A Note From The Administrator
We had a wonderful time at our annual State of the County event at DeVos Place on Tuesday! This gathering is always a valuable opportunity to share the work we are doing in Kent County and connect with residents and stakeholders. And we are always happy to highlight the extraordinary programs and projects being done by our staff every day.
Tech Week kicked things off in mid-September with an inspiring launch event, where I had the chance to meet Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Coming up tomorrow, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony by The City of Grand Rapids for their Oxford Trail project, which will enhance more than 2.5 miles of new/existing trails and will be an important addition to the overall Greenway trail connections in Kent County.
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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2025 State Of The County Address
More than 250 people attended this year's State Of The County Address, where Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Ben Greene, and Administrator, Al Vanderberg, spoke on topics such as: Project 2050 visioning project and its framework, Headwater, the new Medical Examiner's Office in partnership with MSU, the Grand River Greenway expansion, the revolving loan fund to help with the housing shortage, building for the future with projects like the Acrisure Ampitheatre and Amway Soccer Stadium, the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, and the Sheriff's Office Real Time Intelligence Center. To watch the full presentation, please visit here.
A special thank you goes to our Emcee, Judge Sara Smolenski, for keeping the event fun and moving. We would also like to thank the residents/partners who participated in the videos highlighting our programs: Naval Veteran John Baxter, Amplify GR's Jon Ippel, Deputy Steve Toonstra, and Rockford Public School's Dr. Steven Matthews.
Health Officials Urge Caution After Rabies-Positive Bat Found
Our Health Department and Animal Shelter are urging residents to take precautions after confirming the county’s first rabies-positive animal of the year - a bat.
Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Because bats can enter homes undetected, it’s important for residents to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions. To learn more and read our full press release, please visit here.
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Community To Honor Victims at Domestic Violence Memorial Vigil
The Domestic Violence Action Network (DVAN) of Kent County will host its annual Domestic Violence Memorial Vigil on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center.
This year’s vigil, themed “Their Light Lives On,” will honor lives lost in Michigan, support survivors, and raise awareness about ending intimate partner violence. The names of approximately 60 victims will be read, and a Memorial Art Installation will be unveiled on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids, where it will remain on display from October 6-10.
The event brings together survivors, families, advocates, and community leaders for a meaningful evening of reflection and action.
For more details, visit Kent County DVAN on Facebook.
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Animal Shelter Celebrates 85th Anniversary With Fall Event
Our Animal Shelter is celebrating their 85th Anniversary with a special Fall event on October 16, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Residents and families are invited to enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, get creative with fall-themed crafts, and join in a variety of kids’ activities.
Guests will also have the chance to meet and take photos with KCAS’s brand-new mascot, making it a perfect day of fun, community, and celebration. We hope you'll join us and enjoy the activities and learn more about the changes and growth KCAS has experienced throughout the years.
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Community Action Partners With Hispanic Center Of Western Michigan To Improve Senior Well-Being
In September, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan hosted a wonderful series of events at our Community Action building designed to bring seniors together and help them learn new skills. From a cooking demonstration and an important conversation around mental health, to a lively afternoon of arts and crafts and a fun-filled day of bingo, each activity fostered learning, creativity, and joy.
These gatherings are an important part of Community Action’s mission to support seniors by building community, encouraging wellness, and creating spaces where friendships can grow.
Fall Quadrant Meetings for Local Officials
In October, we will host the next round of biannual quadrant meetings, designed specifically for local government officials. These gatherings provide an opportunity to connect with County leadership, hear updates on County initiatives, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
While four quadrant meetings are normally held each spring and fall, this season’s schedule has been condensed into two sessions - one in the northern part of the County and one in the southern part.
📍 Meeting Details
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Monday, October 6 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Kent County North Campus, 4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs
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Wednesday, October 8 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Gaines Township, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia
These meetings are an important opportunity for local officials to engage with the County, strengthen partnerships, and collaborate on shared priorities. For questions, please email Katie Nash.
Final Chance: Applications Close Tomorrow For County Boards, Commissions, And Committees
Tomorrow is the final day to submit applications to serve on a County board, commission, or committee.
These volunteer positions offer a meaningful way to give back and help shape the future of our community. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including agricultural preservation, public health, veterans’ services, social services, and more.
