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Grand Rapids hears public comments on Uptown BID renewal, staff seeks 3% annual increase
Summary
City held a public hearing on a proposed 2026–2030 Uptown Business Improvement District plan that would add properties and raise the annual assessment by 3% to support ambassadors, maintenance and events; no commission vote was held at the hearing.
Verona Kamara, an economic development staffer for the City of Grand Rapids, opened a public hearing on a proposed renewal and update to the Uptown Business Improvement District plan, seeking public comment on a five‑year reauthorization and a requested 3% annual assessment increase for 2026–2030.
The proposed plan would expand the district to include additional parcels and keep funding for the district’s ambassador program, landscaping, wayfinding and event programming. “We started the BID renewal process last year,” Kamara said, describing the district’s history and the request for a 3% annual adjustment.
Ingrid Miller, executive director of Uptown, told commissioners the reauthorization came from a board retreat including representatives from Uptown Grand Rapids Inc. and the BID board. Miller said the board settled on a five‑year term and a 3% fixed annual increase as a predictable amount tied to operating costs and projected inflation. She also said the district’s current assessment is $5.97 per linear foot for commercial property.
Commissioners asked about whether BID funds could be used to provide temporary relief for businesses affected by construction. A commissioner raised the idea of using a BID as a “self‑insurance” or construction relief fund but acknowledged city or state law might limit that use. Kamara said staff would review eligible BID expenses and reported some marketing and improvement expenses had been funded recently from other sources, such as a local quarter improvement authority.
One commissioner said they own property in the BID and would recuse themselves from any future vote; the hearing did not include a vote and the commission did not act on the reauthorization at this meeting. Staff said they will return with additional information and any required legal findings before a decision.
The hearing concluded after public comment; no formal action was taken. The BID plan as presented requests a five‑year renewal with a 3% annual assessment increase and the inclusion of parcels not previously covered.
