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Resident asks about federal grant exposure, food insecurity and housing; mayor outlines local supports
Summary
A Kentwood resident asked commissioners whether federal grant reductions would affect city services and what the city is doing to prepare for rising food insecurity and homelessness. The mayor described existing federal funding sources, local partners including Feeding America, a private donor and housing projects under way.
During the public comment period on April 1, resident Joel Hillendorf asked commissioners whether Kentwood relies on federal grants that could be reduced and what the city is doing to prepare for possible increases in food insecurity and homelessness.
Hillendorf said the citys diversity and the current national political environment had prompted his questions: "Does Kentwood receive any federal grants that we're relying on... and if those are cut, is that going to cause a major issue with our community?" He also asked how residents could become more engaged locally.
Mayor Kepley responded with examples of federal funding that support local services. He said the city receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and that federal dollars support local transit through the Rapid bus program. "When we buy buses, it's 50% federal, 50% state," the mayor said. He added the county receives an estimated half-billion dollars in federal funds annually, according to Grand Rapids city manager Mark Washington, and said transportation funding and jobs could be affected by federal changes.
On food insecurity and homelessness the mayor said Feeding America operates in Kentwood and that the city has been meeting with the organization. He said an anonymous donor has expressed willingness to contribute "six figures plus, maybe on an annual basis" to help Kentwood residents. The mayor also mentioned local philanthropic support from Bosnian-owned businesses and a small remaining balance in a related account. He reported that the city has seen substantial residential growth: "Since the Census we've had 800 residential units being built. We have probably, another 800 in some various forms, on the books."
A separate speaker suggested Family Promise as a local nonprofit working on homelessness and named Tanesa Fry as its CEO.
The mayor offered to meet with Hillendorf to discuss engagement opportunities and asked for his contact information. No funding decisions or formal policy actions were made during the meeting.
