How OEE

Creates Community Opportunity

Community Relations Commission

Our relations with the community are crucial to our work. The Community Relations Commission supports with:

  • Giving advice and assistance to elected officials in adopting measures to keep order and harmony among citizens
  • Discouraging and preventing discriminatory practices
  • Providing education on community resources
  • Releasing and issuing reports and public service announcements

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Heritage Month Celebrations

The Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) recognizes the importance of celebrating and honoring the rich cultural heritage and diverse histories of Grand Rapids’ communities. Highlighting Heritage Months aligns with our mission to advance equity, uplift marginalized voices, and foster inclusive civic participation. 

We highlight Heritage Months through 4 approaches:

  1. Monthly Features on our social media featuring local voices, historical facts, and community spotlights.
  2. Internal Engagement, such as Lunch & Learn sessions with educational content and staff reflections. Employee Resource Groups can support and co-host.
  3. Community Collaboration, such as partnering with cultural organizations for co-branded events, art exhibits, or panel discussions.
  4. Visibility & Celebration, such as decorating City Hall and public spaces with cultural symbols, artwork, or displays and proclamations from the Mayor’s Office to publicly recognize and affirm Heritage Months. 

Neighborhood Match Fund

Are you a Grand Rapids resident planning a project to help reestablish community and relationships?

You may be eligible for funding through the Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF). Funding support will be awarded for Grand Rapids resident-led projects that are community focused, inclusive, and promote a deeper sense of belonging among neighbors. 

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Grand River Equity

The Grand River Equity Initiative is a community collaborative created to ensure “equity” has been baked into the river redevelopment ranging from economic inclusion, river accessibility, youth engagement, and more.  

The City is a proud partners to track and report on data metrics relevant to City operations. Learn more by reading the framework, which can be found below. 

Get Involved

MLBE Bonding Pilot Program

The City of Grand Rapids is proud to introduce the Bonding Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to help Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs) overcome long-standing financial and structural barriers that limit access to bonding—a key requirement for many public and private construction projects.

Bonding is often essential for businesses seeking to perform as prime or subcontractors on large-scale construction contracts. However, for many small, local firms—especially those led by historically underrepresented groups—the cost and complexity of securing bonding can be a significant hurdle. This program was created to help close that gap and build a more equitable, inclusive contractor ecosystem in Grand Rapids.

Learn more.

Mobile Business Incubators 

We are in the process of developing Mobile Business Incubator structures that can support non-brick and mortar entrepreneurs with taking advantage of downtown walking tourism. These structures will be placed in river adjacent spaces that are high foot traffic areas for tourist when visiting our downtown. This effort will increase business exposure and sales opportunities for businesses that don’t have property downtown.

More details to come soon! 

Learn more  

Grand River Equity Framework (PDF)

River Equity Introduction Presentation (PDF)

 

Rosa Parks Essay Contest

Are you a high school student who rides the The Rapid? You can be eligible for a scholarship opportunity through the Rosa Parks Essay Contest. Scholarship awards range from $500 - $1,000.

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West Michigan Welcome Plan

National Welcoming Week is September 12 – September 21, 2025.

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places achieving collective prosperity. 

The 2025 Welcoming Week theme is #StoriesWeShare! 

The City of Grand Rapids is home to people of all backgrounds, including those who were not born here, but now call Grand Rapids home. Grand Rapids’ success depends on making sure that all Grand Rapidians feel welcome. New Grand Rapidians are a vital part of our community, along with our long-time residents, bringing ideas, starting businesses, serving in civic roles, working in critical industries, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we value.

Join us in honoring, celebrating and welcoming New Americans to our home. 

Get Involved 

  • Attend the 2025 Global Gathering West Michigan on Saturday, September 13th from 12:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. at Garfield Park.
  • Purchase and promote Welcoming Week swag

Kent County Welcome Plan 

Gateways for Growth in Kent County and Grand Rapids is a community-led process aimed at implementing welcoming initiatives. This is spearheaded by 36 multi-sector organizations who value the diversity of the community and the need to celebrate and welcome all community members. Download the final Kent County Welcome Plan here:

Gateways for Growth Kent County Welcome Plan

Learn more