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.
The City of Grand Rapids’ Mobile GR Department is asking residents to weigh in on how the city should invest in transit access in the coming fiscal year, with more than $2 million currently allocated each year to the DASH downtown circulator.
As operating costs continue to rise, city officials say community input will help shape future funding priorities. Residents will have three opportunities to sit down with city staff, review potential investment options, discuss their benefits and trade-offs, and rank what matters most to them.
The three engagement sessions are identical and will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with light refreshments and beverages available. Residents can attend whichever session works best:
- Thursday, Aug. 27: Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Ave. SE
- Tuesday, Sept. 1: GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave. NE
- Thursday, Sept. 3: Grand Rapids Public Library Main, 111 Library St. NE
Residents can register for one of the sessions through the city’s transit page.
After the public meetings, city staff will combine the community’s priorities with operational data and develop recommendations. The Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to review those recommendations and make final funding decisions in November.
So, whether you regularly DASH across downtown or rarely find yourself at a bus stop, this is a chance to have a say in what Grand Rapids’ transit system looks like — and where its dollars go — next year.
