Government

City of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan, operates under a council-manager form of municipal government, established by its 1916 city charter. This structure divides responsibilities between elected officials and an appointed city manager.

City Commission

The City Commission serves as the city’s legislative body, setting policies and overseeing municipal operations. It comprises seven members: the mayor and six commissioners. The city is divided into three wards, each electing two part-time commissioners to four-year terms, with elections staggered every two years. Commissioners are elected on a non-partisan basis. The mayor, also elected to a four-year term, presides over commission meetings and represents the city ceremonially. Notably, Rosalynn Bliss became the city’s first female mayor on January 1, 2016, and has been an advocate for environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and improved police-community relations.

City Manager

The city manager is a professional administrator appointed by the City Commission to implement policies, oversee daily operations, and manage city departments. This role ensures that the city’s administrative functions align with the commission’s legislative directives.

Departments and Services

Grand Rapids offers a range of services through its various departments, divisions, and offices. These include public safety, public works, parks and recreation, and community development. The city emphasizes sustainability, with an Office of Sustainability dedicated to managing environmental practices and initiatives, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and enhancing urban green spaces.

Public Participation

Residents are encouraged to engage with the city’s governance through public meetings, boards, and commissions. The city maintains transparency by providing access to meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and videos of past sessions. Additionally, the Open Data Portal offers datasets on various city metrics, promoting informed community involvement.

Historical Milestones

Grand Rapids has been a pioneer in public health initiatives. In 1945, it became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water, significantly reducing dental decay among its residents.

The city’s commitment to public transportation is evident through “The Rapid,” the regional transit authority. Established in 2000, The Rapid operates bus services, including the Silver Line and Laker Line bus rapid transit systems, enhancing mobility within the city and surrounding areas.

GOVERNMENT NEWS

Public transportation in Grand Rapids during Clean Air Action Day

Clean Air Action Day Declared for Grand Rapids Area

June 17, 2025

News Summary The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has announced a Clean Air Action Day for several counties, including Grand Rapids, due to rising ozone levels....

A symbolic image representing the dangers of sextortion in online communications

South Carolina Man Sentenced for Sextortion Leading to Suicide

June 17, 2025

News Summary A South Carolina man, Glenn Daeward Boyd, has been sentenced to 22.5 years for a sextortion scheme that led to the suicide of a victim in Kent County....

Protesters gather in Grand Rapids for No Kings protest

Grand Rapids Hosts Nationwide “No Kings” Protest Against Trump

June 16, 2025

News Summary Thousands in Grand Rapids gathered for the “No Kings” protest against Trump’s administration, highlighting concerns over immigration policies and advocating for democracy. The event featured speeches, music, and...

Peaceful protest in Grand Rapids against Trump's policies

Grand Rapids Protests Against Trump’s Policies

June 15, 2025

News Summary Thousands gathered in downtown Grand Rapids for the ‘No Kings’ protests, vocally opposing President Trump’s policies on immigration and social justice. The peaceful demonstrations showcased a diverse crowd...

Interior of Fountain Street Church providing sanctuary for immigrant families

Fountain Street Church Offers Sanctuary to Immigrant Family

June 13, 2025

News Summary Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, MI, has provided sanctuary to the family of Carlos Menjivar, an El Salvadorian man detained by ICE. Advocates argue that Menjivar had...

Law enforcement officers responding to a traffic incident at night

Police Shooting in Little Rock Following Multi-State Manhunt

June 13, 2025

News Summary A police shooting occurred in Little Rock after a man was killed during a traffic stop following a multi-state manhunt that began with a carjacking in Michigan. Felipe...

An abstract image depicting justice and online threats

Grand Rapids Man Indicted for Threats Against President

June 13, 2025

News Summary James Donald Vance Jr., a 42-year-old from Grand Rapids, faces federal indictment for threatening to kill and injure the President and Vice President of the United States through...

Busy intersection in Mecosta County with a parking lot and nearby restaurants

Tragic Crash Claims Life of 77-Year-Old Man in Mecosta County

June 12, 2025

News Summary A 77-year-old man, Larry Good, from Reed City has tragically died following injuries from a car crash on Saturday. The incident occurred while attempting to exit a Meijer...

Students participating in various activities at Grand Rapids Community College

Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg Appointed Interim President of GRCC

June 12, 2025

News Summary Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg has been appointed as the Interim President of Grand Rapids Community College, stepping in during a transitional period marked by challenges in diversity, equity,...

HERE GRAND RAPIDS

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