A Note From The Administrator
As we turn the calendar to February, Groundhog Day (today) offers a reminder that spring may - or may not - be just around the corner and, despite what Punxsutawney Phil says, I’m hopeful we won’t see too many more heavy snowfalls. Either way, I’m encouraged by the meaningful work happening across Kent County and excited about the progress we’re making together for our residents and communities.
Last week, I attended the Michigan Municipal Executives Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort, where I helped lead two sessions focused on the future of local government and the value of professional development. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow public servants and exchange experiences that help strengthen our work and leadership.
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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Kent County Sees Strong Growth Among Young Adults
We’re encouraged to see young adults choosing Kent County as a place to live, work, and build their futures!
As highlighted in this MLive article, Kent County is bucking a statewide trend by attracting and retaining young adults at one of the highest rates in Michigan. Between 2000 and 2020, the county’s population of residents ages 25-34 grew by more than 15,500 - the largest increase of any county in the state. We believe this growth reflects the strength of our communities and the high quality of life found here, supported by a diverse economy, a strong health care sector, and a growing technology industry that continue to attract talent and create opportunity.
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$1.5 Million Invested in Affordable Housing
Our Community Action Department is making a significant investment of $1.5 million, to help support the construction of new affordable housing across the county. This funding will help expand housing options for income-qualified residents and strengthen communities by increasing access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.
Housing developers can apply by visiting the Kent County Purchasing page at kentcountymi.gov/purchasing and submitting an application under the #6380 Kent HOME Affordable Housing Development Program. If your organization is planning an affordable housing project, we encourage you to review the details and apply - this opportunity supports meaningful, long-term housing solutions for Kent County residents.
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Honoring Dr. King Through Service In Our Parks
Community members came together to support our Parks Department, along the Hansen Nature Trail Connector at Johnson Park, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and took action against early-detection porcelain invasive vines.
Winter provides the perfect opportunity for this work - dormant poison ivy allows volunteers to safely go off-trail to cut and treat the invasive vines before they spring back to life. This stewardship also helps protect a special learning area that hosts our Discover Naturalist stations, showing how service to the community can create lasting, positive impact - just as Dr. King envisioned.
To join a Stewardship Workday, you can visit kentcountymi.gov/events.
Battle Of The Badge Brings Community Together For A Cause
Free Budgeting Classes For Veterans
Nearly 43% of people, including many veterans, are struggling to pay bills, cover necessities, and build emergency savings and our Veterans Services department wants to help change that.
They have partnered with Lake Michigan Credit Union to offer free budgeting classes for veterans on the third Friday of every month at their office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.
Upcoming classes:
- Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10 a.m.
- Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Please register in advance here and bring a current bank statement and copies of your bills to the session. If you have questions, please call 616-632-5755.
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Lineup Of Adoptable Dogs At The Animal Shelter
These pups from our Animal Shelter understood the assignment - big smiles, happy hearts, and plenty of personality! Today’s lineup of adoptable dogs is ready to charm their way into a forever home:
- May May - a Terrier/American Staffordshire mix, with a firm belief that she belongs in your lap
- Abbie - a petite Cattle Dog/Belgian Malinois mix who brings joy wherever she goes
- Kayleigh - sweet, playful, and always up for fun (especially if tennis balls are involved)
- Kim - a true social butterfly who greets everyone with happy wiggles and zero personal space
- Curly - a Husky/Staffy mix who loves affection and proudly shows off the cutest curly tail
All tongues. All joy. All available for adoption at our Animal Shelter. If you’re looking for a new best friend, your match might be waiting right for you. View all adoptable pets here.
Welcome Plan Launches Grant Writing Workshop Series
Our Welcome Plan team is launching a new quarterly workshop series with Using AI for Grants, a virtual training on Thursday, February 12, from 1–4 p.m. This session will explore practical and ethical ways to use AI to support grant writing, including shaping clearer outcomes and workplans, refining narratives, aligning with funder priorities, and creating reusable templates.
The workshop will be presented by Trish Okolo of Treetops Collective and Tricia Smith-Mulder of River City Grant Writing, with a special guest appearance by Alejandra “Ale” Guillén, Executive Director of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP). This is a virtual-only training, and a Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees. Register at https://forms.gle/GC1yBaU37dS7uELNA.
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Stay Safe On The Snow and Ice
This winter, our Health Department team is reminding residents to walk slowly on the ice and snow, like a penguin or even an ancient Egyptian.
That means taking small, steady steps, keeping your center of gravity over your front leg, watching for slick spots, and giving yourself extra time to get where you’re going. A little extra caution can go a long way in preventing slips and falls and keeping you safe all winter long.
Watch this fun video that shows the right way to walk when conditions get slippery.
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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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