Two major projects are moving forward in downtown Grand Rapids. The 12,000 seat, $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater located on the east bank of the Grand River. And on the near-west side, an 8,500-seat professional soccer stadium. Both facilities are slated to open in 2026.
Private funding is in place for each, now a lever for generating public revenue.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of the amended accommodations tax Act allows Kent County to raise the maximum lodging excise tax from 5% to 8%. The City of Grand Rapids can impose a lodging excise tax up to 2%.
State Rep. John Fitzgerald, a Democrat from Wyoming sponsored the bill (H.B. 5048). In a news release he said, "This is a significant milestone — a win for our communities, residents and our goal of making Kent County a leading destination for travel, entertainment, and business in the Midwest."
“It’s kind of a user fee, in a lot of ways, right. Folks are going to come here and they’re going to benefit from these world-class amenities, and it’s proven to work.”
Josh Lunger is vice president of government affairs with the Grand Rapids Chamber. The measure will go before Kent County voters.
