Community Updates: Friday, April 28

City Manager, City Staff Present FY2024 Preliminary Fiscal Plan to the Grand Rapids City Commission

On Tuesday, the City of Grand Rapids held the second of April's Committee of the Whole meetings at City Hall. During this meeting, city staff (including City Manager Mark Washington) presented the Grand Rapids City Commission with an overview of the City's FY2024 Preliminary Fiscal Plan.

According to the proposed budget, $643 million will be allocated towards projects and programs that encompass the six primary components of the City's Strategic Plan: Economic Prosperity and Affordability, Health and Environment, Mobility, Safe Community, Engaged and Connected Community, and Governmental Excellence. By using these priorities as a rubric for financial planning, the City aims to address major issues like affordable housing, safe/accessible transportation, climate change, homelessness prevention, and more. City Manager Mark Washington, in a press release that was sent out on Tuesday, stated that:

"The FY2024 fiscal plan continues investments aligned with our values and balances the many challenging and polarizing issues by being both safe and compassionate, prosperous and equitable, growing and sustainable, [and] practical and transformational. Grand Rapids must continue to be all of these to achieve our vision to be 'nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all."

Also included in Tuesday's press release was a breakdown of the proposed budget by Strategic Plan priority:

The Grand Rapids City Commission is scheduled to adopt the FY2024 Preliminary Fiscal Plan at its meeting on Tuesday, May 23. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the City's proposed budget plan during the public hearing portion of the May 23 meeting. Grand Rapidians can also attend one of the two "Budget Review Workshops" or email the Grand Rapids City Clerk's office ([email protected]).

To watch Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting and to see the full FY2024 Preliminary Fiscal Plan presentation, visit the City of Grand Rapids's YouTube channel or watch below:

Free Outdoor Fitness Classes Returning to Grand Rapids in May

On Thursday, the City of Grand Rapids (in partnership with Priority Health and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.) announced the scheduled lineup of classes for the 2023 free summer outdoor fitness series. According to David Marquardt, the Director of the Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation:

"The free outdoor fitness series has become a community favorite. Thanks to our partners, this series continues to grow. We're excited for another summer creating connections and getting active in our parks and public spaces."

These classes are free and open to all residents.

The schedule provided by the City in Thursday's press release can be found below:

Classes will not be held on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) or Independence Day (Tuesday, July 4). They are also subject to cancellation based on weather. Residents can get updates about class cancellations by visiting the GR Parks and Recreation's official Facebook page or by calling (616) 456-3699.

Also in the News:

• The City of Grand Rapids has announced that it will be holding a swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Brad Brown, the new Fire Chief of the Grand Rapids Fire Department, at 5:30pm on Monday, May 1.

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