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Commission approves land‑bank governance amendment; city outlines 175th anniversary plans
Summary
The commission amended the intergovernmental agreement to expand the Grand Rapids Land Bank board and received briefings on a new land‑bank website and disposition policy and on city 175th anniversary events and 250th‑anniversary planning.
The City Commission approved a first amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the State Land Bank, updating the local Grand Rapids Land Bank composition from five to seven directors consistent with prior direction to create a permanent local board.
Staff reported the start‑up board has transferred a portfolio of about 90 properties to city management, launched a property listing website allowing public profiles and interest submissions, contracted for property listing, maintenance and legal services, and adopted a disposition policy aligning land bank goals with affordable housing and economic development objectives. Staff said they will continue outreach to adjacent neighbors, post site signage and improve transparency around property status.
Commissioners also received a city briefing on 175th anniversary events. Staff summarized a community kickoff that included about 40 community partners and multiple city departments, a traveling exhibit at City Hall, a poster contest, a commemorative beer partnership, and a calendar of partner events. Planning is underway for the nation’s 250th anniversary (July 4, 2026) with a steering committee co‑chaired by the mayor; staff solicited community participation and said additional funding applications to state grants are pending.
After the briefing, the commission voted to amend the land‑bank intergovernmental agreement and then moved to other agenda items.
