City of Grand Rapids Economic Development

09/14/2026

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is looking to expand its legal support as it continues to advance redevelopment efforts across The City of Grand Rapids.

The BRA is seeking qualified attorneys with municipal law experience related to brownfields, tax increment financing, compliance, document drafting, risk mitigation, advocacy, and negotiation.

Interested in supporting the BRA? Submit your proposal by September 30: https://bit.ly/4xdzhT7

09/10/2026

From Grammy Award-winning artists to summer bucket-list experiences, the Acrisure Amphitheater is bringing more than entertainment to Grand Rapids, it’s attracting visitors ready to explore the city and support local businesses!

It’s incredible to see this long-awaited, city-supported project come to life and bring new energy to businesses throughout the area. The next time you’re in town for a show, make a night of it by visiting local restaurants, retail shops, and everything in between.

See the incredible impact this project is having on the community: https://bit.ly/4zGoQKr

09/09/2026

Our Administrative Aide strengthens the Economic Development Department’s ability to deliver programming throughout the City!

Support systems management, help our team prepare for meetings, lead invoice needs, and connect with neighbors across our communities. If you love a well-organized calendar, can keep multiple projects moving, and maybe even consider calendar Tetris a skill, this might be the right fit for you.

Submit your application by Monday, September 14, 2026, to be considered: https://bit.ly/3SMJ6tf

09/09/2026

Have you made your plans for Tech Week Grand Rapids?

This month, the Grand Rapids SmartZone is bringing innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses together to spotlight the people putting West Michigan on the map and making an impact nationwide.

Explore interactive experiences, hear from industry leaders through keynote speakers and event hosts, and see some of the businesses helping shape Grand Rapids’ corridors and communities.

Interested in seeing which SmartZone-supported programs are making their way to Tech Week Grand Rapids? Visit the SmartZone website to view the lineup and make your Tech Week plans today: https://smartzonegr.com/events/

09/02/2026

In recent weeks, crews have removed trash and added mulch to areas known as bioretention islands.

These islands help manage stormwater, calm traffic, encourage safer driving, and improve the experience of traveling through the neighborhood.

The Creston Corridor Improvement Authority recently spoke with WOOD TV8 about this work and ongoing efforts to improve these fixtures in the neighborhood.

Learn more about Creston's work through the full interview below!

Seven landscape islands stretching along about a mile of Plainfield Avenue NE in Grand Rapids are getting makeovers, including one north of Ann Street that had been filled with trash and weeds.

09/01/2026

With residents moving in just last month, Talbot Development owner Ryan Talbot is bringing a 2024 property acquisition to life on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

Supported by two tax incentives, the Brownfield Tax Increment Financing program and a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone designation, the $32 million, five-story, 148-unit apartment building brings a rooftop deck, golf simulator, and café to the neighborhood.

Learn more about how city support, like tax incentives, are helping support incredible communities throughout Grand Rapids below!

Along Grand Rapids’ busy Bridge Street, a new apartment community has opened with a roof deck, a golf simulator and a cafe on the ground floor.

08/25/2026

Working alongside incredible developers, neighborhood organizers, and The City of Grand Rapids staff over the past year has been both rewarding and motivational. The impact of projects from the past year demonstrates what's possible when we come together to make investments that strengthen our neighborhoods and create more opportunities.

From expanding housing options to supporting job creation, this past year has been filled with collaboration across multiple sectors. Thank you to all of our partners, community leaders, developers, and neighbors alike for building with us this year. Here's to more progress!

Read the full report by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/3SWHe0v

08/20/2026

Did you know that there are flexible funding opportunities offered to the city's corridor improvement authorities? Improving buildings, making landscaping updates, and offering activities to get involved with neighborhoods are just a few benefits of our incentive programming. Pictured is the mural at Treetops Collective, just one example of how the South Division–Grandville Corridor Improvement Authority has used these funds to transform the neighborhood!

Looking for tools and resources to make your neighborhood an even better place to live, work, and play? Check out our website to learn more about how we can support you: https://bit.ly/3SWHe0v

08/11/2026

Planning a visit to MI Street / Business District? Free Shuttle Fridays make it easy to explore local Grand Rapids businesses.

The shuttle runs every Friday evening, offering a quick ride between Michigan Street and downtown. Thanks to our partnership with Mobile GR and the Michigan Street CIA, you can park once, support local businesses on Michigan Street, then head downtown.

Learn more about Free Shuttle Fridays and plan your visit on the Michigan Street website!

Free Shuttle Fridays Downtown Grand Rapids ↔ Michigan Street. Every Friday this summer. On us. The Basics When:Fridays, 5–10PM | July 24 – September 11 Cost:Free. No fare, no reservation. How often:Continuous service, roughly every 20 minutes. Where to catch it: Downtown Pick-UpGrand Rapids Ci...

08/06/2026

Our team joined community partners to celebrate the next milestone at Abode West Fulton as the pre-cast parking structure began to take shape.

It was great to hear from the West Side Corridor Improvement Authority's (West Side CIA) Chair John O'Connor and Vice-Chair Brent Gibson. Abode is a great example of how the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Westside Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) are working together to support investment and growth for the city's CIAs.

We also enjoyed getting a preview of the future Westside gateway sign, another exciting addition to the corridor!