The Economic Development department helps you grow your business by working alongside you to get what you need. You've come to the right place. Home Address: 904 Bellclaire SE Phone: (616) 644-3772 Email Marc Date Elected: November 2021 Term Ends: December 2025 Ward 2 A summary of pay increases for elected leaders issued by the Local Officers Compensation Commission and compiled by Grand Rapids. The mayors pay increase to $52,000 in the upcoming fiscal year and $60,000 the following year was approved by a split 4-2 vote, according to the minutes. Do you need someone to take care of your trash removal? Phone: 616-784-2007. MEMBERSHIP: The commission has thirteen members that represent the community at large. How will you address it? In the Third Ward, candidate Kelsey Perdue defeated her opponent Rev. City Commission Committee of the Whole Committee on Appointments Community Development Committee Economic Development Project Team Fiscal Committee Public Safety Committee Special Briefing Committee Full Calendar The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Its many responsibilities included: In 1968, the Community Relations Commission (CRC) was created. For everyones safety, the Citys fire (GRFD) and police (GRPD) departments urge users to be aware of fireworks regulations and safety tips before lighting up the sky. To effectively do this, we need the city commission to support us with the resources needed to keep you safe. I am proud to have the unanimous endorsement from the 5 previous City Commissioners of the 1st Ward. Elections County Administration Building 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2288 Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Drop Box & Polling Locations campaignfinance@kentcountymi.gov Lisa Posthumus Lyons County Clerk/Register Robert J. Macomber Chief Deputy County Clerk Employee Recognition I also serve in the US Army Reserves and graduated as the Valedictorian and Distinguished Honors Graduate of my class (JFK School of Special Warfare). Adopting the Annual County Budget. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. See meeting schedules and agendas for the City Commission, legislative committees, and boards and commissions. Learn more about our summer youth employment program. Have you seen illegal dumping or trash in the street? GR commissioner walks out amid chaotic meeting; 3 arrested Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Grand Haven pier closed after person allegedly brandished gun, Child hurt, 'handful' of others suffer minor injuries in downtown Allegan July 3 Jubilee fireworks incident, 13 On Your Side Forecast: Hot & Humid Wednesday, Election Results: Kent County Commissioner races, Michigans 3rd Congressional District | John Gibbs vs. Hillary Scholten results, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer wins reelection for governor in Michigan. Board of Commissioners - Kent County, Michigan as the city eyes a $15 to $20 million budget shortfall. Knight, 57, is the executive director of the Girls Choral Academy. Click herefor the full list of election results in Kent County. The City Commission is a legislative body. The seats are non-partisan. My faith, my love for my neighbor and city, and my willingness to dive deeper into the complex issues of our society is why Im running. Recall petition filed against Ottawa County commissioner tied - mlive Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Jones, 51, has served as a city commissioner since 2016. Every two years, the community elects one commissioner from each ward. The City Commission represents the people of Grand Rapids. As Im alluding to, my main priority would simply be following up and responding. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two proposals on the city of Grand Rapids' ballot this November could change the way the city commission is chosen. The City Commission is a legislative body. Grand Rapids has three wards, and each ward elects two City Commissioners. I am running for re-election because there is work that I hope to finish that I believe would make our City more affordable, equitable and sustainable. Staff Directory East Grand Rapids, MI CivicEngage I ran for City Commission in 2017 because so many of my neighbors were personally experiencing the affordable housing crisis. Did you recently move or purchase a new home? We help you check venue availability and plan your event. May 23, 2023 7:00 PM Agenda Agenda Packet Summary Minutes Video . A recommendation was then made to increase the city commissioner salary to $28,000 next fiscal year and then $31,000 the following on. City commissioners serve overlapping four-year terms. Term Ends: 1/5/2026, Mayoral Appointment Posted: Nov 9, 2022 / 05:47 PM EST Updated: Nov 10, 2022 / 04:56 PM EST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two big upsets during Tuesday's election will bring some major changes to the Grand. I have created Newsletters, sharing information freely through social media, hosted meet and greet open house events at local businesses and attended community meetings where residents gather to share their thoughts and concerns. Commissioner. TERM: Each members term is for three years. I will change this by continuously enacting new methods of resident