Urban Grand Rapids

Within 👉the minutes of the 2023-05 Rapid Planning meeting👈 is an interesting conversation about the future - or perceived future - of mobility in the region. This group plays an instrumental role in drafting the plan for the future of the Rapid; which for bureaucratic & regulatory reasons happens in twenty (20) year increments. Yes, a 20 year plan seems absurd; something the participants of this body appear to be aware of.

This post is different than the usual fare; it is more personal, yet I hope it is still illuminating. In the past week I have been asked, in different terms but in the same spririt, at least five times: "Why?". When asked the same or similair question that often an answer is obligated [IMO]. Why does this site exist? Why the strangely committed interest in these - seemingly esoteric - topics?

UPDATE 2023-09-19: Any proposed zoning reforms are now not expected to be heard until January, 2024. 🙄

On the August 23rd (2023) edition of GRTVaccess' "City Connection" the mayor discussed the issue of housing. This part of the conversation begins at the 47 minute mark.

The Draft 2024-2028 Five-Year Transportation Plan (5YTP) is available and the public comment period open until September 8th.

Don't forget when looking at this plan and the specified projects that the Michigan DOT's focus is:

On 2023-08-10 the Kent County Board of Commissioners officially created the Kent Country Affordable Housing loan fund with a balance of $17.5 Million. In collaboration with IFF which will provide a ~230% match of the county's dollars to operational balance of the fund is $58.3 Million.

In what is hopefully a boost to the howling void that is local journalism, the Grand Rapids Community Media Center is launching a "Grand Rapids Documenters" program.

Recruitment events on:

• Tue, Aug 15th, 2023 (6pm) @ Grand Rapids Public Library
• Thr, Aug 17th, 2023 (6pm) @ Hispanic Center of West Michigan
• Wed, Aug 23rd, 2023 (5:30pm) @ Creston Brewery
• Wed. Sept. 20th, 2023 (6:30pm) @ GR Center for Community Transformation

More Information @ Grand Rapids Documenters

On the agenda of City Commission meeting on 2023-08-08 is a resolution to update the "City Employee Home Ownership Incentives" program.

Note: State law in Michigan forbids cities from imposing residency requirements.