A Note From The Administrator
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on the many ways our county community has come together to support one another. This week provides a wonderful example of that spirit: our 17th Circuit Court will host its annual Adoption Day on Wednesday, where 20 children will celebrate finding their forever homes. Moments like these remind us of the impact we can have when we work together to create safe, nurturing environments for all residents. Beyond adoption, county programs make a lasting difference in many ways - from utility assistance through Community Action to vital records like birth certificates, from welcoming family pets through our Animal Shelter to public safety and support provided by our Sheriff’s Office. Our departments and offices work every day to ensure residents and their families have the resources they need to thrive.
For my last newsletter of the year, I wanted to take a moment to express how grateful I am for our staff, partners, and community members who make this work possible and help us build a stronger, more supportive Kent County for all.
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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The Numbers Are In! Kent County's Vital Records Year in Review
As we wrap up the year, the Kent County Office of Vital Records is taking a look back at 2025 with our own “Vital Records Wrapped.” Our team issued an average of 410 certified records per day while supporting a wide range of services for residents. This year, Kent County recorded 10,510 births, 6,210 deaths, 4,210 marriage applications, 1,085 notary commissions, and 1,020 new business registrations. We also welcomed many new little ones, with Sophia, Charlotte and Emma topping the list of girl baby names and Henry, James and Theodore topping the list of boy baby names in Kent County this year.
Thank you for relying on Vital Records throughout 2025. Learn more about our services at kentcountymi.gov/VitalRecords.
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Holiday Hope Adoption Special
Our Animal Shelter team is excited to share that BISSELL Pet Foundation is sponsoring a special holiday adoption event to help more dogs find loving homes this season. Through December 15, dog adoption fees are reduced to just $70, which includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, a microchip, and a lifetime of love from a new furry friend.
The shelter is home to many incredible dogs hoping their holiday wish for a forever home comes true. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone considering adding a dog to their family. The Hope for the Holidays Adoption Event takes place at Kent County Animal Shelter, where every visitor has the chance to meet their new best friend. Spread the word to help every pet find the gift of a home this season. See all available pets here.
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Celebrating Judge Ackert’s Lifetime Achievement
We are proud to celebrate that Judge Terence “T.J.” Ackert, of our 17th Circuit Court, has been honored with the 2025 Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award - one of Michigan’s most distinguished recognitions for service to children and families.
Presented by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, this award celebrates Judge Ackert’s exceptional leadership and longstanding commitment to strengthening outcomes for young people across Michigan. His work has elevated child welfare practices both here in Kent County and throughout the state.
The timing of this recognition - on Michigan Adoption Day - underscores the profound impact Judge Ackert has had in supporting permanency, stability, and hope for countless children and families. We are grateful for his continued service on the Family Division bench.
Please join us in congratulating Judge Ackert on this remarkable and well-deserved honor. For a more in depth view of the ceremony, watch our video here.
Winter Season in Kent County Parks
While Kent County Parks remain open during the winter months, certain services and access points change with the season. Many parks continue to offer outdoor winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit, including groomed trails at Palmer Park/Kaufman Golf Course and Millennium Park.
Trails and natural areas are still accessible for winter hikes, dog-walking, and quiet exploration. However, some amenities may be limited: most restrooms are closed for the season due to lack of heating, though a heated restroom is available in Millennium Park’s Recreation Area. Parking-lot plowing schedules vary by park, with some lots cleared on weekdays and others potentially not after heavy snowfalls. Additionally, certain park gates may be closed, but visitors are still welcome to enter on foot.
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KCCA Opens Water Assistance Program for Residents
Our Community Action (KCCA) team is currently providing assistance to county residents struggling with utility costs through their Water Assistance Program. This program offers financial help for water and wastewater utility bills, and eligible households may also qualify for plumbing repairs.
Households may be automatically eligible if they participate in another Federal or State program, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) FIP, Food Assistance Program (FAP/SNAP), State Emergency Relief (SER), or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI). Alternatively, households can qualify if their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For more information, please visit kentcountymi.gov/KCCA or call 616-632-7950.
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KC Elf Explores County Departments and Services
Our tiniest team member, KC Elf, is spreading holiday cheer throughout Kent County this month, and you never know where he might pop up next. He has already attended and spoke at a Board of Commissioner's meeting, participated in new hire orientation, and visited our Public Works' Recycling & Education Center. We can't wait to see where he shows up next, but we've heard rumblings of visits to our Animal Shelter, Veterans Services department, and Sheriff’s Office as well.
Follow along on our social media pages as he explores, learns the ropes, and adds a little festive fun to our County offices.
Fostering Safety and Support for Newcomers in West Michigan
Our Welcome Plan team recently participated in the Pathway to Belonging panel, which brought together immigrant community members, law enforcement representatives from the Grand Rapids and Kentwood Police Departments, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, Kent County Sheriff's Office, a local judge, and public health leaders for an honest dialogue on safety, trust, and access to services.
Panelists explored how the judicial and health systems are structured to support all residents, including newcomers, and shared practical guidance on how community members can safely access resources. Immigrant leaders offered candid perspectives on current challenges, barriers, and aspirations, providing direct feedback to law enforcement and health officials on building stronger, more positive relationships. The dialogue emphasized actionable opportunities for collaboration that aim to help newcomers feel informed, supported, and welcomed throughout West Michigan.
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All County Offices and Health Department Clinics Will Be Closed In Observance of Christmas and New Year's Holidays
All County offices and health clinics will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. Regular operations will resume on Friday, Dec. 26.
Offices will also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in celebration of New Year’s Day. Regular operations will resume on Friday, Jan. 2.
Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyous holiday season!
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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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