The 2025 proposed budget is just under $690 million, which is an overall increase of 8.6% from 2024. That amount includes nearly $186 million in the general fund. City Manager Mark Washington says those resources are what’s needed for the city of Grand Rapids to continue accomplishing strategic objectives while making transformational investments.
“Well, this year’s budget, a lot of things were accomplished in terms of continuity to services, but it is one that we’re really focusing on capital and we overwhelmingly heard the need to really improve or continue to offer excellent, high-quality services to the public and so you’ll see a lot of emphasis on customer service.”
Highlights of the budget include twenty-eight added service positions focusing on 3-1-1 customer service, emergency dispatch and the future Kendall Street Fire Station, as well as continued investments in the Grand River corridor. The construction of Acrisure Amphitheater at 201 Market Avenue comes at a cost with the relocation of city services there to Scribner Avenue.
Mayor Roslyn Bliss says it’s not just next year’s budget the Commission has to consider.
“Ultimately, we don’t have an endless supply of resources, so we have to be thoughtful about not just the budget we pass this year, but about the long-term implications over the next several years as we do a five-year projected outlook.”
Five more budget meetings are planned over the next four weeks as well as opportunity for public comment.
You can find a detailed rundown of the proposed budget on the City of Grand Rapids website.