Qualified residents may apply by creating an online account and submitting an application through the County’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged but not required. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580.
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Public Works' Fall Recycling Guide
The Department of Public Works has developed their annual Fall Recycling Guide, an initiative that helps educate residents and works to ensure recyclable and hard to dispose of materials don’t end up in a landfill. To view the Fall Recycling Guide, visit here.
"There's a lot of value that is getting thrown away when it could be recycled. So the estimate is that just that simple soda and beer cans, just aluminum cans, on a yearly basis, just at our Kent County landfill, over a million dollars worth of aluminum is getting thrown away in that landfill," Micah Herrboldt, Waste Reduction Educator, Department of Public Works said.
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Townsend Park Turns 100
Our Parks Department invites you to celebrate 100 years of Townsend Park on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, from 1 to 8 p.m. at 8280 6 Mile Rd NE, Cannonsburg. Since 1925, the park has been a gathering place for picnics, reunions, outdoor breakfasts, and community events.
Join us for a full day of festivities, including nature programs with Blandford Nature Center, hands-on stewardship projects, food and drinks from Honey Creek Inn, historical displays, and recreational events such as a 5K Fun Run and a Gravel Bike Ride. This centennial celebration is a chance to honor the park’s rich history, the vision of founder Warren R. Townsend, and the ongoing role of Townsend Park as a hub for community, nature, and outdoor fun.
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Recovery Court Hosts Community Celebration for National Recovery Month
The 63rd District Court Recovery Court recently hosted a community celebration in honor of National Recovery Month. The event featured opening remarks from Chief Judge O’Hara, food trucks, yard games, informational tables from County departments and offices, and live music - creating a welcoming space for connection and support.
Board of Commissioner's Chair Ben Greene read a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month, underscoring the County’s commitment to raising awareness, celebrating recovery, and supporting those impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
Each September, communities across the nation observe National Recovery Month to honor resilience, highlight available resources, and bring people together in recognition of recovery’s powerful impact. This year’s celebration was a reminder of the strength found in community and the progress made by those on the path to recovery.
John Ball Zoo Honored for Leading in Sustainability
John Ball Zoo’s longtime VP of Planning and Sustainability Allmon Forrester was recently honored by Crain’s Business Journal as one of 2025’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability.
Forrester is tasked with overseeing the Zoo’s master planning, construction and capital projects. He is a passionate champion for sustainable initiatives such as green roofs and plants walls on property, and storm water mitigation systems that work improve water quality on site.
Crain’s calls Forrester’s work leading the construction of John Ball Zoo’s Pygmy Hippo Pavilion his greatest professional “win”.
That project was honored by the U.S. Green Building Council back in 2023, with the national nonprofit saying at the time, “It brings a level of innovation and sustainability that not only meets but exceeds global regenerative design standards, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The project stands as a testimony to what can be achieved when innovation,
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Hispanic Heritage Month in Kent County
From September 15 to October 15, Michigan observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. In West Michigan, Hispanic and Latino residents enrich our community through food, art, music, business, and civic engagement—while also making a significant impact on the regional economy.
On September 23, the Michigan Local Government Latino Network hosted a proclamation reading at the City of Grand Rapids Commission to honor these contributions, followed by a community Cafecito Gathering.
This month is an opportunity to celebrate the leadership, resilience, creativity, and economic strength of the Hispanic and Latino community, whose influence continues to shape and strengthen Kent County and all of West Michigan.
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The photo above includes Mayor David LaGrand, community members, and members of the Grand Rapids City Commission at the reading of the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation.
Kent School Services Network Coordinators Appreciation Week
The week of September 14, Kent School Services Network (KSSN) celebrated national Coordinators Appreciation Week. The KSSN Community School Coordinators serve as the bridge between students, families, communities, and the participating schools to deliver an efficient system of support to students and families, which may include basic needs, assisting with attendance, coordinating mental and physical health supports, and more to support school success. KSSN started as an initiative led by Kent County, foundations, health care organizations, the Kent Intermediate School District, and our local United Way with eight schools. Thanks in part to the Coordinators, KSSN’s presence has grown to nearly 50 schools across six districts in Kent County. Check out KSSN’s website and follow them on Facebook for more information.
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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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