Third Ward cultural tour proposed with $177,000 budget to fund digital and physical sites

Asante Kane introduced a proposal for a Third Ward African American cultural tour on behalf of museum partners and the city, saying the project is meant to preserve local histories, boost cultural tourism and support neighborhood businesses. "The city of Grand Rapids is committed to enhancing community spaces to reflect the diverse narratives and histories of our residents," Kane said during the economic development project team meeting.

Mr. Baird, a co-presenter, described how the tour would tell local stories using interactive kiosks and QR-enabled digital content that visitors can access on their phones. "We really wanna do here is to tell stories," Mr. Baird said. He cited benchmarking visits to other museums and said the tour team found gaps in how national institutions tell local stories.

The Grand Rapids African American Museum submitted a proposed budget of $177,000 and identified partners including the city (using funds from the Third Ward equity fund), the museum itself and a technology host for mobile and web content. Kane described the project as primarily digital, with opportunities for physical markers: "There would be opportunity to have physical things such as markers and maybe spaces in particular places that will tell more about the story," he said.

Presenters said the first-year target is about 50 digital sites and 25 physical markers. "In the first year, we've been talking about 50 digital sites, along with 25 physical locations and markers," Kane told commissioners when asked for counts. The team described a three-tier screening process and plans for community engagement, including open sessions and volunteer committees to nominate and vet sites.

Commissioners and staff raised questions about sustainability and maintenance costs for the digital platform. The city manager described the proposal as a demonstration program funded from the Third Ward equity fund and said sustained expansion would require future funding decisions by the commission. Commissioners also suggested fundraising and sponsorship options; the presenters said business participation, booklet advertising or small participation fees could help sustain the project.

The presenters outlined a timeline that includes partner updates in October/November, confirmation of initial cultural stops by November–February, beta testing in March and installation of physical markers and public launch in April.

The commission thanked presenters and community partners and did not take formal action on the request at the meeting. Officials said they will continue planning and engage community members before returning for further consideration.

Next steps: presenters will advance community outreach and finalize first-year site selections; the commission will monitor funding and consider future funding decisions as part of broader budget and equity-fund discussions.