The Grand River’s revitalization extends 2.5 miles through downtown Grand Rapids. Ensuring the project is equitable includes Implementation and Accountability. To that end, a dedicated investment in a nonprofit committed to the River Project. One that attracts broad endorsements from communities’ stakeholders grounded in the River Equity Framework. Accountability mechanisms including transparency and an ongoing feedback loop are necessary when constructing the social infrastructure essential to supporting the river’s ecosystem.
A goal that can only be achieved when the following priority outcomes are met. Outlined verbatim from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc’s Grand River Equity Framework:
- Investment in a diverse organization whose sole focus is the river project, which adopts the Equity Framework, and acts as advocate and implementer.
- Endorsement of the Equity Framework by key municipalities, civic institutions, business leaders, community advocates, and general population.
- Establishment of an independent stakeholder body to review progress on river equity goals and publicly issue findings and recommendations.
For more information, log on at www.downtowngr.org/our-work/projects/grand-river-network.