City of Grand Rapids Releases Inaugural Report on Surveillance Activities
Published on April 24, 2024GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids has issued its first report on surveillance activities, which found no adverse impacts on the public's constitutional rights. Brandon Davis, interim managing director of the Office of Oversight & Public Accountability and Office of Equity & Engagement, presented the report to the Grand Rapids City Commission's Public Safety Committee.The report, covering the period from January 3, 2022, to June 30, 2023, focused on the City's use of surveillance equipment and services. Brandon Davis highlighted the...
City approves zoning text amendments
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids City Commission has unanimously approved a series of Zoning Ordinance text amendments aimed at enhancing housing supply, diversifying housing types, and promoting housing affordability. These amendments cover various aspects such as accessory dwelling units, unrelated occupants in a household, single room occupancy dwellings, transitional and emergency housing, small-scale residential infill, and certain parking regulations.Kristin Turkelson, the planning director, highlighted the significance of these changes, stating, “The zoning...
Transformational Investments and City Services Highlight Proposed FY25 Budget in Grand Rapids
City Manager Mark Washington presented the fiscal year 2025 proposed budget to the City Commission, outlining a $690 million spending plan aimed at continuing strategic objectives and making transformational investments. Washington emphasized that the budget will address crucial issues related to safety, health, environment, mobility, economic prosperity, housing, community engagement, and governmental excellence.Washington stated, "The FY25 Preliminary Fiscal Plan builds upon investments made in prior fiscal years and allows us to be consistent with our values and...
- Which former Grand Rapids Reporter area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 22?
- 10th Annual Neighborhood Summit in Grand Rapids Opens Registration for May 18 Event
- Oversight and Public Accountability hosts May 4 Expungement Fair
- City announces ninth annual summer series of free outdoor fitness
- Which former Grand Rapids Reporter area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 15?
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Forge Industrial Staffing announces opening for quality inspector position in Wyoming
Forge Industrial Staffing has announced it is looking for candidates to fill an integrity quality inspection laborer position in a Wyoming facility.
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League of American Workers founder: ‘Biden’s open border claims another innocent life’
League of American Workers founder Steve Cortes said President Joe Biden’s open border policy is the cause of multiple deaths of innocent people.
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Water Main Break in Grand Rapids Prompts Boil Water Advisory
The Grand Rapids Water Department is currently dealing with a significant water main break on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids, affecting multiple water pumping pressure districts. In response to the situation, customers in specific areas have been advised to take precautions."As a precaution, Grand Rapids Water customers East of US 131 and North of Hall Street should boil their water as crews work to make repairs due to the loss in pressure for a large area and pressure districts impacted," stated the water department.The advisory specified that residents residing...
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GRPD Announces its 2023 Employees of the Year
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) celebrated the achievements of three outstanding individuals by naming them as the 2023 Employees of the Year. Officer Joseph Garrett, Officer René Garza, and Clorissa Novak were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Grand Rapids community and the department.Officer Joseph Garrett, a member of the Special Response Team and the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, was commended for his exemplary service and dedication. With a background in Criminal Law and fluency in English and Spanish,...
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Grand Rapids Residents Encouraged to Provide Feedback on City Services
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids is once again urging all community members to provide feedback on City services, programs, events, and facilities. The Grand Rapids’ National Community Survey (NCS) is now open for participation until Thursday, March 21, 2024.Residents who were part of the initial phase of the survey initiative and received a survey via mail are requested to share their feedback either through the provided online link or by returning the completed survey via mail as instructed.According to city officials, the survey, consisting of 31...
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Applications now available for the GRow1000 summer employment program
Applications are now open for the City of Grand Rapids' GRow1000 Summer Youth Employment Program, offering young people the chance to earn money while gaining valuable workplace skills. According to City Manager Mark Washington, the program is a great opportunity for the city's youth to explore career pathways and prepare for future success.The program aims to hire nearly 200 individuals aged 15 to 24, who will earn $13 per hour for 20 hours of work per week. In addition to work experience, participants will also benefit from workshops focusing on customer service, growth...
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City Requests Proposals for Lead Programs in the Third Ward
The City of Grand Rapids has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for lead-reducing water filter programs in the Third Ward. This initiative is part of the Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR) process, where residents allocated $500,000 to address concerns about potential lead in drinking water.The City is looking for individuals, organizations, companies, or agencies to promote and distribute free lead-reducing water filters, provide educational information, and conduct in-home lead risk evaluations. The focus of this funding is on homes that have not yet had...
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City of Grand Rapids Offers Free Lifeguard Certification to Address Nationwide Shortage
The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is taking proactive measures to address the nationwide lifeguard shortage by offering free American Red Cross certification courses. The department plans to hire 75 lifeguards this summer to ensure the safety of swimmers at the city's three public pools.In an effort to reduce barriers to becoming a certified lifeguard, the city is offering free certification courses to applicants who are not already certified. The American Red Cross certification, which is valid for two years and has a value of $275, will be...
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Most City offices closed Feb. 19 for Presidents Day
Most City of Grand Rapids offices will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. The closure was announced in a statement released by the City of Grand Rapids on February 14, 2024. City offices will resume their normal operations on Tuesday, February 20.According to the statement, there will be no delays in curbside refuse and recycling collection services during the week. The Grand Rapids Public Library will remain open during its regular operating hours, ensuring that residents can still access its services. Additionally, the City's...
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City of Grand Rapids Publishes Community-wide GHG Emissions Inventory and Targets
The City of Grand Rapids in Michigan has released a community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, along with ambitious reduction targets. The inventory, conducted by ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) and supported by the E.H.Zero initiative, reveals that the Grand Rapids community generated 2,492,064 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e) in 2019.The City has set a science-based GHG/carbon emissions reduction goal of a 62.8% reduction per capita by 2030 and a 100% reduction per capita by 2050. These targets align with the...