Registration now open for the 2026 Neighborhood Summit

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement has opened registration for the 2026 Neighborhood Summit, scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at GRPS University (1400 Fuller Ave. SE).

Now in its 12th year, Neighborhood Summit brings together residents, community organizations, City staff and local leaders for a free, all day learning experience focused on connection, collaboration and community building. The event is expected to welcome up to 500 participants from across Grand Rapids.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Building Community through Connection, Care and Collaboration,” centers on strengthening relationships, elevating community voice and advancing equity across neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Summit is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all, offering breakfast, lunch and refreshments, free on-site childcare with registration, interactive workshops and resource tables, and opportunities to connect directly with City staff and community leaders.

Applications and registration links are available at: https://publicinput.com/grsummit26.

“Neighborhood Summit is one of the most meaningful spaces we create each year because it brings residents, organizations, and City staff together to listen, learn, and build solutions as a community,” said Lilibeth Genao, equity analyst and summit coordinator at the City of Grand Rapids. “Centering community voice and lived experience helps strengthen trust and deepen the connections that make residents feel seen, valued, and included.”

Brandon Davis, managing director of the Office of Equity and Engagement, added that the event also reflects the City’s broader commitment to collaboration. “Our work is rooted in strengthening partnerships with the communities we serve and creating space for genuine shared learning. Neighborhood Summit helps deepen those relationships and supports a more responsive and inclusive Grand Rapids for all.”

Call for Participation

City of Grand Rapids is also currently seeking:

• Workshop proposals from community leaders, residents, City staff and organizations
• Resource table hosts to share programs and services
• Volunteers to support event day activities

Getting involved does not require leading a workshop. Hosting a resource table, volunteering or partnering to uplift community voice are all meaningful ways to contribute. Workshops should be interactive, community centered and rooted in racial equity and resident voice. Proposals that include a Grand Rapids resident as a presenter or co-presenter are strongly encouraged.

For questions, please contact the City of Grand Rapids, Office of Equity and Engagement at summit@grcity.us.