City of Grand Rapids Economic Development

We are excited to share the 2023 Grand Rapids Economic Development Report! 🏙️ ✨ Momentum continued to build in City of Grand Rapids. We worked hard to create pathways to financial success growth and security for residents, employees, and businesses. This report highlights some of the work the Grand Rapids Economic Development team led in 2023, a year in which we surpassed many of our goals in our three key service areas: real estate development, business development, and neighborhood business corridors. In this report, we celebrate the projects we’ve been able to support, and we hold ourselves and our partners accountable by showing that the companies, organizations, and individuals we worked with over the last five years are delivering more than promised—exceeding both committed investments and new jobs. A special shoutout to three individuals featured in our video: Dione Boles: LARLEN COMMUNICATIONS INC Ryan Talbot: Talbot Development Ben Smith: Heritage Development Partners See the 2023 report: https://lnkd.in/edAczRU8 #grandrapids #wearegr 

Grand Rapid's "riverfront development" recently received assistance through the Michigan Strategic Fund and will bring opportunities for Grand Rapids visitors and residents. The development has been approved for tax revenue-based reimbursement from the Michigan Strategic Fund Board. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board’s approval could lead to $250 million in reimbursements. Learn more below!

The #CityofGrandRapids is taking steps to acquire more than 100 parcels across the city for potential redevelopment, including affordable housing, by taking advantage of a two-month-old state law. Our Economic Development Director, Sarah Rainero, spoke with Crain's Grand Rapids about the development opportunity. Learn more about our growing region below. #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityGrowth

The final day to submit your proposals is approaching for the Uptown Grand Rapids Uptown Streetscape Design Guidelines, aligned with the 2023 Strategic Plan. The chosen consultant will work with Uptown Grand Rapids Inc., Uptown CIA/BID, and community representatives to complete the guidelines by June 2025. Submit proposals to Ingrid Miller by 5:00 PM ET, this Friday, October 4th: https://bit.ly/3Te40yc #RFP #CityofGrandRapids #CommunityPlanning

Through our #WeAreGR series, we shine a light on the diverse sectors driving Grand Rapids' growth. Fusionary is expanding our tech scene by specializing in software development and business consulting. Since 1995, they've been empowering both national and international companies with enterprise app integration, process automation, and digital commerce solutions. Discover more about how Fusionary is transforming the digital landscape below! #GrandRapidsTech #GrandRapidsDevelopment

It’s officially #TechWeek, and we’re ready to welcome the contributors driving Grand Rapids' tech scene forward! As an unconference, Tech Week's events, discussions, demos, and showcases are led by Michigan locals and more. Connect with the very individuals who push the conversation forward. Visit The Right Place, Inc.'s page to discover the events you can dive into this week. #GrandRapidsTech #GrandRapidsEvents

Have you marked your calendar for #TechWeekGrandRapids2024? The Right Place, Inc.'s annual multi-day gathering showcases Grand Rapids growing tech community. The week's events range from hands-on tech exhibits and panel discussions, to pitch competitions and networking opportunities, with ample opportunities for all attendees to engage with the tech scene in Grand Rapids. Visit the link below to discover what is in store for #TechWeek this month! #CityofGrandRapids #GrandRapidsEvents

Are you looking for something to do this month? Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority and Uptown Grand Rapids have you covered! Swipe to explore a Canadian classic or dive into the Grand Rapids art scene with these upcoming events. Learn more about Poutine Week: https://bit.ly/3RghJoe Learn more about the ArtPrize Artist's Reception: https://bit.ly/3XGwovT #GrandRapidsEvents #GrandRapidsBusinesses #ArtPrize2024 #PoutineWeek

Our Economic Development Director, Sarah Rainero, recently spoke with Crains about incoming growth within our city. “We’ve really seen this as an economic development tool in other authorities and ultimately creating an increased value of property across portfolios,” Rainero said. “We’re looking at 107 parcels in the state land bank specific to the city of Grand Rapids and evaluating these properties for strategic purposes.” Read more below!

Meet Sarah!🎉 As our Economic Development Director, Sarah leads our department by collaborating with various city communities, ensuring that both new and longstanding developer groups are supported and uplifted. Sarah's commitment to economic development will lead our team in sustainable and inclusive growth throughout the city. We are excited to see how she will continue to shape the future of economic development in our city. Thank you for joining and leading the team, Sarah! #CityofGrandRapidsTeam #GrandRapidsEconomicDevelopment #MeetTheTeam