contact. Cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies and departments as requested by the ODI to assist in addressing and resolving issues of discrimination. Ward 1 Resident Instead, that work is done by the Local Officers Compensation Commission, whose seven members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city commission. Pictured is the Grand Rapids City Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. For example, while door-knocking is typically considered a campaign-related activity, I plan to continue going door-to-door regularly to proactively seek out the thoughts and opinions of those I represent. Name Title Email Phone Additional Phone Schulz, Marc First Ward Commissioner: Email Marc Schulz Burdick, Ryan First Ward Commissioner: Email Ryan Burdick: 734-926-5585 . Whiteness, white fear and the outcome of the Grand Rapids 1st Ward City We're working to add streaming for more of our board and commission meetings. Every two years, onecommissionerfrom each wardiselected. Joel H. Hondorp. What is the greatest challenge facing the office you seek? Unfortunately, theres no manual that had been written to prepare me for such a time as this. In 2019, the City Commission established the Human Rights Ordinance which continued the refinement and roles and responsibilities of the CRC. Commissioners can only serve two four-year terms. The Mayor is elected by all Grand Rapids voters. The Grand Rapids City Commission rejected $500,000 of Federal CARES dollars to support public safety and crime prevention from Kent County. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Joe Moss, chair of the embattled Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, joined in a brief filed in the recently decided U.S. Supreme Court case that sided with a graphic artist . The filings painted a picture of the Grand Rapids area business establishment coalescing around efforts to unseat Reppart and defeat Third Ward candidate Perdue, who lagged behind their opponents in overall cash received but led in the number of individual donors. Despite repeated. Knight received 12,935 votes. We serve as the City's accounting office and work to create an efficient government. Lisa Knight Knight addressed, both policing and housing on her campaign page. Bricks, graffiti left at GR commissioners' properties We are streaming live on 13+ from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. To download 13+, go to Roku or Fire TV, then go to the Search option within the app, and search for 13 ON YOUR SIDE. Ive long said that Grand Rapids is a legitimate medium-sized city with big city problems. It is the foundation for all other issues -- housing, the environment, education, good jobs, etc. Here are but a few of the challenges we face as a city: VIOLENT CRIME AND ROOT CAUSE - Residents not only want to be safe, but feel safe. Im certain that one day in the annals of history there will be testimonies about living and leading through a global pandemic. In 2019, I was inducted into the Grand Rapids Emerging Leaders series as an up-and-coming public servant. This department is responsible for overseeing the Income Tax ordinance and compliance. and involved with resolving the issues that their constituents are bringing forth, no matter how popular or small of an issue, the meetings could carry on as needed. Fostering mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and nationality groups. Commissioner ROBERT S. WOMACK - LinkedIn The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids city commissioners are set to receive their biggest pay raise in 36 years, with it being the second highest in that time for the position of mayor, as the. Related: Grand Rapids avoids potential layoffs, service cuts thanks to $94 million from the feds. Read more about Independence Day closures on July 4. Who's My Commissioner? Posted at 6:15 PM, Nov 10, 2022 and last updated 3:15 PM, Nov 10, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The city of Grand Rapids will welcome some new members to the highest seat of local. Term Ends: 1/5/2026, Mayoral Appointment Appointed Officials Meet your appointed officials. The Study Committee submitted a report with recommendations to create the Human Relations Commission. This includes approving the annual budgets of other, independently elected, County officials: the County Clerk, the Drain Commissioner, Judges of the 17 th Circuit Court and 63 rd District Court, the Prosecutor, and the Treasurer. The Local Officers Compensation Commission recommends increasing the salaries of the citys six city commissioners by 10.25%, from $25,397 each year to $28,000, starting July 1, the beginning of the citys 2022 fiscal year. I have hope. Pause of J&J COVID-19 vaccine shows safety checks in place, Spectrum Health doctor says, E-bikes, more scooters potentially coming to Grand Rapids at the start of summer, Holland restaurant owner who disregarded COVID-19 orders fights contempt ruling in bid to open. 300 Monroe Ave NW Commission Chambers, 9th Floor Grand Rapids, MI 49503: Commission Members: Drew Robbins. