Strong Towns Grand Rapids

08/18/2026

Join us for a discussion and a game on what the downtown will look like over the next 10 years! DGRI is going through its master planning for the next 10 years, and we are here to help them. Stop on by, play a game, and let's talk about the future!

08/17/2026

Join us! This walk will focus on identifying areas that need improvement in the Burton/Eastern area. Alger Heights Neighborhood Association, Boston Square Neighborhood Association - , and Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association all meet here! We'll take feedback from anywhere in the neighborhoods, but this event will focus on Seymour Square

08/17/2026

Are you a 1st Ward resident with a passion for mobility issues? The Vital Streets Commission is closing out the year with one (1) vacancy. Currently the Vital Streets Commission has no representation from the 1st Ward; if you would be interested you should contact Commissioner Belchak to express your interest.

08/12/2026

Talk by Nolan Gray, author of "Arbitrary Lines" and leaning national expert on the Housing Crisis. Followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Gray, Representative Stephen Wooden, and Joshua Lunger (Senior Vice President of Advocacy for the Grand Rapids Chamber).
Event was hosted by Abundant Housing Michigan and Strongtowns Grand Rapids.
Video @ https://youtu.be/XYS8HkpyfLU?si=vYqffPh-6dCs3TYc

08/05/2026

The GR Forward plan was adopted in 2015, after engagement with over 4,000 residents, it was intended to steer the development of downtown and downtown's interfacing with the neighborhoods. It's been ten years! An amazing amount has been accomplished. Now it is time to update GR Forward, many things have changed, you can learn more and participate in the guiding survey @

Downtown Grand Rapids's blueprint for the next chapter Downtown Grand Rapids has entered a new era of growth and opportunity, and it didn’t happen by accident. Built on decades of shared commitment, GR Forward helped focus the work and align action around a common vision. The results are visible t...

07/10/2026

A decade ago, DGRI asked what Downtown Grand Rapids could be. Alongside the community, DGRI delivered: a grocery store, Lyon Square, an activated riverfront, new housing, and nearly 90% of GR Forward's vision brought to life.

Downtown has kept changing—and fast. More people, more businesses, new venues. But the way people work and spend time has shifted in ways nobody fully predicted. Resources are tighter. The stakes are higher.

Join us for an evening of life-sized games as we explore the future of GR together!

07/09/2026

07/06/2026

A local writer looks at the decline of the Rapid's ridership, possible driving forces, and ultimately if these same forces will bring riders back.
https://urbangr.org/WhereDidTheRidersGo2026

06/30/2026

A new RFB pedestrian crossing is being installed of Lafayette Ave at Creston Plaza and Mary Waters Park; the crossing is also Rapid #11 stops #4716 (southbound) and #4536 (northbound).

06/29/2026

East river edge trail is coming along; this infrastructure will connect Ann St down to Leonard St. Are you looking forward to riding this?