Urban Agriculture Committee

2025 Urban Agriculture Committee

Department in Charge of This Board

Grand Rapids Office of Sustainability

  Office_Sustainability_Color.png

 

About the Board

This Committee supports urban agriculture in our city and is comprised of residents and food system leaders in Grand Rapids, who partner with City staff, to grow and enhance our local food resilience and access. City Code Sec. 6.50 grants this board its authority to provide leadership and expertise to policy makers in the development of public infrastructure necessary for increased urban food production, processing and marketing.

Vision: Grand Rapids will strengthen its local food resilience, quality of life and public health for all.

Mission: To educate and empower the community by providing policy review, recommendations and support for urban agriculture.

 

2026 Meeting Cadence:

The 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4pm to 5pm. Locations will be announced December 2025.

 

The UAC currently has 4 vacancies and interested individuals are encouraged to apply! Check out the Current Members section below for details on which seats are available. Eligible applicants will meet one of the requirements of a vacancy and be in good standing with the City (Attorney, Treasurer, and Income Tax).

Each term is 2-years long, voluntary, and non-compensated. Each UAC member is expected to attend monthly, in-person meetings to advance the board's vision and mission.

Apply for City of Grand Rapids Boards and Commissions

Current Agriculture Regulations

Urban Agriculture Guide


Download Documents

Infographic: "So you want to farm in your backyard?"(PDF, 1MB)

Committee Information

Reports


 

Committee Minutes and Agendas

2025 Minutes

October 2025 Minutes(PDF, 929KB)

September 2025 Meeting was Cancelled

July 2025 Minutes(PDF, 679KB)

May 2025 Minutes

March 2025 Minutes(PDF, 149KB)

January 2025 Minutes(PDF, 176KB)

 

2025 Agendas

November 2025 Agenda(PDF, 240KB)

October 2025 Agenda(PDF, 235KB)

July 2025 Agenda

May 2025 Agenda(PDF, 161KB)

March 2025 Agenda(PDF, 159KB)

January 2025 Agenda(PDF, 158KB)

 

2024 Agendas

September 2024 Agenda(PDF, 220KB)

March 2024 Agenda(PDF, 210KB)

January 2024 Agenda(PDF, 134KB)

 

2024 Minutes

November 2024 Minutes(PDF, 172KB)

September 2024 Minutes(PDF, 136KB)

March 2024 Minutes(PDF, 162KB)

January 2024 Minutes(PDF, 145KB)

 

2023 Minutes

November 2023 Minutes(PDF, 132KB)

September 2023 Minutes(PDF, 133KB)

July 2023 Minutes(PDF, 136KB)

January 2023 Minutes(PDF, 156KB)

 

2022 Minutes

 

Previous Years

9 members total

  • The Mayor appoints 2 members
  • The City Commission appoints 6 members
  • The City Manager appoints 1 member

Each member shall be appointed to serve for a term of 2 years. 

The UAC is subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. [MCL §15.261 et seq.]

The Mayor's Appointees

  • 1 represents a farmers' market
  • 1 represents a local agricultural organization

The City Manager's Appointees

  • 1 is a City staff member responsible in the area of Sustainability

The City Commission's Appointees

  • The City Commission shall appoint 6 members, with each Commissioner appointing one member, from their ward, with an interest in urban agriculture issues.

Connie Bohatch

City Manager Appointment
City Staff Member responsible for zoning, economic development, or code enforcement
Non-Resident
Term ends: 1/4/2027

Carlos Calderon*

Commissioner Ysasi Appointment
Ward 1 Resident
Term ends: 1/4/2027

Muriel Lutes

Commissioner Robbins Appointment Appointment
Ward 1 Resident
Term ends: 1/4/2027

Evvia Marshall

Commissioner O'Connor Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends: 1/4/2027

Kimberly Moore

Commissioner Perdue Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term Ends: 1/4/2027

Vacancy 

Mayoral Appointment
Member Representing a Local Community Support Agriculture Organization
Term Ends: 1/3/2028

Vacancy

Mayoral Appointment
Member representing a Farmers Market
Term ends: 1/3/2028

Vacancy 

Commissioner Knight Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends: 1/3/2028

Vacancy

Commissioner Kilgore Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends: 1/3/2028

*current board chair

current board vice-chair