ELECTION RESULTS
The midterm wave election had a much larger impact on state and federal elections than local government. Here is a brief recap of some of the notable results:
- Grand Rapids City Commissioners Kelsey Perdue (Ward 3, unopposed) and Lisa Knight (Ward 2) will return for a second and final four-year term.
- Lindsey Perez-Plescher (Ward 1) was elected to her first term of elected office.
- The GRPS Board of Education had 15 candidates vying for five seats and will have four new trustees: Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, Amaad Hardy, Antoinette Chapman, and Ismalis Nuñez.
- Current Board President Jose Rodriguez was reelected. Current Trustees Kimberly Williams and Aarie Wade did not finish in the top five and will not return.
- The Kent County Corrections and Detentions millage and City of Walker Public Safety Millage were defeated.
- The extension of the Zoo & Museum Millage passed with significant support.
- Wyoming (Sheldon DeKryger) and Walker (Elaina Huizenga-Chase) Mayor seats were both filled by current Commission/Council members who ran for Mayoral seats unopposed.
- Wyoming will have some new faces. Incumbent at-large Wyoming Council Member Rob Arnoys was not reelected and will be replaced by Daniel Rivera.
- East Grand Rapids voted down a parking deck, it’s always interesting seeing folks trying to build things in EGR.
The Grand Rapids City Commission will have its fall workshop on November 12. This is typically one of the most important meetings for discussing priorities for the upcoming year (and budget discussions).
The City Commission will also:
- Set a public hearing to rename Cesar Chavez Avenue to Grandville Ave following many others in the state and country who have taken similar actions after reports on the late labor leader.
- Be briefed on the draft FY2028 Focus Areas, which will be expanded on in the workshop noted above.
The Walker City Commission will appoint Interim Police Chief Brandyn Heugel as the new permanent police chief.
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