10/08/2026
Did you know?
In 2016, Kent County voters approved a property tax millage to support the John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum. Now, a decade later, the proposed renewal raises some important questions about how public dollars are distributed, what was delivered, and what residents can expect in return.
Here's what the record shows:
📊 In 2016, the millage funding was split 50/50 between the Zoo and Museum. Under the proposed 2026 renewal, that split would change to 61% for the Zoo and 39% for the Museum.
🏗️ The original millage proposal from the Zoo included commitments around park amenities, infrastructure, exhibits, and educational programming. The public record documents a mix of completed projects and commitments that were not fulfilled.
🏛️ The proposed renewal identifies certain uses for millage funds, but does not guarantee specific public benefits like free admission, park improvements, or particular levels of educational access.
And who's responsible for making sure public dollars serve the public? Kent County owns the property and maintains agreements with the Zoo.
Over the next few posts, we're breaking down the funding, the promises, the public benefits, and the County's role in overseeing it all.
Why? Because public dollars and public land raise important questions about public accountability.
📅 Kent County voters will decide on the Zoo and Museum Millage on November 3, 2026.
