GR Forward | City of Grand Rapids, MI

GR Forward is a community plan and investment strategy. We're envisioning the City's future with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS). This three plan effort envisions the future of:

Downtown Grand Rapids
The Grand River
Grand Rapids Public Schools

The History of GR Forward

GR Forward launched in April 2014. The goal was to create a community-driven plan fueled by public outreach. 4,400 Grand Rapidians were involved in the GR Forward process through more than 360 events.

We harnessed this collaborative spirit through the public review process. We released the draft plan on July 2, 2015. Then we set out with over 50 events and presentations with key stakeholders get get feedback.

The Planning Commission reviewed the draft document on July 23, 2015. They voted in support of forwarding the plan to the City Commission. City Commission accepted the plan for review on August 11, 2015. It was then distributed for public comment. We got more than 750 comments and updated the plan.

City Commission adopted the final plan on December 15, 2015.

GR Forward Community Plan and Investment Strategy

Check out our plans! Download the final draft documents below.

Executive Summary

Introduction

Vision

Equity Driven Growth

Restore The River

Create A True Downtown Neighborhood

Implement A 21St Century Mobility Strategy

Expand Job Opportunities

Reinvest In Public Space

High Quality Public Schools

Appendix 1: River Corridor Plan Supplemental Materials

Appendix 2: Downtown Plan Supplemental Analysis

Appendix 3: Downtown Grand Rapids Residential Market Potential

Appendix 4: Parking and Mobility Study

River Restoration Committee Report

In July, 2015, the Grand River Restoration Steering Committee released it's final report. The below report summarizes the committee’s charge, accomplishments and recommended actions for the river.

River Restoration Committee Report