Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - October 2025

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Commissioners Engage with State Leaders on Budget and Policy Issues

Several members of the Board of Commissioners and staff recently traveled to Lansing to meet with state lawmakers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Discussions included meetings with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, Democratic Floor Leader John Fitzgerald, and Senator Mark Huizenga, among others.

During the visit, County representatives expressed appreciation for the completion of the state budget, which supports key County priorities such as Prosecutor’s funding, public safety grants, and the restoration of Veterans Services funding. They also discussed future legislative goals, including extending the Transformational Brownfield Program, identifying a long-term solution for trial court funding, and securing public investment to advance the Grand River Greenway.

The delegation also met with the Michigan Association of Counties to receive updates on statewide issues impacting local governments and to coordinate on shared policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

Get Involved: Serve on a County Board

The Board of Commissioners is inviting residents to take an active role in their community by applying to serve on one of several County boards and commissions. These volunteer positions provide an opportunity to help shape programs and policies that impact residents across Kent County.

Current openings include:

• Community Corrections Advisory Board: Advises the Office of Community Corrections on policies and programs aimed at reducing local prison commitments. An opening is available for a Police Chief representative, as well as for a Service Provider representative.

• Kent District Library Board: Helps guide library services for 27 participating municipalities. A vacancy exists for a Region 5 representative (Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, or the City of East Grand Rapids).

📅 Application deadlines:

• Community Corrections Advisory Board - Police Chief representative & Kent District Library Board - Region 5 representative: October 31 at 11:59 p.m.

• Community Corrections Advisory Board - Service Provider representative: November 7 at 11:59 p.m.

Residents interested in applying can complete an online application on the County’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. For more information, contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580.

Commissioners Join City of Wyoming to Celebrate New Pedestrian Bridge

In late September, the City of Wyoming celebrated the opening of a new pedestrian bridge on 28th Street, marking an important step toward improving safety and connectivity for residents.

The new structure provides a safer pathway for walkers and bikers traveling along one of the city’s busiest corridors, connecting neighborhoods to Pinery Park and commercial areas on the north side of the street.

Several County leaders joined the celebration, including Vice Chair Dan Burrill, Commissioners Stan Ponstein and Robin Halsted, and County Administrator Al Vanderberg.

“I’m proud that Kent County was able to provide early, catalytic funding for this project—$6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds—to help bring this vision to life,” said Commissioner Burrill. “The City of Wyoming set a bold vision and has delivered on its promise. As the 28th Street corridor continues to be revitalized with new housing, business development, and infrastructure improvements, projects like this will continue to make our community stronger and safer.”

This once-in-a-lifetime investment, made possible through ARPA funding, is one of many projects helping to strengthen our communities and improve the daily lives of Kent County residents.

Board Accepts 2025 Apportionment Report

At its last meeting, the Board of Commissioners accepted the 2025 Apportionment Report prepared by the Equalization Department. This report outlines the property tax rates (millages) for all local jurisdictions across Kent County — including cities, townships, villages, and school districts — and determines how tax dollars are shared among them.

The Apportionment Report also ensures that all millage rates comply with the Headlee Amendment, a constitutional provision that prevents local governments from collecting more tax revenue than allowed when property values rise.

While the report itself is technical, it plays a vital role in keeping property tax collection transparent and consistent across the County — ensuring residents’ tax dollars are distributed properly to support essential public services. The final report will be submitted to the State by December 1, as required by law.

Commissioners Tour Housing Projects in Grand Rapids and Lowell

Chair Ben Greene and Commissioners Stephen Faber and Kris Pachla recently joined County staff for a tour of ICCF Community Homes’ Seymour Condominiums in Grand Rapids’ Alger Heights neighborhood. The project converted the long-vacant Seymour School into 27 affordable two- and three-bedroom homes, with 14 placed in ICCF’s Community Homes Land Trust to ensure permanent affordability. Funded through the Kent County Revolving Loan Fund—administered by IFF in partnership with Kent County using ARPA funds—the project demonstrates how County investments are supporting affordable housing and neighborhood redevelopment.

In the Lowell area, the same commissioners—joined by Commissioner Halsted—visited Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) to review its housing expansion. FROM is constructing 17 new affordable apartments, ranging from single-person units to family-sized homes, to increase housing options in eastern Kent County.

To further support this work, the Board of Commissioners recently approved FROM’s project as the County’s first Brownfield Redevelopment Plan, paving the way for new affordable housing in the City of Lowell.

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 is a video summarizing key moments from our October Board meetings:

Oct. 9, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Steve Faber Special Order of Business - 17th Circuit Court and Friend of the Court Annual Reports Resolution Passed to Authorize the Issuance of Saddlebag Drainage District’s Drain Bonds-Series 2025 Resolution Passed to Approve the Amended Kent County Fire Commission Contract Resolution Passed to Approve the Brownfield Plan Agreement

Oct. 23, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Kris Pachla Special Order of Business - Treasurer's Office Annual Report - Pete MacGregor, County Treasurer Resolution Passed to Accept 2025 Apportionment Report Resolution Passed to Grant the County Administrator Authority to Investigate the Market for the Potential Sale of County-Owned Property

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Finance Committee
• Thursday, Nov.6: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 18: Operations & Policy Committee
• Thursday, Nov. 20: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 25: 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. Access meeting agendas and minutes here.

County Commissioners Begin Strategic Planning Process

Last week, County Commissioners participated in an interactive strategic planning session — the first step toward updating the County’s strategic plan. The session focused on revisiting key priorities, discussing emerging community needs, and identifying opportunities to enhance County services. In the coming weeks, department directors will also provide input to ensure the plan reflects both organizational goals and community priorities. Stay tuned for more information as the new strategic plan takes shape!

Around The County

• Promoting Fire Safety Through Proper Battery Disposal: During Fire Prevention Week, the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) partnered with the Grand Rapids Fire Department and the City of Grand Rapids Public Works Department to educate residents on the safe and proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous materials. Through DPW’s year-round SafeChem program, residents can safely dispose of hazardous waste—free of charge—at five convenient locations in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Rockford, Wyoming, and Byron Center.
• Agricultural Preservation Update: Kent County Agricultural Preservation’s fall newsletter highlights October as Agritourism Month, encourages participation in the Michigan Apple Crunch, and shares updates on the Land Transfer Navigator Program and the County’s ongoing farmland preservation efforts—an industry generating more than $400 million annually in local market value.
• 💚 Light the County Green for Veterans! Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) has launched this year’s Operation Green Light initiative and will distribute 2,000 green light bulbs to show support for our veterans. From November 4–11, residents and local businesses are encouraged to swap out their outdoor lights for green bulbs—honoring those who served and helping shine a light on the resources KCVS provides to veterans and their families.

County Offices Closed for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving

All Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, November 12. County offices and Health Department clinics will also be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 1. We extend our gratitude to the men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. For more information about Kent County departments and services, please visit www.kentcountymi.gov.