Grand Rapids Reporter

The City of Grand Rapids revealed that citizens still have time to submit project ideas through the Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR) Steering Committee.

“As we’ve seen in these submitted ideas, our residents realize that PBGR puts real money in the hands of real people to make real choices about how it is invested [in] our neighborhoods,” Lisa Knight, PBGR committee member, said in a news release from the city. “We are entering the homestretch on collecting great ideas from other members of the community. We encourage everyone’s engagement over the next month to let us know how they want this money spent. This funding can transform neighborhoods, and we hope those invested in this community will get involved in the process.”

Approximately 160 projects have been submitted to PBGR, according to the news release. Second Ward residents submitted 39% of the ideas. The Third Ward was at 34% participation and the First Ward was at 27%. Residents between the ages of 26 and 45 submitted 59% of the project ideas. The news release said that, demographically, the projects reflect the city’s make-up, with whites submitting 56% of projects, Blacks at 21%, multiracial at 9%, and other races at 4%; 10% of respondents declined to state their ethnicity.

The City of Grand Rapids allocated $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to fund the projects, the news release noted.

Those interested can submit their ideas at PBGR.org.

PBGR has yet to examine the submissions to make sure they comply with ARPA qualifications. 

Knight is “encouraged by the quantity, quality, and creativity of the ideas submitted,” the news release said.

Residents have until May 31 to submit their project ideas.  

After the submission deadline, the steering committee will verify that projects are compliant and coordinate with the city to examine which projects are practicable, according to the news release. Then, the public will decide which projects the city can provide funding for.