City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement

09/14/2026

We’re looking for passionate community members to help shape the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit by joining the Leadership Committee!

💡 Bring ideas.
🤝 Build community.
📣 Help amplify resident voices.

The Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit is an annual event that brings residents, neighborhood leaders, and community partners together for a day of learning, connection, collaboration, and action, all with a focus on strengthening neighborhoods and building belonging. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit, visit our website: https://publicinput.com/grsummit26

Apply today to join the committee! The Summit Committee will meet bi-weekly on Fridays from late-October to mid-April. The application is now open and will close on Friday, October 2nd at 11:59pm. Apply at the link below:

https://forms.grandrapidsmi.gov/Equity-and-Engagement/Grand-Rapids-Neighborhood-Summit/Summit-Leadership-Committee-Application

09/10/2026

Welcoming Week was launched by Welcoming America in 2012 and is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all. For more information or resources to host a welcoming event in your neighborhood, please visit https://welcomingamerica.org/initiatives/welcoming-week/.

09/10/2026

We’re excited to celebrate Welcoming Week 2026 from September 10–19! 🎉🤝 This annual celebration is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, strengthen relationships, and honor the diversity that makes our city such a vibrant and inspiring place to call home. 🌎💛

Welcoming Week is all about creating spaces where everyone, no matter their background, culture, or story, feels seen, supported, and included. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting local voices, sharing meaningful experiences, and encouraging conversations that foster understanding and belonging. 💬✨

Whether you’re attending events, engaging in community discussions, or simply reaching out with kindness, your participation helps build a stronger, more connected Grand Rapids. Together, we can continue shaping a community where every person knows they are valued and welcomed. 💪🏽🏡

Let’s celebrate, uplift one another, and keep moving forward as a city committed to inclusion and belonging.

Welcoming Week was launched by Welcoming America in 2012 and is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all. For more information or resources to host a welcoming event in your neighborhood, please visit https://welcomingamerica.org/initiatives/welcoming-week/.

09/10/2026

Today's Community Relations Commission meeting is CANCELED. We hope to see you next month!

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!

09/10/2026

Last week, Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs) Mitten Electric and BP Insulation presented at our Monday Group meeting. Monday Group is a quarterly meeting facilitated by the Office of Equity and Engagement to convene public builders like the City, Developers, General Contractors, Sub Contractors, and construction support partners.

👉If you're a local business and interested in learning more about MLBEs, check out our website for more information and to connect with us.
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/equity-and-engagement/supplier-diversity/

09/07/2026

Join our office for a meaningful learning opportunity with Disability Advocates. During this workshop, we will learn about what Universal Design is and how we can implement it to build more accessible environments. We'll also get to learn about Disability Advocates of Kent County and the services they have to offer.

Event details:
📅Workshop will be on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
🕜Doors will open at 11:00am for lunch and the presentation will kick off at 11:15am.
📍1500 Scribner Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The workshop will be hosted in the Grand River Conference Room.

Registration is free and TODAY is the last day to sign up. Sign up at the link below👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-universal-design-tickets-1996472980428

Join the Office of Equity & Engagement for a Lunch & Learn with guest speakers from Disability Advocates of Kent County.

09/04/2026

✍️ Your voice can make a difference.
The 2026 City of Grand Rapids Rosa Parks Essay Contest is now open, inviting local high school students to reflect on the legacy of Rosa Parks and explore how young people today can use social media to inspire change.
This year's theme:
📱 Quiet Courage to Digital Voices
🏆 Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Contest Details ⬇️
📚 Who can enter? Students in grades 9–12 who live in Grand Rapids or attend a school in Grand Rapids.
📅 Deadline: October 21, 2026
📢 Winners announced: December 4, 2026
👉 Learn more, read the full prompt, and find submission details here: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/equity-and-engagement/community-opportunity/rosa-parks-essay-contest/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

We look forward to reading your ideas and seeing how you'll use your voice to help shape the future.

09/03/2026

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

🍎 🍂 September is here, and we’re kicking off a month filled with culture, connection, and community strength! 🍁 🌻

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)
Let’s celebrate the vibrant histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This month is all about honoring heritage, amplifying voices, and embracing the richness these cultures bring to our lives. 🎉

Su***de Prevention Awareness Month
This month reminds us that every life matters. Let’s work together to break stigma, support one another, and spread hope. A small conversation, a check‑in, or a kind word can make a big difference. 💛

Let’s fill September with learning, celebration, and compassion as we continue building a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

***dePreventionAwareness

08/19/2026

Our office had a great time supporting this year's A Glimpse of Africa Festival!