Friends of Lisa Knight

09/09/2026

ArtPrize kicks off this weekend. I attend each year, in awe of the creativity of my neighbors and those from abroad.

As we celebrate one of the biggest events of the year, I reflect on three truths:

1. This event undoubtedly impacts our small business economy in Grand Rapids, driving tourism from nearly a million visitors and bringing $80 million to our City annually.

2. Grand Rapids is a celebration of all things art - music, murals, theatres. ArtPrize brings international artists and talent to our great City.

3. Unfortunately like many large scale events, the spike in people and chaos can also cause some anxiety and concerns about human trafficking. It can be difficult to think about this happening in our own back yards, but education is the first step towards more awareness and prevention. I am linking some local resources below for anyone who may be interested in learning more.

So while I encourage you to attend ArtPrize, I also encourage you to stay aware, stay safe, and stay educated.

https://www.endslaverynow.org/the-manasseh-project

https://www.sbtp.org/

https://safehavenministries.org/

09/08/2026

I feel genuinely humbled and touched by the community leaders, neighbors, and fellow elected officials that have put their own faith in me and endorsed my campaign for re-election. 💙

The Second Ward deserves a leader that is experienced yet curious, caring yet direct, and as Abbie stated, "deeply connected to the people she represents."

Join other Grand Rapidians as we cast our ballots on or before November 3.

09/05/2026

The support I have from individuals and community leaders speaks louder than subjective partisan or corporate endorsements. Thank you to the multiple former commissioners, including Reverend Joe Jones, for endorsing my re-election as your Second Ward City Commissioner. 💙

09/04/2026

Community Voices Wanted!

The CRC is a City board that connects community concerns to action! We make recommendations to City Leadership about policy, ordinances, and community education that is responsive and reflective of the community’s needs. Everyone is welcome, please come be part of the conversation!

09/01/2026

This Monday, we are highlighting Ellen's service on the board of directors at UCOM, an organization most dear to her heart as she's worked and lived in the Grand Rapids community her entire life and seen the impact the organization has had over their 40 years.

"United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) is a community-focused organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in our neighborhood. Through a variety of programs and services, we aim to promote health, wellness, and self-sufficiency. Our mission is to build a stronger, healthier community by providing access to nutritious food, educational opportunities, and vital resources."

Support their vital work: https://ucomgr.org/

08/30/2026

08/28/2026

"Commissioners spend a lot of time LISTENING." Watch Lisa's feature in Ward Wednesdays as she gives a brief overview of what the day-to-day might look like for a City Commissioner.

Catch up with Grand Rapids Second Ward Commissioner Lisa Knight as ...

08/25/2026

Public hearings kick off this week for our neighbors to provide insight and feedback regarding how Mobile GR should invest funds in Grand Rapids transit access for the next fiscal year.

They want to hear how funds should be used to support transit citywide. During the public meetings, we will discuss three ideas in structured working groups, including community benefits and trade-offs, and allow participants to prioritize investment opportunities. Your input will impact how Mobile GR budgets funding transit access in the next fiscal year. Final decision-making lies with the City Commission.

- Thursday, August 27: Center for Community Transformation (1530 Madison Ave SE) at 5:30pm.
- Tuesday, September 1: GRPS University (1400 Fuller Ave NE) at 5:30pm.
- Thursday, September 3: Grand Rapids Public Library Main (111 Library St NE) at 5:30pm.

Can't make it? Take the survey instead!
https://engage.grandrapidsmi.gov/transit

08/25/2026

The GRPM was proud to partner with the Heritage Hill Association (HHA) for their annual home tours in the spring by opening the Voigt House to visitors. This partnership helped the HHA sell more tour tickets than ever, with roughly half of the ticket holders stopping to get a rare look inside this historic building.

Last week, the GRPM accepted an incredibly generous donation from the HHA of $10,000, a portion of profits from the home tours. We are deeply grateful to this community and organization and look forward to the continued strengthening of our relationship.

08/24/2026

with Commissioner Lisa Knight - each Monday we are highlighting a service moment that helps voters better understand Lisa's decades-long career in the nonprofit, education, and government spheres.

Lisa sits on the board od directors for Family Promise of West Michigan (https://www.familypromisewm.org/team/). Family Promise operates with a goal to end homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging the community to work together to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are in a housing crisis. As a mother of 11, Lisa knows firsthand how hard it can be for families in our community, especially with the current cost of living.

Lisa is dedicated to reaching families and neighbors across Grand Rapids through this volunteer work. Please reach out directly if you're seeking resources for your family.