Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - April 2025

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$1.2 Million Grant Approved to Support Latino Entrepreneurs

Earlier this month, we joined the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan in celebrating a $1.2 million grant approval to expand access to capital for Latino entrepreneurs. The grant is part of a larger $2 million investment from Kent County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

The funding will be used to provide loans to new and emerging Latino-owned businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing due to financial history, credit challenges, or language barriers. In addition to access to capital, the Hispanic Center will offer Spanish-language support in marketing, financial literacy, and technical assistance to help ensure long-term success.

Loans will range from $1,000 to $250,000 and will be administered in partnership with two community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that specialize in serving historically underserved populations: Opportunity Resource Fund and Northern Initiatives.

“This is a turning point for our Latino businesses,” said Melissa Boughner, President of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. “It is incredible to receive support from Kent County at this level. It’s quite the statement to say, ‘We believe in the Latino community. We know the impact they have. We can’t ignore it. We want them to continue to be a prosperous part of our community.’”

Those interested in applying can contact the Hispanic Center at (616) 742-0200 to be screened for a loan option that best fits their needs.

Chair Greene Joins Groundbreaking for New Amway Stadium

Board Chair Ben Greene joined city and community leaders, developers, and private investment partners for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Amway Stadium, a $175 million multi-purpose soccer venue located at 230 Winter Avenue NW in Grand Rapids.

The stadium will feature 8,500 seats and serve as a home for a yet-to-be-named team in the Major League Soccer Next Pro league. It will also host community events such as concerts and potentially other sports. Located just blocks from the Grand River and downtown Grand Rapids, the venue will introduce world-class soccer to the area and enhance our reputation as a premier regional destination.

In November 2023, Kent County committed $15 million in funding from the hotel-motel tax to support the stadium and adjacent amphitheater project. Construction is projected to take approximately two years, with the goal of opening in spring 2027.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

The Board of Commissioners generally meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Attending these meetings in person or via livestream offers a chance to stay informed and involved in community issues.

Below are videos summarizing key moments from our April Board meeting:

April 24, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Stan Stek Special Order of Business: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report by Paul Matz from Rehmann Resolution Passed to Approve Nurse Family Partnership Program Personnel Resolution Passed to Appropriate the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Forestry Inflation Reduction Grant Resolution Passed to Appropriate the KCCA Water Affordability Grant Resolution Passed to Appropriate the Grand River Greenway Grant from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc for Johnson Park Improvements Resolution Passed to Appropriate the Older Americans Act Outreach and Assistance FY25 Grant Resolution Passed to Approve the Consumers Energy Easement - 2228 Butterworth St SW Resolution Passed to Approve the Grants, Contracts and Donations Policy Resolution Passed to Approve the Capital Improvement Program Policy Resolution Passed to Approve the Annual Budget Policy Resolution Passed to Approve the Appointments to Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees Resolution Passed to Adopt the 2025 Equalization Report Approved Chair Appointments to the Mobility Task Force and the Zoo-Museum Millage Review Subcommittee

Another ARPA Success Story: AYA Youth Collective Expands Health and Housing Support for Youth

At a recent meeting of the Community, Health and Safety Committee, Lauren Gamelin VanKeulen and Stephanie Collier from AYA Youth Collective shared the progress the organization has made through Kent County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment. During the ARPA funding process, Kent County awarded $2 million to AYA Youth Collective to grow its Comprehensive Health Initiative—a holistic effort focused on advancing work across the social determinants of health, including behavioral health, physical health, and overall wellness. Thanks in part to this investment, AYA has achieved several key milestones—though not an exhaustive list, the highlights include: AYA partnered with Catherine’s Health Center to offer a drop-in clinic and expanded access to care. ARPA funds also supported eligibility assistance to help youth enroll in Medicaid, food assistance, and other public benefits. The organization has expanded its facilities and staff, significantly increasing capacity. Countywide health fairs have reached more than 3,000 young people, connecting them with healthcare and wellness services Over 900 youth are projected to be supported by the end of 2025. Perhaps most striking, the length of time youth experience homelessness has significantly dropped. With combined support from ARPA and HUD funding, the average number of weeks youth spend without stable housing has declined from a peak of 142.29 weeks to just 38 weeks. While the need remains urgent, this represents a meaningful and measurable improvement. This success story underscores the transformative power of strategic investments in youth health and housing stability—and the lasting impact of ARPA funding in Kent County. Click on the picture to listen to AYA's presentation.

Commissioners Attend Statewide Legislative Conference

Commissioners Walter Bujak, Steve Faber, Robin Halsted, Nancy Morales, Stan Ponstein, and Monica Sparks, along with county staff, recently attended the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) Legislative Conference in Lansing.

The annual conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage with state and federal policy discussions, connect with lawmakers, and network with county officials from across Michigan. Sessions highlighted how federal policy changes are shaping state initiatives, with discussions on funding opportunities and their implications for county operations.

Kent County’s continued participation in the MAC conference supports strong advocacy on behalf of local residents.

Pictured above are Commissioners Ponstein, Faber, Halstead, Sparks, and Moralez; State Representative Thomas Albert; and County staff member Jenny James.

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, May 6: Finance Committee
• Thursday, May 8: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, May 20: Operations & Policy Committee
• Thursday, May 22: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, May 27: Community, Health and Safety Committee

All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified. Click here to access meeting agendas and minutes.

Around The County

• To support residents ahead of the federal REAL ID deadline, the Kent County Clerk’s Office is partnering with the Michigan Secretary of State to host a mobile Secretary of State office at 300 Monroe Ave. NW (First Floor) on Monday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it easier to upgrade to a REAL ID.
• After a 12-week renovation, the Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) returned to its primary facility at 740 Fuller Ave NE on Monday, April 21. The renovation included updated flooring and other improvements to enhance animal care and community services.
• Kent County Veterans Services launched a new quarterly newsletter, featuring updates on assistance programs, upcoming events, staff trainings, and more resources available to local veterans.