Board of Commissioners Confirms Leadership for New Term
The Board of Commissioners recently held its organizational meeting, confirming leadership for the new term. Commissioners unanimously elected Ben Greene (District 1) as Chair and Lindsey Thiel (District 11) as Vice-Chair. Steve Faber (District 18) was also elected to serve as Minority Vice-Chair.
Chair Greene, who is beginning his second term in the role, thanked his colleagues for their support and emphasized his commitment to building on the Board’s recent progress and providing thoughtful, responsible leadership for Kent County residents.
Commissioners Dan Burrill (District 8) and Michelle McCloud (District 13) voluntarily stepped down from their previous leadership roles due to personal and professional considerations.
Board Adopts New Standing Committee Structure
The Board of Commissioners has adopted updated Standing Rules that include a restructuring of the Board’s standing committees. Effective immediately, the Board has transitioned from a three-committee structure to a two-committee model. The Board’s standing committees are now:
This updated structure is designed to improve efficiency, clarity, and coordination in how the Board conducts its work. By consolidating related topics under two committees, the Board can reduce duplication, better align discussions with County priorities, and create clearer pathways for reviewing issues before they come to the full Board, while maintaining thorough oversight of County operations, policies, and investments.
A full 2026 meeting calendar is now available, along with a reference document that outlines the types of issues each committee will review. These resources are intended to help residents, partners, and stakeholders better understand how and where County business will be discussed.
Transforming How Kent County Responds to Domestic Violence
At a recent Board of Commissioners standing committee meeting, the Kent County Domestic Violence Action Network (DVAN) shared a powerful update on how Kent County is transforming its response to domestic violence, supported by the County’s $4 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment.
Domestic violence remains a serious issue in our community. Each year, more than 2,500 incidents are reported to law enforcement in Kent County—an estimate widely understood to be low, as many incidents go unreported. In addition, one survivor-serving agency alone reported more than 3,000 crisis contacts between January and September 2025, underscoring the ongoing need for coordinated, survivor-centered solutions.
DVAN is a collaborative network of 60 organizations and more than 300 individuals, representing local government, law enforcement, community nonprofits, survivor-serving agencies, mental health professionals, and survivors themselves. This broad partnership is helping ensure responses to domestic violence are coordinated, trauma-informed, and centered on safety and accountability.
Through this work, DVAN supports three Mobile Advocates serving Kent County, who meet individuals in the community at locations identified as safe by those seeking support. This approach helps remove barriers to accessing services and connects individuals to support when and where they need it most.
In December 2025, DVAN also launched the Domestic Violence High-Risk Team (DVHRT)—the first of its kind in Michigan. The team focuses on early identification of cases at high risk of domestic violence homicide, coordinated safety planning, supportive services, and offender accountability.
The committee also received an update on the Domestic Violence Court Program, launched in July 2024 at the 61st and 62B District Courts. The program offers a structured, four-phase approach that includes a certified 52-week Battering Intervention Program, regular judicial reviews, substance testing, and strict no-contact orders. Successful completion may result in a deferred sentence, while failure to comply leads to traditional sentencing or incarceration. The court program is led by Judge Amanda Sterkenburg of the 62B District Court.
Committee members also heard directly from a program participant, who shared the meaningful impact the program has had on him, his family, and the survivor—highlighting the real-world difference these efforts are making.
The Board of Commissioners is encouraged by the early results and grateful to see the positive impact these initiatives are having on domestic violence prevention, survivor safety, and accountability across Kent County.
 
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 are videos summarizing key moments from our January Board meetings:
Jan. 8, 2026 Meeting
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Invocation by Commissioner Walter Bujak
- Special Order of Business - Election of the Chair, Vice Chair and the Minority Vice Chair
- Resolution Passed to Approve Updates to the Board Standing Rules
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Appointments of Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Board Chair Appointments to Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees
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Jan. 22, 2026 Meeting
- Invocation by Commissioner Dan Burrill
- Special Order of Business: Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) Program Public Hearing
- Resolution Passed to Authorize Easement for Cell Tower and Related Utility and Landscaping Easements
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate Funds from Cell Tower Easement Purchase
- Resolution Passed to Authorize the Issuance of Sierra Estates Drain Drainage District’s Drain Bonds
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate $215,703 for the Sierra Estates Drain ($119,341) and the Hidden Hills Drain ($96,362)
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate $40,366 to Kent County Community Action to administer the Diaper Bank TANF Program
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate $351,899.46 in combined rebates from Consumers Energy and DTE
- Resolution Passed to Appropriate $356,000 in gift funds from Consumers Energy to Kent County Community Action
- Resolution Passed to Reappoint Childcare Task Force Members through June 30, 2026, including Submission of a Written Recommendation to the Board
- Resolution Passed to Appoint Commissioner Matt Kallman to the Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
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Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: Finance & Infrastructure Committee
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: Policy & Operations Committee
- Thursday, Feb. 12: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: Finance & Infrastructure Committee
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: Policy & Operations Committee
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Board of Commissioners Executive Committee Meeting (7:30 a.m.)
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Board of Commissioners 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. Meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed online.
Commissioner Womack Honored for Community Leadership
The Board of Commissioners is proud to share that Robert S. Womack was recently recognized by Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB) with the 2025 Black Bottom Community Builder Award.
This award honors individuals and businesses that have made a meaningful impact on the economic and social growth of the Black community in Grand Rapids. Commissioner Womack received the recognition at the GRABB Awards & Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating champions of economic progress within the Black community.
Commissioner Womack has long been a strong advocate for Black-owned businesses and economic development. The Board of Commissioners is grateful for his leadership and commitment, and we are fortunate to have his voice and dedication serving the residents of Kent County.
Congratulations, Commissioner Womack, on this well-deserved honor!
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Around The County
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Affordable Housing Progress: Kent County recently released its 2025 Revolving Loan Fund Annual Report, highlighting continued progress in expanding affordable housing across West Michigan. Through a revolving investment model, the fund has leveraged more than $114 million to support 503 housing units, including 428 affordable homes for seniors, working families, and first-time homebuyers.
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Understanding Childhood Health Trends: The Kent County Health Department released its first-ever Childhood Obesity Surveillance Report, providing important insight into childhood overweight and obesity trends in our community. The report found that 4 in 10 Kent County children ages 4 to 17 are overweight or obese, with 2 in 10 classified as obese, and highlights disparities tied to access to healthy food, preventive care, and safe places for physical activity.
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Extreme Cold Safety Reminder: The Kent County Health Department and Kent County Animal Shelter are reminding residents to take steps to stay safe in dangerously low temperatures. Residents are encouraged to use safe home heating practices, limit time outdoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets and livestock have proper shelter, warmth, and access to fresh water.
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