City of Grand Rapids Economic Development

It's great to see one of our Corridor Improvement Authorities focusing on collaborating with one another for a refresh!

The Creston neighborhood is rebranding the region to highlight its historic character by emphasizing a few of the neighborhood's local businesses and must-see features. The overall goal is to strengthen community pride and connect Creston with Grand Rapids at large.

Read more below!

Creston launches 'Nothing Plain About It' rebrand to boost neighborhood brand Creston, Grand Rapids' largest neighborhood, is unveiling a new rebrand in collaboration with local groups to celebrate its unique character.

In early May, The City of Grand Rapids staff and community leaders joined the 2026 Joe Louis Greenway Peer Communities Tour hosted by SmithGroup in Detroit. The tour showcased the 29-mile, $197 million Joe Louis Greenway and Detroit Riverfront project, which connects parks and neighborhoods through trails, protected bike lanes, and existing pathways.

Community leaders from across the country gathered to explore how connectivity projects can promote art, belonging, inclusion, and accessibility. Participating organizations included The City of Grand Rapids, Baltimore Group – The Urban Equity Collective of Baltimore, Great Rivers Greenway in St. Louis Great Rivers Greenway, GaryElevated, the City of Detroit Government, Sidewalk Detroit, &Access, and Mass Economics.

This trip was for inspiration for the Southside Creekways project in Grand Rapids, which is a multi-year effort that would connect several south side neighborhoods along the Plaster Creek and Silver Creek corridors via a multi-modal network of trails.

Big milestone today at Amway Stadium. The final canopy beam is in place. 🏗️

The City's Economic Development Department backed this project with a transformational brownfield plan, and the results go beyond the stadium itself. The broader development includes housing and contributed $10M to Grand Rapids' affordable housing fund. Progress on multiple fronts.

The MI Street / Business District CIA is seeking architectural services!

The ideal candidate will collaborate with the commercial district within the Michigan Street Corridor to establish design guidelines and best practices that will serve as a framework for future projects. This will also be an opportunity to transform storefronts and bolster safety, walkability, and accessibility within the region.

Be sure to submit your proposal by June 1st, today: https://bit.ly/4uaSBzZ

With financing support from MEDC MiPlace, LMCU, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, The City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Program, the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, and the Southtown CID, ICCF Community Homes celebrated the ribbon cutting for its newest project at 2017 Eastern Ave. SE last Tuesday.

The development adds 15 income-based apartments to Southtown, aiming to keep housing costs below 30% of household income.

Brownfield funding continues to drive redevelopment across the region while creating much-needed affordable housing. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the Southtown community.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/43pdL1a

The South Division-Grandville Corridor is on the lookout for a new Corridor Manager!

The Corridor Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting the implementation of projects, and keeping up with integration across all program areas. You will sit in the project management seat for the region, all while getting to know the incredible business owners and neighbors of the community.

Apply by THIS Friday, today: https://bit.ly/3R8r8Ab

Thanks to the incredible business owners, community partners, and driven people in our community, The City of Grand Rapids is ranked as one of the best places in the country to start a career. With 2,000 new jobs added in 2025 and bringing in young professionals between the ages of 25-34 (about 14.4%), we are on track to continue building on this momentum. Thank you for making this not only your home, but also a great place to work, do business, and stay connected.

Read more about the ranking here: https://bit.ly/42B0zGh

🚨 Attention property owners and developers in Grand Rapids!

Don't miss your window to take part in the 2026 Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) Program.

OPRA provides a reduction of future taxes on eligible commercial property improvements for up to 12 years. To be considered, your application must be submitted to our office by July 31, 2026.*

Not sure if your project qualifies? Let us help you navigate the process. Review eligibility criteria at the link below. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email.

🔗 grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/economic-development/incentives/obsolete-property-rehabilitation-act/
📧 Audrey Tappenden | [email protected]

Are you familiar with our façade grants? We offer tools to help bring your project to life.

Across all six Corridor Improvement Authorities, property owners can access funding support for exterior building improvements. In Uptown, additional programs, including design services, outdoor space activation, and murals, help bring even more creativity to the corridor.

Interested in learning more about our incentives? Check out our site: https://bit.ly/493fP28