Grand Rapids
Short notice proposal to cut 81% of GR Comptroller staff raises transparency, democracy concerns
Submitted 12-16-2024 under NEWS
Updated 12/16/24, 6:50 p.m.*, updated 12/17/24, 3:34 p.m.* A $1.3 million budget amendment is set to go before the Grand Rapids Fiscal Committee Tuesday morning. On the chopping block? Most of the staff in the Office of the City Comptroller....
Letter from the Editor: Choosing connection after the election
by (allisondonahue)
Submitted 11-26-2024 under VOICES
It’s been three weeks since the election, and I’ve been feeling something in the air—and no, it’s not just November’s chill that has seemingly settled in for a gray winter. Some of the conversations I’ve been...
City of Grand Rapids seeks proposals for façade revitalization projects
by (allisondonahue)
Submitted 11-19-2024 under NEWS
The City of Grand Rapids is calling on property owners and developers to submit façade revitalization projects to include in a regional grant application for state funds aimed at enhancing community spaces and infrastructure. The Michigan Economic...
'Not a good deal for Grand Rapids': Community advocates urge City to reject Three Towers proposal
by (allisondonahue)
Submitted 11-13-2024 under NEWS
Together West Michigan (TWM), a coalition of local community groups amplifying resident voices, held a press conference Tuesday ahead of a City Commission meeting to voice their opposition to a potential DeVos-Van Andel development downtown. ...
Lenear, LaGrand participate in public mayoral debate 2 weeks before election
by (Justin Mills)
Submitted 10-23-2024 under NEWS
With two weeks left before the Nov. 5 general election, Grand Rapids mayoral candidates Senita Lenear and David LaGrand took center stage at Wealthy Theatre Monday to participate in a formal debate discussing key community issues. The debate topics...
Enduring West Side staple Fulton Street Pub & Grill gets spooky this October
by (Justin Mills)
Submitted 10-10-2024 under LOCAL LIFE
Fulton Street Pub & Grill is dead serious about Halloween this October, with a large selection of spooky season events, performances and even a Dracula-themed five-course dinner experience planned. In operation for over half a century, the...
Local candidates to address issues outlined by residents at campaign-free forum Saturday
by (allisondonahue)
Submitted 10-10-2024 under NEWS
On Saturday, Oct. 12, Grand Rapidians will gather for a campaign-free event where candidates running for mayor, the 3rd Ward and state representative races will be asked their stance on specific local issues. Together West Michigan (TWM), a...
Meet the candidates: 2024 GRPS Board of Education candidates
by (AlaynnaDressler)
Submitted 10-08-2024 under NEWS
There are eight Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Board of Education candidates on the ballot for the general election on Nov. 5—Amber Kilpatrick, Arick Davis, Tonya Williams, Eleanor Moreno, Ismalis Nuñez, Jordoun Eatman and Richard Williamson....
From Bonsai to Books: Orchard House Books plants the seeds for a new local bookstore
by (rosie.accola)
Submitted 10-01-2024 under NEWS
Fully realizing a late-summer dream for owner Amy Squire, a former garden supply store on Michigan Street has been transformed into a fully stocked bookstore and cafe. Orchard House Books and Cafe is a pop of color on the otherwise industrial...
Here's how you can help shape the next 20 years in Grand Rapids
by (AlaynnaDressler)
Submitted 09-16-2024 under NEWS
Grand Rapidians can help shape the future of Grand Rapids by providing public comment on the City’s draft of the “Bridge to Our Future” community master plan (CMP). The CMP is a land use plan that guides the physical...