City of Grand Rapids

Urban Agriculture Committee

About the Committee

The Urban Agriculture Committee is an advisory committee that established in 2017 to support 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.

The UAC currently has 3 vacancies and interested individuals are encouraged to apply! Check out the Current Members section below for details on which seats are available.

  • 9 members
  • Mayor appoints 2 members
    • 1 represents a farmers' market
    • 1 represents a local agricultural organization
  • City Commission appoints 6 members
    • Each Commissioner appointing one member, from their ward, with an interest in urban agriculture issues.
  • City Manager appoints 1 member

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

Residency Requirements

There is no residency requirement to be a member of this board.

Term Limits

Each member shall be appointed to serve for a term of 2 years. Members may only serve 2 consecutive terms as Chair and/or Vice-chair.

Compensation

There is no compensation for being a member on this board.

Name Appointment Resident Status Term Ends On
Connie Bohatch City Staff Member Non-Resident 1/4/2027
Muriel Lutes Commissioner Appointment Ward 1 Resident 1/4/2027
Evvia Marshall Commissioner Appointment Ward 3 Resident 1/4/2027
Kimberly Moore (Vice-Chair) Commissioner Appointment Ward 3 Resident 1/4/2027
Amanda Faber (Chair) Mayoral Appointment Local Community Support Agriculture Organization 1/4/2027
Vacancy Mayoral Appointment Farmers Market 1/4/2027
Stacy Stout Commissioner Appointment Ward 1 Resident 1/4/2027
Sarah Larson Commissioner Appointment Ward 1 Resident 1/4/2027
Vacancy Commissioner Appointment Ward 3 Resident 1/4/2027

Interested in joining this board?

There is no residency requirement to become a member of this board. Appointed board members are given a term of three years. Members of this board receive no compensation and operate on a volunteer basis.

Apply

Growing or producing food by cultivating plants or raising animals in the city via activities such as:

  • community and school gardens, urban farms and urban orchards
  • community supported agriculture (CSAs) & farmers markets
  • aquaponics (systems integrating fish and plants)
  • raising chickens or bees
  • composting on your property

Meeting Notices

Public notices can be downloaded below for the Urban Agriculture Committee's annual schedule or if a meeting is rescheduled, cancelled, or changes location.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes for each Urban Agriculture Committee meeting will be posted after approval at the next meeting.

Urban Agriculture Resources

Reports

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Backyard Chickens

If you want to have chickens in your backyard, you can apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit if your property meets certain size requirements. Please check with your adjacent neighbors first before applying.

View the Backyard Chicken Permit

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Backyard Bees

If you want to have bees in your backyard, you can apply for a Backyard Bee Permit. Backyard bees are permitted so long as the hive/box size and placement regulations are followed.

View the Backyard Bee Permit

Greenhouse Permit

If you are looking to build a permanent greenhouse, or similar season-extension structure on your property, you will need an Accessory Structure permit.

View the Accessory Structure Permit

Get Involved!

Looking to get involved in your community? Serving on a City Board or Commission is a great way to make a difference!

View the current vacancy list here!

Apply

City Staff Contact

Office of Sustainability

Robert Cloy II
rcloy@grcity.us
616.456.3675

Meeting Details

We keep a schedule of all meetings for the current year.

Download the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule for the Urban Agriculture Committee

Upcoming Meetings

View Public Meetings Calendar

Meeting Notices

Meetings scheduled at the Grand Rapids Public Library have been relocated to the following:

September 9, 2026

Blandford Nature Center in the Auditorium in the Auditorium at 1715 Hillburn NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

October 14, 2026

Grand Rapids Public Service Center in Room 1103 (Grand River Room) at 1500 Scribner Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Resources

Do you want to learn more about starting a community garden or growing in the city?