🏗️ On Dec. 11, the Planning Commission approved two projects, including a school building addition at 540 Russwood St. NE and a new childcare/youth center at 1014/1024 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE. It also approved a request to sell distilled spirits at an existing convenience store on Fulton.

🚲 On Dec. 4, the Mobile GR Commission voted in a new chair and vice chair. Commissioners also heard an update on the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, including changes to make the process more proactive and equitable.

📝 Want to get paid to help your community stay informed? Join us for the next GR Documenters Orientation on Thursday, Dec. 18 to learn how to cover local public meetings. We’ll walk you through how the program works, what makes a good public meeting report, and how to start taking paid assignments.

🚧 On Dec. 3, the proposed Ledyard Building housing project received its final local approval from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The Board also approved five Emerging Developer grants, including one for a proposed 52-unit affordable housing development on the northeast side.

🏛️ On Nov. 18, the City Commission held a public hearing on the draft Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan. Public commenters talked about homelessness in GR, policing, the Leonard Street corridor and a desire for the City to communicate how it “meets the concerns of the people.”

🌳 On Nov. 13, the Urban Forestry Committee didn't achieve a quorum. Committee members talked about a proposed housing development near Huff Park and deer, herd management.

🏗️ On Nov. 13, the City Planning Commission held two public hearings for 220 Wealthy St. SE (parking structure waiver of active use) and 1630 Griggs St. SE (site changes associated with expansion of new preschool programming). Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the projects.

🚧 On Nov. 5, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved five action items, including one related to a Seeds of Promise redevelopment project. The intent of this project is to construct 14 new pre-manufactured "smart homes" on the city's southeast side.

Written by @joshuapolanski.bsky.social

💰On Nov. 5, the Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority approved four action items, including a request to recommend a liquor license, a public art mural application and a Shop Hop funding request. The Board also heard several updates about an upcoming visitor guide, influencer mixer and more.

🚍 On Oct. 22, The Rapid's Board of Directors approved a five-year contract with Cardinal Infrastructure for federal lobbying services, the purchase of the property at 600 Century Ave. SW and more. The Board also went into closed session to consider the purchase/lease of real property.

📚 On Oct. 21, the GRPL Board of Library Commissioners approved bargaining agreements with the Grand Rapids Employees Independent Union (GREIU), including the addition of library pages to the rank and file unit. The Board also heard an evaluation of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge.

💰 On Oct. 16, the North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) approved three action items, including a request to recommend a development area liquor license for Henchmen House and $15,000 for Lights on Creston.

🏛️ At the Oct. 21 City Commission meeting, public commenters addressed a Wealthy Street redesign project. Business owners expressed concerns and other community members spoke in support. The City Commission also held public hearings for a downtown redevelopment project and the naming of a new park.

Written by @joshuapolanski.bsky.social

💰 On Oct. 8, the Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority debated ending its contract with Building Bridges, with some Board members citing tax dollar stewardship and a lack of service. The Board also tabled a grant writing proposal and heard a presentation about changes in property tax values.

💰 On Oct. 3, the West Side Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) approved amendments to its Façade Improvement Program guidelines and denied a Façade Improvement grant application from Bridge Street Ministries. West Side CIA chair Jon O'Connor also provided an update on the gateway signs project.

🚲 On Oct. 2, the Mobile GR Commission, joined by Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid, talked about the DASH. There was discussion about its purpose, how it's funded and more. Mobile GR Director Jessica Smith also provided a review of the fiscal year 2025 budget and actuals.

🏗️ On Sept. 25, the City Planning Commission held four public hearings. It approved projects at 1041 Leonard St. NE, 855 Butterworth St. SW and 1058 Butterworth St. SW and tabled a project at 540 Russwood St. NE. It also approved a final site plan review for a development at 1644 Ball Ave. NE.

Written by @joshuapolanski.bsky.social

💰 On Sept. 11, the South Division-Grandville Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) heard presentations about streetscape design/alley activation projects and the City's parking investment strategy. It also approved a façade improvement application and a letter of support.

🌳 On Sept. 11, the Urban Forestry Committee heard a presentation on the Forestry Operations and Management Plan. It also discussed tree awareness items, the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and Tour des Trees.

🍎 On Sept. 15, the GRPS Board of Education reconvened its recessed meeting. Over 60 commenters talked about teacher pay/retention, understaffing in special education, the loss of families and educators to other districts and more. Many commenters also called for district leadership to take action.

💰 On Sept. 10, the Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) approved three action items, including a business associations MOU, corridor management RFP and an event funding request. The Board also heard an update on the MLK streetscape project.

🍎 On Sept. 8, the GRPS Board of Education adjourned its meeting early due to concerns about potential violations of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Public commenters talked about teacher pay and retention.