A Note From The Administrator
We had a great time at this morning’s Commissioners Grove Ceremony at Millennium Park. It was a meaningful celebration of public service, honoring former Kent County Commissioners and recognizing the lasting impact of their leadership on both the Commission and in the broader community.
Last week, I was appointed to serve on the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. My nomination was submitted by Senator Brinks and the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), and I am proud to be representing counties on the Commission.
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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Grand Rapids Metro Area Named #1 “City on the Rise” by LinkedIn News
Congratulations to the Grand Rapids Metro Area for earning the top spot on LinkedIn News’ list of “Cities on the Rise” for 2025. This national recognition reflects the area's strong economic momentum, growing talent pool, and continued investment in innovation and opportunity.
According to LinkedIn’s analysis, Grand Rapids stands out for its rapid job growth - especially in tech, insurance, manufacturing, and healthcare - as well as its appeal to young professionals seeking vibrant communities and career advancement. The ranking highlights the region’s ability to attract new residents and businesses while supporting upward mobility and a high quality of life.
We are proud to collaborate with Grand Rapids and other local governments to help build a resilient, forward-looking economy.
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 Mark your Calendars for the Kent County North Community Fest!
Join us for a first-ever, festive, family-friendly summer celebration at the Kent County North Campus in Cedar Springs on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. All are welcome, and admission is free!
This special community festival will be packed with fun for all ages, including food trucks, free ice cream, and a variety of kids’ activities like face painting, glitter tattoos, and balloon animals. You’ll also have the chance to explore big trucks on display—from fire engines to road equipment—and enjoy an afternoon of excitement and connection.
With back-to-school right around the corner, we’ll be giving away free backpacks for kids in grades K–12, while supplies last.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with your County. More than 15 departments and services will host meet-and-greet tables, giving residents a chance to learn more, ask questions, and access helpful resources—all in one place.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit handlers will present live demonstrations, and the Mounted Unit will be on hand for meet-and-greets with their horses.
We love our community, and we can't wait to celebrate and share with you the vital services your County has to offer.
RSVP to our Facebook event, then come out and enjoy an afternoon of connection, community, and summer fun—we’d love to see you there!
The Kent County North Campus is located at 4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Free, onsite parking will be available.
West Nile Virus Detected in Kent County
Through routine mosquito surveillance, our Health Department team has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in three mosquito samples - each collected from a different ZIP code in the county: 49507 (Grand Rapids), 49544 (Walker), and 49525 (Plainfield Township).
"These detections are a reminder that local mosquitoes are active and capable of spreading illness," said Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian at KCHD. "By taking simple precautions like applying insect repellent and eliminating standing water around your home, residents can significantly reduce their risk while still enjoying the outdoors."
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Employee Spotlight: Jeanette Krause
We are so grateful for Jeanette's work as the Office Administrator for our Parks Department. In her role, she helps residents make park and camping reservations - often assisting with the planning of vacations, weddings, reunions, and camping trips.
"One of the most rewarding parts of my job is taking reservations for our elderly customers, for their family reunions. They just want to keep the tradition going. They love to tell stories about how many years they have been coming to our parks, how many siblings & cousins that will be there, and who is bringing the potato salad."
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2025 Amateur Golf Tournament at Kaufman Golf Course
A huge congratulations goes to Will Preston, the 2025 Kent County Amateur Champion at Kaufman Golf Course! Will claimed the title with a 3-day total of 207 (67-71-69), finishing six shots ahead of the field during the 60th anniversary of the tournament last
Will, a graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, was named “Mr. Golf” for the State of Michigan in 2024, the highest individual honor a high school golfer can receive. Congratulations, Will, on the win and best of luck as you continue your championship-caliber play at Penn State.
Symphony Under the Stars: Picnic Pops at Millennium Park
We’re thrilled to bring the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Family Fare Picnic Pops to Millennium Park for its 30th anniversary! With easier parking, a relaxed setting, and a more accessible location, we’re meeting our community where they are.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening of live music featuring world-class talent - including Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara in the final concert tomorrow night at 7:30 PM. Bring a picnic, your whole crew (kids 12 and under are free!), and settle in for an unforgettable night. Tickets for tomorrow night are still available at grsymphony.org/picnicpops
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Upcoming Solid Waste Management Ordinance
Our Public Works team has released a one-page overview and FAQ about the Solid Waste Management Ordinance, known as flow control, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The overview and FAQ are intended to help keep residents informed by explaining what flow control is, what it means for local communities, information on our facilities, and show how the flow of waste will work in Kent County.
If you have any questions, please reach out to 616-258-1589, or at DPWQuestions@kentcountymi.gov.
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Community Action Director Participates In Live Podcast
Several members of our Community Action (KCCA) team had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Community Action Summer Conference last week in Grand Rapids.
As part of the event, our KCCA Director, Gustavo Perez, was featured on a live episode of the Collective Us podcast - and of course, he did a fantastic job representing our work and mission!
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Teaching Animal Safety and Compassion Through Shelter Tours
Our Animal Shelter had a wonderful visit last week by a school-age group from Westminster Child Development Center. During their tour, they learned how our team cares for the animals, how to safely interact with pets when you meet them, and what to do if they ever find a lost animal. Plus, they got to meet a few furry friends along the way!
Shelter tours are a fun and educational experience for school groups, child care centers, and senior living communities. It’s a great way to connect with our shelter's mission and experience the comfort and joy animals can bring.
Interested in scheduling a tour? We’d love to welcome your group! Email us at KCAS@kentcountymi.gov to learn more.
Don’t Miss The Kent County Youth Fair Next Week!
Mark your calendars for the annual Kent County Youth Fair (KCYF) happening July 28 - August 2, 2025. With 40,000 people attending this annual event, you don't want to miss your chance to check out art, animals, food and rides! There are tons of great events happening all week, with the carnival kicking it off at 13801 Cascade Rd. in Lowell.
This year, Kent County Veterans Services will have a booth during the event to meet veterans and their families and make sure they know how we can help serve them.
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Maximize Economic Potential Summit
Join our West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative for the Maximize Economic Potential workgroup on Friday, August 8 at Davenport University, for the second installment of the Maximize Economic Potential Summit - a free, in-person event focused on unlocking the potential of immigrant and refugee talent in West Michigan.
Designed for employers, internationally trained professionals, and service providers, the summit will offer tools, insights, and networking opportunities to support hiring, workforce development, and economic mobility. Expect discussions on credentialing, policy updates, and real stories from immigrant professionals, plus practical strategies for building a stronger regional economy.
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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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