Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - December 2025

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Fuller Campus Health Department Renovation Opens to the Community

On December 4, we marked an exciting milestone with the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Health Department Clinic and Environmental Health spaces at the Fuller Campus. Board Chair Ben Greene and Commissioners Walter Bujak, Stephen Faber, Carol Hennessy, Kris Pachla, Lindsey Thiel, and Robert S. Womack joined community partners and staff to celebrate the opening.

Board Chair Greene highlighted how strategic budgeting and the effective use of federal relief funding made this renovation possible. Kent County received $127.6 million in ARPA funds to support public health and economic recovery, and this project is one of 44 ARPA-funded projects across the County. Additional grant funding also contributed to the overall enhancements.

County Administrator Al Vanderberg noted that the clinic had not been renovated since 2005 and no longer met the needs of a growing community. The new design prioritizes patient privacy and efficiency, adding separate waiting areas, significantly improved soundproofing, an expanded WIC/Immunizations area (from 10 to 16 exam rooms), and a larger STI/HIV Clinic (from 4 to 10 exam rooms).

Residents will benefit from shorter wait times, increased confidentiality, and more modern, welcoming spaces. Public Health Director Adam London shared that these improvements strengthen the County’s ability to meet both everyday health needs and future public-health emergencies.

This renovation is more than a building update rather it is an investment in accessible, high-quality care for all residents.

Board Releases 2026 Meeting Calendar

The Board of Commissioners has released its 2026 calendar, outlining the dates for Executive Committee and Commission meetings for the upcoming year.

In addition to finalizing these dates, the Board’s Standing Rules Committee is currently reviewing the County’s committee structure. Recommendations, along with an updated committee meeting schedule, are expected to be presented soon.

For more information and to view the full 2026 meeting calendar, please visit our website. 

HUB 07 Community Center Opens in Boston Square

On December 6, HUB 07, a new $27 million, 45,000-square-foot community center in Grand Rapids’ Boston Square neighborhood, celebrated its grand opening alongside the annual tree lighting event. Designed to serve as the neighborhood’s “front porch and living room,” HUB 07 offers a wide range of services including a health clinic, early learning center, coffee shop, nonprofit support, and flexible community gathering spaces.

Commissioner Robert S. Womack represented Kent County at the celebration. The County contributed $4 million in ARPA funding toward the project, supporting the creation of a vibrant, accessible community hub that will serve residents for decades to come.

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 December Board meeting:

Dec. 4, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Chair Ben Greene Special Order of Business - Quality Service Recognition Awards Special Order of Business - Prosecutor's Office Annual Report by Chris Becker, County Prosecutor Resolution Passed to appropriate the FY 2026 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Office of Global Michigan - Refugee Services grant to the Health Department  Resolution Passed to appropriate the FY 2026 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - Food Safety in the Home Grant Resolution Passed to appropriate the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) FY25 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grant to Support an Officer Wellness Program Resolution Passed to appropriate the Michigan Department of Natural Resources DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant to the Johnson Park Trail Head Project Resolution Passed to appropriate the State of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity- Regional Community Collaborative Grant to the Welcome Plan Resolution Passed to appropriate the West Michigan Welcome Plan Donations  Resolution Passed to create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program in Kent County Resolution Passed to approve the 2026 Management Pay Plan Pay Range and Wage Resolution Passed to approve a CIP Transfer to the Fuller Campus Clinic Resolution Passed granting County Administrator authority to sign sub-lease agreement with the State of Michigan Resolution passed to appropriate the FY 2024 Homeland Security Grant Received and Filed the Administrator's Office Annual Report

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday, Dec. 18: Board of Commissioners Meeting - Cancelled
• Thursday, Jan. 8: Board of Commissioners Organizational 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. Access meeting agendas and minutes here.

Around The County

• Judge Terence J. “T.J.” Ackert of the 17th Circuit Court has been selected as the 2025 Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, an honor presented annually by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Veterans Services released its quarterly newsletter, featuring a call for nominations for the United Veterans Council of Kent County’s Veteran of the Year, highlights from the annual Veterans Day Parade, appreciation for community participation in Operation Green Light, and a roundup of resources available to veterans.
• 17th Circuit Court hosted its 29th annual Adoption Day, finalizing 20 adoptions. This special event raises awareness of adoption and encourages families to open their homes to children in the foster care system.
• Parks Department released its quarterly newsletter, featuring the designation of Lepard Preserve in Caledonia as an Old-Growth Forest, updates on collaborative work with the Grand River Network and community partners to improve safety and connectivity along the Indian Mounds Drive corridor, a list of new park projects and improvements, winter workshops focused on invasive vine control, guidance on avoiding bittersweet to protect park ecosystems, and more.
• Community Action update: Kent County Community Action is sharing important eligibility updates for its 2026 distributions, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

County Leaders Attend Hispanic Chamber End-of-Year Breakfast

Commissioners Walter Bujak, Melissa LaGrand, Kris Pachla, Kent County Treasurer Pete MacGregor, Community Action Director Gustavo Pere, Strategic Impact Director Josh Spencer, and Engagement Manager Paula Englin represented the County at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual End-of-the-Year Breakfast.

The event highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishments from 2025 and offered a preview of its plans for 2026. Attendees also participated in a lively programming review game—where the Kent County team placed fourth overall.

This annual gathering continues to showcase the Chamber’s commitment to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses and expanding economic opportunity throughout the region.

Holiday Office Closures and Seasonal Greetings

All Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, December 26. We wish all Kent County residents a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and warm wishes to all who are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other seasonal traditions. For more information about County departments and services, visit www.kentcountymi.gov.