Commission confirms LeGrand appointments to Uptown authorities and building authority

The committee on appointments voted to confirm Mayor LeGrand’s nominations of Max Benedict to the Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority and to the Uptown Business Improvement District, and approved the city commission’s appointment of Rick Went to the Grand Rapids Building Authority.

The confirmations were moved and supported on the committee floor and the motions carried without recorded roll-call tallies. The committee offered brief comments in support of Benedict, noting his private development work in corridor redevelopment and senior affordable housing projects.

The appointments will be recorded in the respective boards’ membership lists and the confirmed appointees may begin participating in those authorities’ activities subject to their bylaws and any onboarding required by staff.

The committee then reviewed the standing board and commission vacancy list and discussed priorities for filling open seats.