It’s your River.

Be part of a transformation of our Grand River that centers community, inclusivity, transparency, and an equitable future for Grand Rapidians. This website is intended to become a place where you can learn more about the Grand River and share your thoughts about what an equitable river means to you – when it’s most convenient for you.  Just click the Make a Comment button below!

Grand River Voices was a 2022 community engagement project for the Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County community.  It captured and presented community voice regarding the Grand River and who can benefit from it.  Our team was active at public events, at community workshops, and always online.  Anyone interested in learning more can submit a Comment here, join our text thread at the number below, or engage us on our Facebook Page! The need for two-way communication is constant and important.

After a summer and fall outreach period, we drafted an Equity Framework document that summarized your input. We brought the recommendations back to the Grand Rapids community this Fall and Winter for consideration.  We heard your further input on the content and incorporated it into the document.

The Framework is complete.

We are PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK IS COMPLETE. 

  • Read the Executive Summary (7 pages) here. 

  • Read the final full document (about 90 pages) here. 

  • Watch the community briefing presentation (about 45 minutes) here.

We seek the public endorsements of all stakeholders – residents, river users, community organizations, public agencies, private businesses, philanthropies – to stand up for river equity.  The Framework has been delivered to river nonprofit Grand River Network and presented to a number of organizations already.  See some limited media coverage here.

Our work is supported by a Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) that adds input and keeps us accountable. Learn more About the Advisory Board. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion please connect with us. It’s Your River!

Want to hear what others have said about the River?  Here’s a short video where we asked Grand Rapidians their thoughts at the 2022 Rock the Block party.

Want to hear more voices interviewed in a longer form?  Click here to access more community input.  All our input will be documented and integrated into the Equity Framework.  So make your voice heard!