGrand stated the meeting was a starting point for conversation, not a decision point, and praised the reasoned testimony. Commissioner Kilgore confirmed she supported ACLU recommendations and will work on an ordinance. Commissioner Isassi noted there are 31 Flock cameras (not 100+ as some speakers claimed) and that the conversation is ongoing. The city manager thanked the police department and the public, and said staff will reflect on input and work with the city attorney.

Key Outcomes

• The Budget Ordinance Amendment for Fiscal Year 2027 was approved unanimously (5-0) with immediate effect.
• The public hearing on the City Built Brewing industrial facilities exemption was closed; no vote was taken. The matter was referred to the committee of the whole for further discussion.
• Several petitions and communications were received and filed, including messages expressing concern about Flock cameras, the Cambridge Park pilot program, police use of force, and noise from Accurisure Amphitheater.
• No action was taken on Flock cameras. Commissioners and the mayor committed to continued dialogue, transparency, and possible policy adjustments. Commissioner Kilgore announced a community conversation on September 15 with the police chief to further discuss Flock and surveillance.