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A WGVU initiative in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation using on-air programs and community events to explore issues of inclusion and equity.

Grand Rapids has a new city manager

Second Ward commissioner Ruth Kelly made the motion to appoint Mark Washington following public interviews with each of the five city manager candidates. 

Kelly decision was based on Washington’s experience with racial equity at the governmental level. The motion was supported by commissioner Jon O’Connor.

“Mark Washington is very familiar with the Government Alliance on Racial Equity is a national network of government agencies addressing structural racism.

Washington comes to Grand Rapids with 22 years of experience in local government. And has served as assistant to the city manager of Austin, Texas for the past three years. 

During his interview, Washington shared he had been part in fostering transparency between the police force and the community. 

“We have involved the citizens in helping us look across the country to provide a menu of recommendations.”  

Commissioner Senita Lenear was the sole commissioner who opposed the motion because Tom Almonte, assistant to the City Manager of Grand Rapids and one of the five candidates has the ability to do the job well. 

“We frequently talk about community engagement, being invested in the community and living in the community. We have a candidate who is doing all of those things and doing those things quite well, and yet we are going to choose someone else and hope they do those things.” 

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was supportive of selecting Washington because of his commitment and work with racial equity. 

“With a real intention towards looking at policies and procedures that are impacting equity.”  

Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News

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