Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - June 2025

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Celebrate Two More ARPA-Funded Projects Making an Impact

Two exciting projects supported by Kent County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding are bringing new opportunities to our community—especially for older adults and minority-owned businesses.

United Methodist Community House Prepares to Open Older Adult Community Center

United Methodist Community House (UMCH) recently celebrated a major milestone in its long-term vision with a ribbon cutting for its new Older Adult Community Center at 900 Division Avenue SE. The center has been in the works since 2017, shaped by visits to similar facilities across the state and extensive input from older adults and community stakeholders.

Designed to help individuals “age in strength and grace,” the center will offer wellness and fitness programs, healthy meals through the 900 Café, and opportunities for social connection and enrichment. Membership will operate on a sliding scale, ensuring no one is turned away due to cost. The first day of service is scheduled for July 14, 2025.

We contributed $1 million in ARPA funding to support this project as part of its commitment to community-focused investments.

Urban League of West Michigan Launches Capital Access Fund

The Urban League of West Michigan recently hosted a community celebration to officially launch the Capital Access Fund of West Michigan. This new initiative was created in partnership with the Boston Square Neighborhood Association, Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator, and Legacy & Love, LLC.

Backed by $4 million in ARPA funding from Kent County, the fund is designed to support minority-owned businesses across West Michigan through loans and wraparound services. The initiative will also include a $3.25 million revolving loan fund to expand access to capital for historically underserved entrepreneurs.

“The Capital Access Fund will be a catalyst for minority-owned businesses, providing much-needed capital to spur economic growth,” said Eric Brown, President & CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan.

For more information about the Capital Access Fund of West Michigan, residents can contact Shonda James at the Urban League of West Michigan at (616) 300-5225.

Together, these initiatives reflect Kent County’s strategic use of ARPA dollars to support economic opportunity and community well-being.

Commissioners Attend White House Leadership Conference and Advocate for Federal Funding

Earlier this month, six Kent County Commissioners joined approximately 70 elected officials from across Michigan for a leadership conference hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Attendees participated in briefings with several Cabinet-level officials from the Trump administration, focusing on federal policy priorities and opportunities for collaboration with local governments.

While in Washington, several Commissioners also met with congressional staff to discuss the President’s proposed budget and advocate against potential funding cuts. A key concern raised was the proposed funding reductions to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which plays a critical role in supporting local services. Through this federal funding, Kent County Community Action served 24,558 individuals last year alone.

During their visit, Chair Ben Greene, Vice Chair Dan Burrill, and Finance Chair Lindsey Thiel also had the opportunity to connect with Spencer Woodruff, a Kent County native who now works in the office of Vice President J.D. Vance. Spencer generously offered a tour of the Vice President’s Senate office, where the Commissioners viewed the historic Wilson Desk—famously used by President Gerald R. Ford during his time in the Oval Office.

The visit was a valuable opportunity to advocate on behalf of Kent County residents and ensure our voices are represented in national conversations about federal funding and local needs.

Pictured in the top photo, from left to right: Commissioner Stan Ponstein, Vice Chair Dan Burrill, Board Chair Ben Greene, Finance Chair Lindsey Thiel, and Commissioners Jenn Merchant and Katie DeBoer.

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 June Board meetings:

June 12, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Robin Halsted Special Order of Business - Men's Health Month Proclamation by Chair Ben Greene Special Order of Business - Financial Overview, Jeff Dood, Fiscal Services Director Resolution Passed to Appoint Residents to Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees Resolution Passed to Appropriate $245,337 for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant. Resolution Passed to Approve the Kent County Community Development Annual Action Plan and Appropriate $2,587,654.02 to the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs in the 2025-26 Community Development Fund. Resolution Passed to Appropriate $753,001 to the Kent County Community Action Fund for the City of Grand Rapids Annual Operating funding, and the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program. Resolution Passed to Approve the Special Assessment Roll related to Dean Lake and Authorize the Issuance of Dean Lake - Lake Level Special Assessment District Bond-Series 2025

June 26, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioners Lindsey Thiel and Robin Halsted Resolution Passed to Approve the Consumers Energy Utility Easement for the North Kent Transfer Station - Recycling Facility Resolution Passed to Accept and Appropriate $194,188.57 for the 2025 MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) Materials Management Planning Program Grant Resolution Passed to Approve the Annual Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan and Application for Funding under PA 511 of 1988 Resolution Passed to Resolve Pending Litigation with Anaergia

Commissioners Recognize Men’s Health Month

At a recent meeting, the Board of Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing June as Men’s Health Month.

Observed nationally, Men’s Health Month promotes awareness of health issues affecting men and encourages healthy lifestyle choices—including regular exercise, nutritious eating, mental health support, and early childhood engagement.

To show their support, Commissioners and staff wore blue as part of the national Wear BLUE® campaign—an initiative of the Men’s Health Network aimed at raising awareness of men’s health challenges.

Pictured from left to right: Vice Chair Dan Burrill, Board Chair Ben Greene, and Minority Vice Chair Michelle McCloud.

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, July 1: Finance Committee
• Thursday, July 10: Board of Commissioners Meeting - CANCELLED
• Tuesday, July 15: Operations & Policy Committee - CANCELLED
• Tuesday, July 22: Community, Health and Safety Committee
• Thursday, July 24: Board of Commissioners Meeting

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.

Ribbon Cut on Redeveloped Dwight Lydell Park

On June 17, our Parks Department celebrated the completion of the Dwight Lydell Park redevelopment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Comstock Park. County Commissioners, community partners, and local leaders were in attendance to mark the occasion.

Once home to mills, tanneries, and fish hatcheries, the 39-acre park has been transformed into a vibrant community space featuring a restored Mill Creek with flood control measures and ecological enhancements; new amenities including a boardwalk, scenic overlook, and pedestrian bridge linking the park to nearby neighborhoods and the library; a new water wheel with an observation deck and enhanced landscaping; and a StoryWalk® trail that encourages reading and outdoor exploration for children.

We encourage residents to visit Dwight Lydell Park and explore the many other parks and trails Kent County has to offer.

Pictured from left to right: Commissioner Liz Morse, County Administrator Al Vanderberg, and Commissioner Steve Faber.

Around The County

• The latest Kent County Parks quarterly newsletter is available. Highlights include the launch of Nature Neighbors, a new partnership with Blandford Nature Center offering low-cost, nature-based programs for all ages. You’ll also find details on Kent District Library's Summer Wonder 2025 program, season passes for Kaufman Golf Course, and more.
• Kent County’s 63rd District Court has joined over 50 Michigan courts in adopting MiFILE, a statewide electronic filing system that allows 24/7 online submission and service of legal documents, reducing the need for in-person courthouse visits.
• The Animal Shelter’s quarterly newsletter is out now! Find tips on protecting your pets during tick season, Fourth of July safety advice, adoption opportunities, and more.
• This month's Veterans Services quarterly newsletter is available, featuring updates on the dental program, a new partnership with Kent District Library, upcoming events, and a call for two student veterans enrolled at a college or university in Kent County to join the fall work-study program.

County Offices and Health Department Clinics Closed for Independence Day

Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Regular operations will resume on Monday, July 7. We encourage everyone to take time to honor this day and reflect on the values and freedoms that define our nation.