Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves housing‑commission appointment after one dissent
Summary
The commission confirmed Joshua Langer to the Grand Rapids Housing Commission to complete a term through April 9, 2030; one commissioner opposed the appointment citing concerns about the Grand Rapids Chamber's policy advocacy and potential conflicts with housing access goals.
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a resolution confirming the city manager’s appointment of Joshua (Josh) Langer to the Grand Rapids Housing Commission at the April 14 meeting.
Commissioner Culver explained the dissenting vote in committee and said the Grand Rapids Chamber — the employer of one appointee referenced in committee discussion — has spread “unsupported claims” about the commission’s climate action plan and previously supported policies the commissioner said penalized unhoused people. Culver said those factors led to a decision not to support this appointment.
Mayor (presiding official) and other commissioners defended Langer’s record. The presiding official said Langer has “done an extremely large amount of work” on complex‑care housing and has been “part of some transformative progress” on housing outcomes. After discussion the commission took a voice vote; the appointment carried with one recorded nay.
Commissioners noted the appointment fills a remainder of a five‑year term ending April 9, 2030. No additional conditions or amendments to the appointment were recorded on the motion.
