Grand Rapids City Commission holds final public hearing before budget vote
It was open to any topic related to the city budget, but every caller shared an opinion on increased GRPD funding. Author: Nate Belt Updated: 11:40 PM EDT May 18, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Tuesday night, Grand Rapids commissioners once again heard from those who support the police and those who want to defund the Grand Rapids Police Department. The public hearing lasted more than an hour. It was open to any topic related to the city budget, but every caller shared an opinion on increased GRPD funding.
Calls came from both sides of the conversation, some in favor of defunding.
Opinions for and against ‘defunding the police’ voiced to Grand Rapids city commissioners
Updated 7:21 AM;
Today 7:21 AM
Grand Rapids elected leaders this week are slated to approve the city s spending plan for fiscal year 2022. Pictured is the Grand Rapids City Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. (MLive file photo)Cory Morse | MLive.com
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI Arguments for and against defunding the city’s police department were on full display in the public’s last chance to directly tell city leaders their thoughts on the proposed spending plan for 2021-2022 before it’s likely adopted later this week.
During the fiscal year 2022 budget public hearing Tuesday evening, May 18, about 30 people called in to the Grand Rapids City Commission’s virtual meeting, with the majority of them telling city commissioners to defund the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
The Grand Rapids City Commission kicked off its new legislative year focusing on job and housing creation.
The city commission held public hearings on two proposed development projects that will result in 245 jobs coming to Grand Rapids with an estimated $142,616 in new annual income tax revenue to the city. It also supported future housing development totaling $87 million that will create 308 new housing units 263 of which will be affordable. It also learned more about proposed zoning changes that would promote the development of new housing.
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the incentives provided by the commission are an investment in Grand Rapids’ future economic prosperity and housing needs.