Kent County Administrator's Digest - March 30, 2026

Spring is finally here, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days to enjoy the outdoors!

Whether you’re hunting for Easter eggs, prepping for the big U of M Final Four game, planning a Spring Break excursion, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones this week, I hope everyone has a safe and joyful time in the sun. 

As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters. - Al Vanderberg

We’re pleased to share that our Aaa bond rating has been reaffirmed by S&P as part of our recent bond refinancing process.

This rating - the highest possible - reflects our strong financial management, stability, and long-term planning. We are grateful that this is our 28th consecutive year of achieving this rating.

Please join us in congratulating our Fiscal Services team for their continued leadership and stewardship in maintaining the County’s strong financial position.

Our Sheriff’s Office has installed designated Exchange Zones at our locations to provide a safe place for community members to meet when completing online purchases or child custody exchanges.

These areas are under 24/7 video surveillance and offer a neutral location to help ensure exchanges happen safely.

Exchange Zones are currently available at all of our Sheriff’s Office locations:
• Grand Rapids (Main Office)
• Cedar Springs (North Substation)
• Caledonia (South Substation)

Whether you’re meeting someone from Facebook Marketplace, completing another online sale, or conducting a child custody exchange, these locations are available to help make those interactions safer for everyone.

Kent Conservation District's Annual Dinner recently brought together community leaders and partners to celebrate the organization’s impact and ongoing commitment to protecting Kent County’s natural resources. Highlights from the past year included 100 agricultural land risk reductions, 561 invasive species projects, and more than 45,480 volunteer hours dedicated to conservation efforts.

Congratulations to Kent County Parks Director Ben Swayze for being recognized as a Friend of the Kent Conservation District. This honor reflects his leadership in combating invasive species and his continued commitment to protecting natural areas across Kent County.

Also, don't miss the Conservation Info Hour event on Tuesday, March 31 (tomorrow), at the Byron Center Christian School, at 5pm to discuss conservation and funding opportunities for farmers. To learn more, contact here.

Only two more days to take advantage of our Animal Shelter's March Dog Adoption Special!

It’s game time at the shelter, and our starting lineup is ready to steal your heart. Don’t miss your chance, through the end of March, all dog adoptions are just $70! This includes spay/neuter, heartworm test, flea/tick preventative, age-appropriate vaccines, a microchip, and a dog license.

Your new MVP also comes with take-home goodies, including a free month of Heartgard and Nexgard!

Don’t sit this season out - adopt your MVP today before the final buzzer! View our adoptable pets here. 

We’re so grateful for Mary's work in our Register of Deeds office, where she helps manage and maintain the historical record of property ownership and related land documents.

"Our department is a library of property records that goes all the way back to the 1880s! The most rewarding part of the job is when we have successfully helped our customers find their property documents and they are able to print or download them from home."

To read our full interview with Mary and learn more about the Register of Deeds department, please visit here.

Our Community Action team celebrated National Transit Employee Appreciation Day on March 18 by highlighting the people who are often behind the scenes, or bus doors.

Our incredible transit team shows up every day with dedication, patience, and compassion to make sure members of our community can get where they need to go safely.

Last year alone, the KCCA transit team drove over 116,000 miles across Kent County, providing 12,253 rides for seniors and people with disabilities. Each trip represents more than transportation - it means access to medical appointments, groceries, community connections, and independence.

Through early mornings, busy roads, and unpredictable weather, our drivers continue to go above and beyond for the people we serve. Their kindness, professionalism, and commitment help make every ride a positive experience.

Please join us in thanking our amazing drivers for the difference they make in our community every single day!

The Greater Grand Rapids Arts & Culture Strategy is a community-driven effort, and we want your input!

Community members are invited to attend free community launch events this week, led by the Arts and Culture Collective of Grand Rapids (ACCGR), to help shape a shared vision for arts and culture in Kent County.

Event Details:
- Monday, March 30 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Lowell Arts, 223 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
- Tuesday, March 30 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

The Greater Grand Rapids Arts & Culture Strategy aims to:
- Leverage the network of arts and cultural assets across Grand Rapids and Kent County
- Support arts and culture as a driver of a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community
- Integrate arts and culture into regional economic development

Join us and help shape the creative future of Kent County! Register for the events and learn more here.

Learn more about how property taxes work by tuning in to this informative interview on Voces Del Lakeshore, featuring Kent County Treasurer Pete MacGregor and Kentwood City Treasurer Laurie Sheldon.

In this conversation, they break down key topics including how property taxes are calculated, where your tax dollars go, and what residents should know when it comes to paying and managing their taxes. It’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to better understand the process and stay informed here.