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Rapids will have three new faces on its seven-member city commission. Perhaps in that same book will be a chapter or chapters outlining the marked change in our country and city after the tragic killings of George Floyd and Patrick Lyoya. GR voters could change future elections in November He is a board member of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Access of West Michigan, Grand Valley State Universitys Kirkhof College of Nursing and the West Fulton Business Association. The greatest challenge facing the 2nd Ward City Commissioner seat is lack of communication and the souring of community relations. And I have a dream of what we can become as a city. Ottawa County District 2 Commissioner Lucy Ebel listens during a meeting at the Ottawa County Administration Building in West Olive on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. From left, incumbent commissioner Kurt Reppart and challenger Drew Robbins will face off in the Nov. 8 election to represent Grand Rapids First Ward. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. In Grand Rapids,six commissionersare elected to represent the citys three wards, with each ward receiving two commissioners. GRPL is our communitys best source for information, viewpoints, resources, and programs. Board LiaisonAndrea Riley-Mukavetz The Parks and Recreation Department helps Grand Rapids residents and visitors get active and explore their community. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Excellence in Education Award Nominations, ELECTION RESULTS: See races across West Michigan. The City of Grand Rapids - YouTube However, precincts 64 and 65 received the lowest percentage of voter turnout in the Third Ward, despite having some of the most registered voters. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. Ottawa County forbids staff to support 'sexualization of children MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. The Mayor is the official head of the City and presides at meetings when the City Commission makes decisions. The Office of Sustainability oversees the management of sustainability practices at the City and also houses our work related to climate and energy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. What strategies would you use to remain responsive and accountable to the public between elections? Results will start coming in after the polls close at 8 p.m. Due to expanded absentee voting, election officials say you shouldn't expect all results to be available on election night. No commissioners, nor the mayor, addressed the increases at the meeting. Must be 15-24 to apply. GR City Commission will move to even-year election cycle in 2022 Three Grand Rapids city commissioners, one in each ward, are up for reelection in the midterms. The total spending plan, which includes other funds and revenues, was approved at $531 million. A fireworks explosion in western Michigan killed 1 woman and injured 9 Compensation There is no compensation for members on this board. Have you spotted a pothole in Grand Rapids? The margin of defeat was small, with Robbins getting 8,042 votes to Reppart's 7,690. How will you address it? More than half a dozen members of the DeVos family gave the maximum they can individually give for a total of $8,400 to Robbins and another $8,400 to Hoskins. Board Members - Kent County, Michigan If Jones wins, hell be in his second and last term as a commissioner on the governing body. These sessions happened in conjunction with regularly scheduled Commission Nights Out. I believe this also means additional funding for mental health co-response and community programs that empower neighborhoods to help. The Code Compliance department protects the health and safety of our citizens. With aggravated assaults, homicides, weapon law violations, auto thefts, abductions, and more increasing (source: City Crime Statistics Dashboard), I hope to return to prioritizing safe streets, safe neighborhoods, and trusted public safety services. Robbins won over Reppart in precincts 19, 20 and 22, which had some of the highest voter turnout. Most city offices and the yard waste drop off site are closed Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. Read more about Independence Day closures on July 4. 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Administrative Services administers services for Risk Management, Labor Relations, Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Benefits, and Recruitment services for City employees and interested candidates. Issue publications or reports that in its judgment will tend to minimize or eliminate prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination in the City. The minutes provided with the filing in the city commissions Tuesday meeting packet did not include any rationale or discussion behind the increases. The Local Officers Compensation Commission meets every two years to decide pay for Grand Rapids elected leaders. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The commission voted 3-3 on the measure, with Commissioner Jon O'Connor having a planned absence. Conduct research projects and obtain data to ascertain the status and treatment of any protected class described in Sec. City Commission - Regular Session. Staff. This person is elected at large, or by the entire City. