City Plans Electric Vehicle Expansion and Parking System Improvements for Fiscal Year 26

The Grand Rapids Mobile GR Commission meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted a significant push towards sustainable transportation solutions, with a focus on expanding the city's electric vehicle (EV) car share program. The commission announced plans to increase the number of EVs in the program from seven to twelve, with a budget of $300,000 allocated for continued investment in this initiative.

Colin, a key speaker at the meeting, expressed enthusiasm about the future of the car share program, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in determining new locations for the vehicles. "We need to talk to the community to ensure that as we expand, we are meeting their needs," he stated, indicating a commitment to involving residents in the planning process.

In addition to the car share expansion, the commission discussed broader transportation strategies, including multi-year planning and asset management for parking infrastructure. A request for $250,000 was made to support ongoing updates to transportation data, which is crucial for informed decision-making. The commission also plans to evaluate the impacts of recent parking rate adjustments to ensure financial sustainability.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration with external partners, such as The Rapid, to enhance the overall transportation network in Grand Rapids. As the commission moves forward, they aim to integrate community feedback and strategic planning to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system.

Overall, the discussions at the Mobile GR Commission meeting signal a proactive approach to modernizing Grand Rapids' transportation infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability and community involvement.