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.
Contact Information
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 456-3000
For more contact details, visit City of Grand Rapids Departments.
General Information
Departments
Services
Boards and Commissions
Parks and Recreation
City Commission
City Management
Business
City Attorney’s Office
Elected Officials
Economic Development
Accountability Updates
Court Payments
Legal Notices
Municipal Code of Ordinances
Strategic Plan
GOVERNMENT NEWS
Clean Air Action Day Declared for Grand Rapids Area
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....
South Carolina Man Sentenced for Sextortion Leading to Suicide
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....
Grand Rapids Hosts Nationwide “No Kings” Protest Against Trump
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...
Grand Rapids Protests Against Trump’s Policies
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...
Fountain Street Church Offers Sanctuary to Immigrant Family
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...
Police Shooting in Little Rock Following Multi-State Manhunt
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...
Grand Rapids Man Indicted for Threats Against President
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...
Tragic Crash Claims Life of 77-Year-Old Man in Mecosta County
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...
Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg Appointed Interim President of GRCC
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,...