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. Helpful links for Nov. 8 midterm election. Ottawa County District 4 Commissioner Jacob Bonnema takes part in the Ottawa County Board meeting at the Ottawa County Administration Building in West Olive on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. . Michigan study suggests growing link between food insecurity and heart disease, Student loan forgiveness: Change means 4M borrowers no longer eligible, Grand Valley State University names Trinity Health as new Campus Health Center provider. The Office of Special Events issues permits to promote unique, fun and creative events for all to enjoy. It provides information about events, updates, and City Commission meetings from Grand Rapids City Hall. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Together, we better prepare youth for college, work, and life. Reppart, 42, was elected to city commission in 2017 and holds a bachelors degree in Biblical literature from Taylor University. Every two years, the community elects one commissioner from each ward. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Looking to learn more about our city? Term Ends: 1/5/2026, Mayoral Appointment The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The City of Grand Rapids is divided into 3 Wards and governed by a combination of elected and appointed officials. In the midterm election, three of the current. Refuse, recycle, and yard waste curbside services are delayed one day after the holiday. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2022 . It handles the development of Grand Rapid's urban core. Term Limits Each member's term is for three years. The ward is roughly half white, with its largest minority population. How the City Commission Works Kenneth Hoskins by a tally of 10,209 to 8,162 votes. The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously approved the idea Tuesday evening, but state election law required them to do somany city commissioners were against the idea, including Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, who told WGVU back in October she feared moving city commission elections to even years, (which would then correspond with midter. It failed by a 3-3 vote. Video Youre in the right place to report it. Commissioner who filed HR complaint against John Gibbs faces - mlive 300 Monroe Avenue NW, The Office of the City Manager coordinates the development of policies which align to the oversight of City operations. View the latest news, updates, and RFPs from our Participatory Budget Grand Rapids initiative. Apart from a 40% increase in 2015, 1986 was the last year, too, that a pay raise higher than 5.37% was issued for the position of mayor. Polls in Michigan are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn about hours, locations, services and more. On Tuesday, Grand Rapids residents voted in several crucial statewide and local elections, including choosing three candidates to serve on the City Commission. There is no term limit, so you can serve an unlimited number of terms. If all current Commissioners were responsive outside of those meetings (text, email, direct message, phone call, etc.) Its elected members are our communitys policymakers. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). Voter turnout was roughly 30% at precincts 64 and 65. The Local Officers Compensation Commission met twice in March to decide the pay increase recommendations, according to city minutes. That we hold fast to the dream of creating a beloved community in which more people can live a more abundant life right here in Grand Rapids. A free, fun, and friendly 5k community event. Want to view our Healthcare Trend report? The winner will represent the ward alongside Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, whose current term expires in 2024. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids city commissioners are set to receive their biggest pay raise in 36 years, with it being the second highest in that time for the position of mayor, as the city eyes a $15 to $20 million budget shortfall. The two, 2.5% increases of the city comptroller were unanimously approved. The City of Grand Rapids is a City Commission and City Manager form of government. Knight said she has served on more than 10 boards in Grand Rapids and volunteers often. I have a deep knowledge about all of the critical issues facing our City and will continue to focus on evidence-based solutions and the inter-connectedness of issues as a way of maximizing impact. We build great neighborhoods in partnership with community organizations by supporting housing and community development activities. On the city commission, Jones serves as the president of the city commission, chair of the Public Safety Committee, and is a member of the Community Development Committee, Legislative Committee and Economic Development Project Team. The section east of the river is generally bounded by Fulton Street to the north, the citys border to the south and Division Avenue to the east. There is always room for improvement with regards to engagement and I will continue to look for any meaningful ways to increase connection and touch points between the City of Grand Rapids and the residents of the 1st Ward and to also share the work that I am engaged with and listen directly to feedback from neighbors. The Development Center issues permits and conducts