City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Jan 13.
The City’s third highest year in construction activity showcased a strong 2021 as the City of Grand Rapids regained growth momentum despite the challenges of COVID-19.
City Manager Mark Washington outlined his 2021 highlights and 2022 opportunities at this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting. His report to the City Commission included advancements in market-rate and affordable housing creation. It also included other accomplishments and provided a preview of future projects and priorities aligned with the City’s strategic plan.
Washington said 2021 saw a $443 million investment in development – the third highest year ever. He reported that the City had made a step towards its goal of increasing housing stock. It added a total of 658 residential units in 2021 in Grand Rapids – 289 of which were low-income housing units. In 2021, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority awarded Low Income Tax Credits for 631 more affordable units in Grand Rapids when completed. He also pointed out that, as housing is a regional issue, the City’s utility operations supported development of 1,115 residential units outside the City of Grand Rapids which will help in achieving Grand Rapids strategic housing goals.
“There are so many things that I am thankful we accomplished in 2021,” Washington said. “Whenever I’m asked to name the top ten or 20 of the past year it’s just so difficult to do because there is so much that has been done to make sure our community continues to move forward amidst this global pandemic and continue its economic recovery.”
His recap of 2021 included a variety of ways the City engaged with assisting residents and businesses impacted by the pandemic. In 2021, City staff elevated services such as implementing digital services; bill assistance; shut off suspensions; and payment plans. It approved a FY 2022 Fiscal Plan & ARPA funding allocation plan including $46 million in ARPA investments. It supported $38 million in COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) in collaboration with community partners.
To assist in reactivating the economy, the City Commission also approved, throughout 2021, the creation of 24 social zones and 7 social districts. Those areas directly benefited approximately 70 permitted businesses. The City also helped to distribute $500,000 in small business grants. It also helped to fuel the recovery of the hospitality and tourism industry assisting in the reactivation of special events and return of ArtPrize.
Washington said the City will continue to provide and maintain essential services in 2022 with a focus on equitable opportunities. It will continue to develop its Community Master Plan with heavy engagement of its residents. The City will continue to stress increased community engagement and communications and seek to further reduce violent crime. It also will seek increased collaboration with community groups, educational institutions and businesses on more specific workforce development initiatives.
In 2022, the City will offer continued support of and implementation of emergency mental health co-response, Cure Violence, the Participatory Budgeting Pilot, completion of Biodigester, and the redevelopment of Martin Luther King Park Lodge. It will also invest $17.3 million in Vital Streets projects and $2 million in sidewalk inspection repair and connection projects.
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss thanked Washington for his comprehensive report and said, “It’s pretty amazing that in the midst of the pandemic that we were still able to move forward with so many priorities.”
During the presentation, Washington also presented a variety of departmental accomplishments and goals for the new year. Those can be found by viewing his presentation and reading his PowerPoint presentation to the City Commission.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Grand Rapids
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