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A Note From The Administrator
It’s been a whirlwind of changes coming from D.C., and we’ve been working hard to navigate the shifting landscape to keep county services running smoothly. While challenges remain, our team is staying focused and ready to adapt to whatever comes next.
But there is so much good news to share as well...
After nearly a year of hard work, we are proud to announce the launch of our new website and URL: kentcountymi.gov! This update enhances accessibility and usability, making it easier for residents to find the information they need.
As we enter Black History Month, we recognize this important time to honor the contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and in our community. Let’s use this time to learn, support, and grow together, ensuring that recognition and progress extend far beyond just this month.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Introducing Our New County Website!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new and improved county website! Thanks to extensive user testing, we’ve made navigation simpler and more intuitive for staff and the public. This is a huge step forward in making county resources easier to find and use.
A big thank you to our staff, Commissioners, and residents for their support throughout this process—from streamlining content to attending trainings and providing feedback.
But we’re not stopping here! We’ll continue refining and enhancing the site to ensure the best possible experience. Have questions or feedback? Email us at website@kentcountymi.gov.
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Fleet Services Facility Recognized for Energy Efficiency
Our new Fleet Services facility at 831 Ball Ave. is setting the standard for energy-efficient design! This 14,000-square-foot vehicle maintenance and repair facility recently earned a $5,452 rebate from Consumers Energy for upgrades that save nearly 50,000 kWh annually—enough to power several homes for a year.
By integrating advanced lighting systems and exceeding energy efficiency standards, the County is cutting costs, reducing environmental impact, and leading by example in sustainable operations. To read more about this project, visit our press release here.
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We were proud to honor Joe Kline with the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting.
A Vietnam veteran with 31 battle stars, Joe has been a member of the Kent County Honor Guard since 2011. In 2023, he participated in 223 military funerals, followed by 200 in 2024, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes.
Joe was also recognized with a Certificate of Senatorial Recognition, presented by Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for Senator Gary Peters' Office, in acknowledgment of his remarkable service and dedication to our community.
Thank you, Joe, for your extraordinary contributions and for continuing to make a difference. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!
Help Shape The Future Of Housing In Kent County
Our Community Action team, along with ASK Development Solutions, is studying housing barriers like affordability and accessibility, and our community's input will help us create real solutions and guide our 5-Year Consolidated Plan.
Please let us know your thoughts/experiences by taking this survey by February 14.
Let’s work together to make housing fair and accessible for everyone in our community.
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Free Tax Preparation Services
Tax season can be stressful, but the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC) is here to help! Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, eligible residents can receive free tax preparation services and financial literacy support to maximize refunds and promote economic stability.
Since 2002, KCTCC has helped over 126,000 taxpayers, returning more than $122 million in refunds to our community - funds that support essential needs like food, housing, and debt repayment.
Our Board of Commissioner's also approved a $10,000 Prevention Program Fund allocation to support this vital service.
Spread the word and take advantage of this free resource. For eligibility and appointment information, visit here.
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Deer Management Research Continues
The second phase of the Kent County Deer Management Coalition Project kicked off on January 29. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) research teams will be collecting field data across the county through February 28, operating nightly from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting). This research helps estimate deer populations, supporting efforts to balance our ecosystem, improve public safety, and address concerns like deer-vehicle collisions and crop damage.
To minimize disruptions, teams will use marked vehicles and follow strict protocols approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and local law enforcement.
Stay tuned for additional public surveys this spring and summer, and learn more about the project here.
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Celebrating Black History Month
 February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans - nationally and in Kent County. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," highlights the vital role Black workers have played in shaping industries, advocating for rights, and strengthening communities. For a comprehensive list of events and activities, visit this Guide to 2025 Black History Month events and activities in West Michigan.
Gerald R. Ford Job Corps - Spotlight Partner
A huge thank you to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center and their incredible volunteers for supporting our Parks Department At the recent Job Corps Workforce Council Meeting in Grand Rapids, our Parks Operations Manager Josh Mattice shook hands with Construction Supervisor John Concannon as we were recognized as a "Spotlight Partner."
In just a few years, Job Corps students have dedicated nearly 700 volunteer hours to 12 Kent County parks, tackling projects like:
- Removing invasive vines at Fallasburg & Seidman Parks
- Installing bike racks at Wahlfield Park
- Rebuilding a bridge at Lepard Park
- Mulching playgrounds & updating infrastructure
Their hard work helps protect natural spaces, promote biodiversity, and keep our parks beautiful for all to enjoy. We’re grateful for this partnership and look forward to many more projects ahead!
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Temporary Location, Same Mission: Helping Pets Find Homes
Our Animal Shelter is all settled into its temporary space at 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, during construction of their Fuller location, and they are ready to tell you about their available animals.
Spotlight: Duke (or Sir Dukington as you may call him) is a spunky senior at nine years old. He loves people but is not a big fan of other pets. Because of this, the shelter environment is very stressful to him and he spends a lot of time in foster homes with our volunteers. His foster parents say he is "a very good dog with exceptional manners and is also fully potty trained."
To learn more about how you can adopt Duke or other available pets, please visit here.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, visit kentcountymi.gov/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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