Office of the City Clerk

We use a third-party site to manage our standing committee meeting schedules and agendas. We have pages to help you navigate that third-party site linked below. Already know your way around the legislative management site? You can use our legislative management page to get direct links to the committee pages.

Learn more about the Committee of the Whole

This committee meets at 9:30 am the same day as regular City Commission meetings

Learn more about the Committee on Appointments

This committee meets at 8:10 am the same day as regular City Commission meetings

Learn more about the Fiscal Committee

This committee meets at 8:30 am the same day as regular City Commission meetings

Learn more about the Community Development Committee

This committee meets at 8:30 am the same day as regular City Commission meetings

Learn more about the Public Safety Committee

This committee meets as scheduled -- usually every three months

Learn more about Special Briefings

These meetings are at 11:30 am once a month

Current Election Information

We're always thinking about the next election. That's why we keep a page to keep you informed. We'll tell you everything you need to know about each upcoming election:

• Election Date and Type
• Registration and Absentee Voting Deadlines
• What's on the Ballot

Current Election Information

Additional Information

For non-partisan information on candidates, proposals, etc., www.vote411.org is an excellent resource with voter guides.

Election Results and Voter Turnout

We want you to know what's happening on every Election Day. That's why we track hourly voter turnout for every election. You can check out the voter turnout for the most recent election. We also work with Kent County to post near-real time election results when the polls close.

• Voter Turnout in Past Elections
• Past Election Results

Voter Registration

The State of Michigan keeps track of the voter rolls. Still, we want to help our residents manage their registration status. That's why we have resources to help you with all things voter registration:

• Check Your Voter Registration Status
• Register to Vote
• Update Your Voter Registration Status

Absentee Ballots

You can get an absentee ballot if you are unable to make it to the polls for certain reasons. We have detailed instructions to help you apply for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available 30-45 days prior to each election.

• Apply for an Absentee Ballot
• Apply for a Military or Overseas Citizen Absentee Ballot

Election Precincts and Maps

Looking for maps of Grand Rapids precincts or districts? We keep both listings and maps of precinct locations.

• Ward and Precinct Map(PDF, 5MB)
• Precinct Directory
• County Commissioner Map(PDF, 2MB)
• State Representative Map(PDF, 6MB)

Election Data

You can request data on past elections from the Clerk's Office. Just complete and submit a simple data request form.

• Data Request Form(PDF, 285KB)

Election Workers

Interested in working in a precinct on election day? We're always looking for people to work the polls. It's a great opportunity to do your civic duty and learn about the election process.

• Apply to Serve as an Election Worker
• Election Worker Job Descriptions

More than 250 citizens serve on City boards and commissions. We process applications to sit on these boards and commissions. This is a great way to get involved in your community. Boards and commissions offer citizen input and review City programs. A lot of times they make recommendations to the City Commission.

Looking for more info about boards and commissions? We have a few resources for you:

• City Boards and Commissions
• Apply for Boards and Commissions
• Regional Boards and Commissions

Community Archives

Are you looking for information about a local issue? Do you want to find records of your relatives and their history in our city? The City Clerk's Office manages official City of Grand Rapids documents.

About the City Archives and Records Center

Apply Online

For the first time, you can apply for your business license online. We'll walk you through the process to get the licenses you need. Just take a look.

Business Licensing

The City Charter is the legal document that established Grand Rapids as a city. It identifies roles and responsibilities of City leadership and how the City should be managed.

City Charter

The City's legislation is the code of ordinances, or set of laws, that we enforce.

City Code of Ordinances

Apply for a Passport

Are you a first-time passport applicant? If you've never had a passport before, we'll accept your application in person. You'll want to make sure you're prepared before you come to our office. That's why we have instructions to help you in different situations:

• Apply for a New Passport
• Schedule an Evening Passport Appointment
• Renew an Expiring Passport

More Information and Visas

We do our best to get you all the info you need. But if there's something you can't find here, the best source of info about U.S. passports is the federal government. You can check out their U.S. Passports website.

You need a visa to travel to certain countries. For others, just a passport is enough. If you're unsure whether the country you're visiting requires a visa, check out the federal government's U.S. Visas website.

Expedited Applications

None of us plan to wait until the last minute, but it does happen. If your trip is less than 14 days away, you'll need to make an appointment at a National Passport Center. Call 877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.

Looking to request copies of City records? The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request copies or access to most City records.

File a FOIA Request