inspections for new construction or building changes in the City of Grand Rapids. The Communications Department directs the organization's interaction with our community, businesses, and visitors. . The disruption led to at least three. Most city offices and the yard waste drop off site are closed Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. I would then establish a monthly meeting hour for myself and my constituents to address the follow up Im conducting and what my plan is moving forward. I am glad this is being asked as per my answer above - responsiveness and accountability is my main priority as a candidate, and that will carry into my potential role as Commissioner. Led by the City Manager, the Executive Office is responsible for enacting City Commission policies and enforcing administrative policies. All Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) locations also are closed July 4. Elections - Kent County, Michigan I would also have an automated response to emails and calls to indicate expected response time based on my current schedule and workload so no constituent feels unheard. Commissioner. I will make your familys safety my #1 priority and will vote for a fully staffed, highly trained police department. Use our legislative management site to find meeting agendas, minutes, and more for the City Commission, standing committees, and boards and commissions. Proposal 3 passes, etching abortion rights into Michigan Constitution, Gretchen Whitmer is reelected governor, defeating Tudor Dixon, Huizenga defeats LaGrand for state Senate seat in close race. Who won the Grand Rapids City Commissioner races? | wzzm13.com Independence Day Office Closure - Grand Rapids, Michigan Although the mayor, then George Heartwell, received a 40% increase to $53,200 in 2015, the pay was decreased by about 25% to $39,924 the following year, according to city documents. Community Relations Commission - Grand Rapids, Michigan 9.935 of this Ordinance. The Study Committee submitted a report with recommendations to create the Human Relations Commission. The winner will represent . It's the first plan of this type for the City, and it covers fiscal years 2020 - 2023 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2023). As I am relatively new to politics I have tried many ways to connect with 1st Ward residents over the past 4 1/2 years. Voter turnout in Grand Rapids Third Ward was slightly more than 50%. Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States Womack is a 3 term Kent County Commissioner and a life long Civil Activist . Commissioner. The commission also approves the citys fiscal budget,oversees citydevelopment and strategic planning, andhandlesmajor projects. He holds a masters degree from the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary at Cornerstone University. Phone: 616-456-3027 Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Request Trash, Recycling, or Yard Waste Services, File a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit, Report an Abandoned Vehicle on the Street, Planning and Permits for Commercial Building Projects, Planning and Permits for Commercial Renovation Projects, Apply for a Downtown Vendor Business License, Apply for a Going Out of Business License, Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Truck, Trailer, or Concession License, Starting and Running a Business in Grand Rapids, 2022 Commission Night Out Engagement Feedback, Vital Streets Program: Improving Transportation, Police Policy and Procedure Review Task Force, Purchase City-Owned or State Land Bank Authority Residential Property, Check Trash Account Balance and Tip History, Apply to be our Environmental Services Manager, How to Create an Applicant Profile for City Jobs, Apply for a Seasonal or Temporary City Job, How City Employees Apply for a Transfer or Promotion, Subscribe to Receive Updates for City Jobs. This office also processes passport applications and provides notary services. Read more about Independence Day closures on July 4. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. This event promotes affordability and sustainability as most vendors are selling secondhand. The citys elected leaders do not set their pay raises or decreases. Fiesta Wednesdays purpose is to share the Latino culture by teaching dance lessons, introducing Latino foods and creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive fun experience for everyone. Until 2020, she served as the vice president and chief program officer at the Urban League of West Michigan. Ward 3 Resident Commissioner-elect Kelsey Perdue won with 10,209 votes. Grand Rapids' First Ward commission race pits incumbent - mlive Free community awareness event for all.Silence the violence, stop the violence. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A 43-year-old woman from the city of Holland died at the scene, the sheriff's department said. City Commission - Grand Rapids, Michigan Kelsey Perdue will fill an open seat, vacated by term-limited Commissioner Senita Linear, after defeating opponent Kenneth Wayne Hoskins. Where to look for the huge, orange Full Hunters Moon this weekend, Part of tribal identity, Great Lakes wild rice threatened by climate change, Michigan agrees to pay $500k toward Great Lakes coastal study.