News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo are seeking voter approval for a 10-year property tax renewal aimed at supporting operations and expansion. The proposed millage of 0.4173 mills is crucial for maintaining animal care, improving exhibits, and enhancing educational programs. If approved, it could generate approximately $14.9 million in its first year, benefitting local community engagement and visitors.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Public Museum and the John Ball Zoo are officially requesting voter approval to renew a 10-year countywide property tax millage aimed at supporting their operations and expansion efforts. This renewal initiative, which aims to maintain an annual property tax rate of 0.4173 mills, is crucial for funding the care of animals and artifacts, repairing and improving exhibits, and enhancing educational programs within the institutions.
This property tax millage was initially approved in 2016 with support from 61.5% of voters. However, the request needs to be reviewed and approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners before it can be placed on the ballot for the public to vote in either the August or November 2026 elections. A county committee is currently evaluating the proposed renewal, examining the financial outlook and the expansion plans presented by both the museum and the zoo.
If the renewal is approved, it is projected to generate approximately $14.9 million in its first year. For residents with homes valued at $200,000, this translates to an annual tax of $41.73. This funding is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing contributions of both institutions to the local community, which currently sees over one million visitors annually and can generate more than $100 million in local economic activity.
Planned Enhancements and Contributions
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has plans in place to enhance its outdoor exhibit space, which aims to include event spaces, hands-on science stations, river access, and improved educational opportunities. The John Ball Zoo is pushing forward a $300 million master plan over the next decade, which includes the development of new exhibits, a 30-foot waterfall, an underwater viewing area, expanded parking, and a rooftop café. Additionally, the zoo is contemplating the establishment of a large-scale waterfront aquarium along the Grand River.
Leaders of both the zoo and museum credit the existing millage with providing essential financial backing, which has enabled operational stability and growth. With the assistance of such funding, both institutions are better equipped to fulfill their roles in education, community engagement, and entertainment.
Challenges and Future Goals
Despite the positive impact of the millage, some local officials, such as Kent County Commissioner Dan Burrill, have expressed concerns regarding the ongoing reliance on this funding source. There is an ongoing objective for both the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum to work towards becoming self-sustaining in the long run. Dale Robertson, the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, has indicated efforts to raise an endowment to lessen or ultimately eliminate the need for future millage renewals. Since the initial millage approval, the museum’s endowment has increased significantly from $28 million in 2016 to approximately $53-54 million today.
John Ball Zoo’s CEO, Peter D’Arienzo, has shown interest in a similar endowment strategy. However, he has stressed that current funding remains vital to the zoo’s ability to maintain and renovate its assets. The Kent County Board of Commissioners is expected to finalize its recommendation regarding the millage renewal by March or April 2026. If approved, the millage renewal proposal’s language needs to be submitted to the Kent County Clerk’s office at least 90 days prior to either the August or November election.
Community Benefits
The proposed millage renewal is not only expected to maintain funding for the zoo and museum but also provides community benefits such as reduced admission prices for Kent County residents, free group admissions for students, and free parking at the museum. Through these initiatives, both the Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo continue to play a significant role in the region, serving residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Museum and Zoo Seeking 10-Year Renewal
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
- Detroit Free Press: High Property Taxes in Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County Voters Approve Special Education Millage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Engagement
- MLive: Michigan Communities Property Tax Rates
- Google News: John Ball Zoo
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
