Kent County accepts $225,000 state RCC grant; commissioners ask for plan details and more translation support

The Kent County Board of Commissioners on Thursday adopted Resolution 72 to accept a grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the Regional Community Collaborative program.

Minority Vice Chair McLeod moved the resolution; the board approved it by roll call (18 yeas, 1 nay). Commissioners asked for more information about the RCC economic-development plan the grant is intended to update and for documentation on last year’s pilot activities. Commissioner Pacla asked specifically about a $12,000 line item for translation services and urged the county to consider broader operational support for translation so future grant dollars could be used for program delivery. Administrator Al Vandenberg and staff said Kent County was a 2025 pilot county for the program, described an August employer-employment event that brought employers, educators and jobseekers together, and said a second-year strategic plan is part of the 2026 RCC work.

Commissioner Ponstein questioned whether county government should run programs that local business associations might operate; he also criticized state budgeting while accepting grant dollars. Staff said they would provide commissioners with materials on last year’s work and the RCC plan.

Why it matters: The grant funds regional workforce and employer-engagement activities. Commissioners sought more transparency about the original RCC plan and said translation services are an operational need countywide.

What’s next: Staff will deliver documentation on the 2025 pilot activities and the RCC plan and will return with details on how translation and outreach needs might be operationalized within county services.