Underwriting support from:
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss /Michael Moore, City of Grand Rapids
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss giving her State of the City at the Harris Building /Steve Guitar, City of Grand Rapids
Hello, Grand Rapidians.
I begin my term as your mayor with great excitement – and with a great sense of responsibility. I fully recognize I am standing on the shoulders of many great leaders who have come before me, and I am honored to follow in their footsteps and help chart a course for our future.
History was made when I became the first female mayor in our city’s 166-year story. But that was just the beginning of significant chapters yet to be written. I believe that – together – we will reach milestones that will have a lasting impact on our city for generations to come.
Our city has deep roots and a strong foundation, and we have much to be proud of and to celebrate. We are THE brightest spot in Michigan. We have strong economic development, an entrepreneurial spirit that believes anything is possible, unique and dynamic neighborhoods and a natural resource that runs through our downtown and a commitment to sustainability, among many other assets.
But we are not without challenges. As I outlined in my first State of the City address, we must tackle several issues that are keeping us from being the most vibrant, effective and inclusive city we can be.
For Grand Rapids to be THE place for everyone, we need to nurture hope, innovation, inclusion and a sense of possibility. That means we need a strong and growing local economy where both small and large businesses thrive as they create opportunity for all. We need safe neighborhoods and strong schools where all children are nurtured and grow up knowing they can be anything they want to be. We need housing that is affordable for everyone – no matter their personal journey. We need strong relationships between the community and police, ensuring that all residents feel empowered and respected. We need a strategic action plan to eliminate racial disparities.
I encourage you to watch my State of the City address and join the dialogue about how – working together – we can make Grand Rapids a city of opportunity for all.
As your mayor, I am committed to working with the community on these issues. I hope you will join me in moving the needle and making history along the way.
In partnership,
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss
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