What’s Happening
- Crain’s reports that Kent County hotels exceeded 91% occupancy on May 30, and I continue to hear positive responses from businesses across the city on the impact of Acrisure Amphitheater (and other great events) on customer activity.
- The Amway Soccer Stadium celebrated its “topping off,” or the placement of the final steel beam in the stadium’s canopy last week. The stadium is planned to open and host its first game in Spring of 2027.
- The Grand Rapids City Commission heard a presentation from Zone GR on the upcoming Zoning Ordinance process. This ordinance is to align the City’s zoning code to the new 20-year Master Plan.
- The initial drafting process begins this summer, with public review in December. The City hopes to consider final approval next summer.
- 111 Lyon had a ribbon cutting and welcomed its first residents this week. This marks the opening of the City’s first significant office-to-residential conversion.
- A second conversion, also being done by CWD, is in progress at the Ledyard Building. An unannounced third conversion was also mentioned as being considered in the media as well.
- Rob Verhuelen, the Chair of the John Ball Zoo Board of Directors, was named interim CEO for the Zoo. This comes after the Zoo parted ways with their former CEO, Peter D’Arenzio, in late April of this year.
- Tracey Hornbeck, President and CEO of Legacy Trust, will take over as the Zoo’s interim Board Chair. Thank you for your service!
- The Kent County Commission held a work session on the FY2027 County Budget last week. Their budget year starts October 1 whereas cities start on July 1.
- The Grand Rapids Police Department reached out to say they are adding additional overtime patrols in the downtown core, specifically between the hours of 11pm and 3am.
- The goal of the patrols is to address disorderly groups issues with scooters/bikes on sidewalks, enforce the curfew for youth.
- Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback!
This Week in Local Government is your insider update on what’s happening behind the scenes in the City of Grand Rapids. Explore the full archive: Local Government, or subscribe to receive it in your inbox every Friday by emailing josh@grandrapids.org