Kent County Opens 2026 Purchase of Development Rights Application Cycle
Grand Rapids, Mich. (February 5, 2026) – The 2026 Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is now accepting applications through Friday, May 8, 2026. Through this voluntary program, Kent County helps seek compensation for owners of agricultural property who agree to place a permanent deed restriction on their land, ensuring it remains dedicated to agricultural use and preventing future development for non-agricultural purposes.
The PDR program serves as both an economic and conservation strategy, safeguarding Michigan’s valuable farmland, which plays a vital role in supporting the state’s second-largest industry. The food and agriculture industry, as reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, contributes over $125 billion annually to Michigan’s economy and provides employment for nearly one million residents—accounting for about 17 percent of the state’s workforce.
By proactively protecting valuable farmland, Kent County aims to preserve its rural character and scenic landscapes, safeguard vital environmental benefits, and uphold the high quality of life for its residents. Farmland lost to residential or other intensive development is an irreversible loss of a critical community resource. In the modern agricultural economy, sustaining large tracts of prime farmland is essential to fostering a viable, long-term business environment for farming operations.
Those interested in applying for the PDR program are encouraged to attend an informational session on Thursday, February 9 from 10-11 am at the Fairway of Kent County (13955 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331).
Agricultural landowners in participating townships, cities, or villages within Kent County who wish to ensure their property remains preserved as farmland forever may find selling or donating development rights to be a valuable option. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no landowner will ever be required to sell their land. The value of the development rights, whether sold or donated, is determined by an independent third-party appraisal.
For more information, including the application and scoring criteria, visit www.kentcountymi.gov/pdr. Questions may be directed to Haley Stichman, via email at haley.stichman@kentcountymi.gov or by phone at 616-632-7593.
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