MLK Park Community Center Earns LEED Silver Certification
The MLK Park Community Center has earned LEED Silver certification, demonstrating the City of Grand Rapids’ commitment to building a more sustainable and efficient public facility.
A City Within a City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Beneath Grand Rapids’ reputation for growth and prosperity lies a deeper history many residents have never fully seen.
GR Fire Department Earns Third International Accreditation
The Grand Rapids Fire Department has earned reaccreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, marking its third straight accreditation and extending its status through 2031.
Mayor’s Grove Opens at Riverside Park
Riverside Park has a new place to stop and smell the — well, native flowers.
The Rapid Dedicates Rosalynn Bliss Platform, Honoring Former Mayor
A downtown Grand Rapids bus platform now has a new name — and the location is particularly fitting.
Thought Series Panelists Line Up for Confluence 2026
What ideas are shaping the future of West Michigan—and what happens when the people behind those ideas come together?
Writers Series Celebrates 30 Years of Sharing Literary Wealth
“Do you know what you have here? You have one of the best reading series in the country,” said world-renowned Irish poet Seamus Heaney before he stepped on stage at the Aquinas College Contemporary Writers Series back in 2006.
Say Hello to River North
There’s a new name on the north side of the river, and judging by the mural, it knows how to make an entrance.
City ditches Lime bikes and scooters. Don’t celebrate yet.
Grand Rapids is trading one fleet of two-wheeled urban chaos for another — but city officials say the new rides will be safer, cheaper and easier to park.
DASH it all, GR seeks input on future of transit
If you’ve ever made a mad dash to catch the bus, Grand Rapids wants to know what you think about where that ride — and other transit investments — should go next.
Drop off the kids, catch the bus
For years, Central Station has been a place where Grand Rapidians catch a bus, transfer routes and head to work, school or wherever else the day takes them.
Got food scraps? Grand Rapids wants them for compost
You know all that organic material left over after a day in the kitchen — carrot peels, apple cores, broccoli stems, coffee grounds...
One block of wood, four generations, 120 years
West Michigan was already becoming a manufacturing powerhouse when Louis Fuller started making bowls in North Muskegon in 1906.
City to offer clean slate at 5th annual expungement event
The City of Grand Rapids will host its fifth annual Clean Slate GR: Expungement Fair on Aug. 22, at the MLK Community Center.
Comedic timing
One night about a year or so ago at Dr. Grins Comedy Club, the crowd barely had time to catch its breath between punchlines.
Grand Rapids earns national recognition for water leadership
The City of Grand Rapids Water System has earned national recognition for its work to improve drinking water infrastructure and engage residents throughout the process.
Children’s book explores the recipe for kindness
A Byron Center children’s book author has created a recipe for kindness in her newest picture book, Kindness Lemonade.
Book-cart dog brings smiles to kids in recovery
When you first see Millie’s Book Cart, you might be surprised that a little dog could have such a big vision.
Grand Rapids lands at 25 on Cities on the Rise list
Scroll to bottom for the complete list, and cue the collective double take.
Stoffer and Start explore what defines home in new children’s book
Home has always been top of mind and heart for Jean Stoffer, owner of Stoffer Home. She and her daughter, Grace Start, co-own the business and are co-authors of their first children’s picture book.
NEWSLETTERS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE
