A Note From The Administrator
On National County Government Month, I wanted to take a moment and thank our incredible staff, Board of Commissioners, committee members, volunteers, and the many others who help keep Kent County running and pushing us forward to make our community better every day. Your dedication is what makes this such a great place to call home.
As you’ll read below, many of our teams celebrated Earth Day by caring for our environment and launching new initiatives that make it easier for residents to get involved. From food scrap drop-off programs to tree plantings, we’re prioritizing sustainability as we continue to expand services that help our community thrive.
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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Floodwaters Recede, But Impacts Remain in Kent County
Our Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management team report that floodwaters are beginning to recede along the Grand River near Comstock Park. The river is currently at 15.1 feet - still above the 12-foot flood stage - but is expected to fall below flood stage. Many homes in Comstock Park and Plainfield Township have been impacted.
Conditions along the Thornapple River have also improved after cresting at just under 10 feet and continuing to decline. There are currently no active flood watches or warnings, and all hydroelectric facilities have returned to normal flow conditions.
As waters recede, residents are encouraged to report any flood-related damage to help assess the overall impact of this event. You can report damage here.
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We're Grateful To Serve Our Community
To celebrate National County Government Month, we’re excited to share a fun video featuring a paper airplane flying across Kent County, “visiting” many of the buildings and programs that make up our 23 departments and offices.
It’s a lighthearted way to showcase the wide range of services we provide - from public safety and health to parks, infrastructure, and community support - and the people behind them who serve our residents every day. We’re proud to serve Kent County and grateful for the trust you place in us to do this important work.
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Empty The Shelters Campaign Is Back!
This May, the BISSELL Pet Foundation will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Empty The Shelters event on the first through May 17, bringing reduced-fee adoptions to our Animal Shelter!
During this campaign, you will be able to adopt a spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped pet for only $70.
Our shelters are in crisis, and pets need you now more than ever. Let’s make this our biggest event yet. To see all of our adoptable pets, please visit here.
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On Patrol and in Training: Mounted Unit Gears Up for Summer
Our Sheriff's Office's Metro Mounted Unit was out in the community last week, spending three days training with their horses in preparation for a busy summer season ahead. Deputies and their partners focused on building skills for upcoming events like Park and Pets, local parades, and increased downtown patrols. Training included desensitization work, obstacle navigation, and practicing in real-world environments outside the normal arena setting - helping ensure both horse and rider are confident and comfortable in crowded neighborhoods, busy streets, and unfamiliar situations.
Mounted units play a unique role in law enforcement, offering increased visibility, strong mobility in dense areas, and meaningful opportunities for positive community engagement. Residents can expect to see the unit out and about this summer in downtown Grand Rapids, area parks, and throughout Kent County.
Public Works Launches Free Food Scrap Drop-Off Program
Our Public Works team launched their new Food Scrap Drop-Off containers on Earth Day, last week. A great way to take care of our planet and divert our food waste from landfills, the containers are here to help with that!
Residents can now drop off food scraps at one of the four locations for FREE by downloading the free metroKEY app and registering. After signing up, residents can use the app to unlock the container and dump in their materials. A full list of accepted materials is available on our Public Works website and is also displayed on the containers.
Want a free bucket to collect your scraps in? Swing by the Recycling and Education Center (977 Wealthy St SW) during Open Hours on Mondays 9am-12pm, while supplies last! For more information, visit here.
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Grant Funding Secures Future Of Kent County Farmland
On Earth Day, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board announced the awarding of more than $2 million in grants - including $157,250 for Kent County.
This funding will permanently protect 109 acres of the Kruithoff family farm in Tyrone Township, preserving it for generations to come.
“Kent County’s agricultural roots run deep, and this grant allows us to continue protecting that legacy,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Ben Greene. “The Kruithoff family represents the very best of our farming community - a multigenerational commitment to the land and to feeding our region.”
To learn more, view their press release.
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Candlelight Vigil And Name Reading Honors Crime Victims in Kent County
A few weeks ago, our partner agencies and community organizations came together for an important and meaningful event, during Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The candlelight vigil at our 63rd District Court served as a powerful reminder of the lives impacted by violence in our community and the importance of supporting victims and their families with compassion and care.
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Community Comes Together To Plant Trees At North Kent Trailhead
For Earth Day week, our Parks Department welcomed 60 volunteers to the North Kent Trailhead for a hands-on day of environmental stewardship. Families, neighbors, hikers, cyclists, and volunteer groups from Apple, the GVSU Biology Club, and GE Aerospace all came together with a shared goal: to help grow a healthier, more resilient community.
Thanks to their efforts, 20 new trees are now planted along the trail, including bur oak, chinkapin oak, swamp white oak, and maple. Some of the youngest volunteers even joined in by planting emerging acorns - small actions that will one day contribute to a thriving forest canopy.
This project is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and conservation, supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban & Community Forestry Grant. By investing in tree planting where it’s needed most, our Parks Department is helping build a stronger, greener future - one tree at a time.
Free Food Available At Distribution Events
Our Community Action department's food distribution team has been hard at work behind the scenes preparing regular rounds of fresh, nutritious food for the community, and we’re excited to share a sneak peek of what’s inside a typical food box. Items, like in this video, may include frozen chicken drumsticks, cranberry apple juice, pantry staples, and other helpful groceries designed to support individuals and families.
Our distribution events are open to anyone in need - no eligibility barriers, just a simple way to help make sure our neighbors have access to good food. If you or someone you know could benefit, we hope you will review our upcoming dates and contact us to learn more. If you are interested in volunteering for food distribution events, please visit here.
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A Decade Of Safe Disposal, Healthier Communities
This year marks ten years of SafeSharps, a partnership between our Department of Public Works and Health Department teams that highlights the important connection between environmental protection and community well-being. Before the program began, used needles and other sharps were often thrown away in household trash, creating serious risks for waste workers, residents, and the environment. Today, SafeSharps offers a free, safe, and confidential way to dispose of these materials at four locations across Kent County, including the 700 Fuller Ave, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave, and 4191 17 Mile Rd. clinics.
Residents can drop off filled containers during regular business hours and receive a free replacement, making proper disposal simple and accessible. Over the past decade, this program has helped reduce harm, prevent injuries, and keep hazardous materials out of the waste stream - making our community safer and healthier for everyone.
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City of Grand Rapids Launches Trip Planning Website and Mobility Plan for Acrisure Amphitheater
The City of Grand Rapids has unveiled a new trip planning website and mobility plan to support the Acrisure Amphitheater, providing visitors a one-stop resource to plan their trip downtown with ease.
The new site, grandrapidsmi.gov/venueparking, brings together parking reservations, walking routes, shuttle and transit options, rideshare guidance, ADA information, and event-night travel tips. City leaders say the goal is to make travel to and from the venue simple and predictable, encouraging guests to plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy downtown dining and attractions.
The effort is part of a broader “park once” strategy that emphasizes short, clearly marked walks from nearby parking, expanded DASH shuttle service, public transit connections, designated rideshare zones, and improved wayfinding throughout downtown.
To learn more, read the full press release here.
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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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