City of Grand Rapids Economic Development

10/15/2026

Our Economic Development Director, Sarah Rainero, spoke with Crain's Grand Rapids Business about our Request for Qualifications (RFQ)!

This opportunity gives qualified development teams a chance to help shape the future of downtown. This project will strengthen the local economy while creating a community-centered destination for Grand Rapids neighbors.

Read more about the opportunity and how to submit: https://bit.ly/4zi9cUp

10/13/2026

A few members of the Economic Development Department team attended the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's ribbon-cutting for their new headquarters!

With the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approving up to $513,450 in tax-increment reimbursements for eligible project expenses, the project can use this support for demolition, site preparation, and public infrastructure improvements. The project also previously received a $200,000 Emerging Developer Grant.

This is a great look at how City support is moving projects forward! We can't wait to see how the new headquarters brings more connections between community members, local employers, and opportunities.

10/09/2026

Our team recently toured a new project located in the Oakdale neighborhood, "The Herman," with developer Rafael Martinez! A longtime Oakdale resident, Martinez has four developments planned for the neighborhood, all within a one-mile radius.

Using City resources like permit-ready plans, the Grand Rapids Land Bank, and the Emerging Developer Grant, this three-bedroom duplex is well underway and will bring additional housing to Oakdale. The project is also operating with 87% of its contractors being minorities, creating additional opportunities for local businesses and workers.

We're excited to see developers like Martinez using available resources to invest in their neighborhoods. Stay tuned to learn more about the projects making an impact across the city!

10/07/2026

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking a qualified development partner to help develop nearly seven acres of city-owned downtown and waterfront property. The selected partner will lead a comprehensive site due diligence report and master site planning, working alongside the City on a phased approach to future redevelopment, activation, and community engagement.

Questions are due October 19th, with submissions due November 16, 2026.

Learn more and submit your response today: https://bit.ly/3SWHe0v

10/01/2026

Last call: applications for CED Corps close tomorrow, October 2!

Our Economic Development Department is hosting a CED Corps Fellow through CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The Economic Development Fellow will work alongside our team on brownfield redevelopment, tax increment financing, land banking, and Corridor Improvement work, and will help build the systems and documentation that keep a fast-growing department running.

If you want to see how economic development actually gets delivered, from policy to project management to public accountability, this is the place to start. Fellows begin November 30.

Learn more and apply today: https://bit.ly/3Thum61

10/01/2026

Project leaders recently broke ground on Knapp Hills Townhomes, a new 38-unit townhome community at Dean Lake Avenue NE and Knapp Street NE, near the Creston neighborhood.

Developed by Wheeler Development Group, the project will bring 38 homes across nine buildings, supported by nearly $2.1 million in tax increment financing approved by the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Great to see more revitalization in our neighborhoods through city support, creating more housing and continued investment in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the project: https://bit.ly/46pODct

09/29/2026

Our Business Manager, Doug Booth, recently joined the groundbreaking for 443 Sheldon Ave., the first large-scale Grand Rapids Land Bank project to break ground in Grand Rapids.

Developer Bryce Hansen, a recipient of the City’s Emerging Developer Grant, is bringing a three-story, 26-unit apartment building to the Division and Wealthy corridor, with six units renting at or below 80% AMI.

This is a great example of how our departmental incentives, like the Emerging Developer Grant and Grand Rapids Land Bank resources, are investing in more housing, opportunity, and vitality for our neighborhoods.

Congrats to everyone involved in this project!

09/23/2026

Join us for our Brownfield Redevelopment Authority meeting. We're scheduled to begin at 8.30am and you may find the meeting agenda here: https://grandrapidscitymi.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=5904&Inline=True

09/22/2026

Get your Michigan Street Poutine Week plans ready!

Hop aboard the Michigan Street “gravy train” on Saturday, September 26, and travel from business to business while sampling new takes on the Canadian classic.

This sixth annual event, brought to you by Michigan Street Corridor, features more interactive experiences and the chance to score an official Poutine Week T-shirt! Visit four participating restaurants, document your stops in your Poutine Week passport, and vote for your favorite dish.

Ready to dig in? Learn more about how to participate and vote today: https://mistreet.org/poutine/

09/21/2026

The Southtown CID is bringing creativity to the community with SouthPrize!

Spanning all six of Grand Rapids’ business districts, this free, community-wide event brings the fun of ArtPrize to Southtown. Discover work from more than 30 local artists showcased at participating businesses throughout the neighborhood.

Explore the districts, experience live art, meet local creatives, and vote for your favorite SouthPrize artist!

Check out more here:

Calling all local artists and Southtown business owners! Local creativity. Real prizes. Your neighborhood as the gallery. Voting Day Event: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Meet the 2026 Artists 31 artists. 6 districts.One gallery without walls. Every work in SouthPrize is displayed inside a Southtown ...