A Note From The Administrator
As we wrap up this work week and gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude and thanks to our residents, our Board of Commissioners, and our dedicated staff. Your commitment, hard work, and community spirit make Kent County a remarkable place to live, work, and grow. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday!
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 Deer Management Study Released
The Kent County Deer Management Coalition is pleased to share the results of the 2025 Deer Management Study, a year-long analysis led by Grand Valley State University. Formed in 2024, the Coalition - which includes local municipalities, MDOT, the Kent County Road Commission, and Kent County - set out to better understand rising concerns about deer-vehicle collisions, property damage, and impacts on natural areas.
The study confirms that deer-vehicle crashes are increasing faster than deer harvests, with some suburban areas now exceeding 150 deer per square mile. Nearly half of surveyed residents reported seeing deer daily, highlighting both the enjoyment and challenges of high deer populations.
Key recommendations focus on population management, habitat improvements, and community engagement. Implementation begins in 2026, with expanded efforts in 2027 and a full evaluation in 2028. To read an overview of the report, visit here. Explore the complete study and interactive maps at kentcountymi.gov/deer.
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Health Department Clinic And Environmental Health Division Reopen After Renovations
Our Health Department's main clinic and Environmental Health services at 700 Fuller Ave. NE, in Grand Rapids, are now open! The upgraded spaces are designed with the community in mind, enhancing privacy, expanding capacity, and improving comfort with additional exam rooms, separate waiting areas, and upgraded soundproofing.
These updates mark an important step in our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional public health services, and we’re excited to welcome residents back to the refreshed clinic.
A photo tour of the updated spaces is available here.
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Future Lawyers In Action At The 63rd District Court!
Judge Kirsten Holz, of our 63rd District Court, recently hosted an exciting “mock trial” with 5th, 6th, and 7th graders from St. Robert Catholic School in Ada. The students took on roles as prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors, showcasing professionalism and courtroom skills under the guidance of Attorney Nicholas Dondzila. The jury delivered a guilty verdict against their “defendant” - their math teacher - and the highlight for the students? A hands-on courthouse tour complete with handcuffs, steel toilets, and a taste of lockup!
Sheriff’s Office Spreads Holiday Cheer At The Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade
Public Works Shares Tips For A Greener Holiday Season
The holidays are coming up, but never fear! Our Department of Public Works' Holiday Recycling Guide is here to help decrease your disposal stress! From glass bottles and toy packaging to wrapping paper and holiday string lights, this Recycling Guide has you covered. Properly disposing of these holiday items helps reduce landfill waste in Kent County, as well as keeping our recycling center running smoothly.
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Standale Meijer Contribution Boosts Animal Shelter Efforts
This “Meijer Team Gives” support will help our Animal Shelter provide life-saving medical care, enrichment supplies, and the ongoing work of helping thousands of animals find safety, compassion, and second chances each year.
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Discovering Kent County: Calder On The Roof
As part of our "A to Z: Discovering Kent County" series, we are happy to highlight our mural for the letter M! “Calder on the Roof” is the informal name for a large, colorful abstract mural designed by Alexander Calder and painted on the roof of the Kent County Administration Building at 300 Monroe Ave., in Grand Rapids. Completed on June 7, 1974, just in time for Festival ’74 and the fifth anniversary of Calder’s iconic La Grande Vitesse sculpture, the 127-foot by 127-foot mural was created as a gift to the people of Grand Rapids.
The project transformed what had been a flat, unadorned rooftop into a vibrant work of art, brought to life with specially formulated paint from Guardsman Chemical Coatings and applied by Kooi Industrial Painting. Painted in red, white, and black to complement La Grande Vitesse in the adjacent Calder Plaza, the artwork is visible primarily from above most clearly from nearby buildings and even on Google Maps. By 2010, the roof required replacement, and Great Lakes Systems of Jenison recreated the mural on a new EPDM membrane. Using aerial photos and a scaled grid, the team meticulously repainted the design, effectively replacing the canvas while preserving Calder’s original vision.
Today, Calder on the Roof remains the largest painting ever created by Alexander Calder and a lasting symbol of Grand Rapids’ commitment to public art, creativity, and collaboration.
John Ball Zoo Receives National Honor For Work To Save Endangered Butterfly
The John Ball Zoo has received the top North American Conservation Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its efforts to save the endangered Poweshiek skipperling, a butterfly that nearly vanished from the wild.
The Zoo began working with Poweshiek skipperlings in 2021, when the species’ wild population was believed to be on the brink of extinction.
Working with Michigan State University and partners in Minnesota and Canada, teams developed the first successful rearing and breeding protocols, eventually releasing thousands of butterflies into protected prairie habitats.
Remarkably, the entire U.S. population today is likely descended from just 18 females that were cared for within zoos at the start of the program.
As teams continue to collect data on wild populations, they are seeing promising signs of growth and recovery, a hopeful step toward saving the species from extinction.
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New County Engagement Manager
Please join us in welcoming Paula Englin as the County's new Engagement Manager, a role that will focus on strengthening connections both inside and outside of our organization.
Paula brings broad experience in community engagement, communications, and program leadership. She previously served as Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association and held key roles with the Grand Rapids Chamber, Calvin University, and Encounter Church. Across her career, she has built strong relationships and supported initiatives that strengthen connections within the community.
Paula looks forward to meeting colleagues, partners, and community members as she steps into this role. We are excited to welcome her to the team beginning December 1.
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Annual Prosecutor’s Office Toys For CASA Party!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 4, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings Downtown, to join our Prosecutor's Office's party to support CASA of Kent County!
Bring a new, unwrapped gift to support CASA’s 2025 holiday drive! Popular gift ideas include developmental toys for babies and toddlers, sports balls, art and craft kits, LEGO sets, board and card games, dolls, pretend play sets, and fun throw blankets. For teens, consider hygiene items or gift cards. (Please, no play guns or swords.)
CASA of Kent County empowers community members to advocate for abused and neglected children by being their voice in court, helping ensure every child has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Enjoy food, fun, and a cash bar while supporting a great cause. Help make the holidays brighter for children in foster care - your generosity makes a difference!
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Thanksgiving Office Closures
All Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday!
For more information about County departments and services, visit www.kentcountymi.gov.
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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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