Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why is Grand Rapids’ First Ward commissioner stepping away after one term?

Coming up on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar: A Christmas Celebration for All

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday December 10th Patch AM
Wednesday December 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Grand Rapids! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why is Grand Rapids’ First Ward commissioner stepping away after one term?
  • What’s behind Grand Rapids’ record-shattering $949 million construction boom?
  • Will Cascade’s new zoning rules reshape this Grand Rapids suburb?

Also on today's calendar: A Christmas Celebration for All and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Snow and rain, up to 1", with a high of 36 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Thursday: Morning snow showers; cold, temps: high: 27, low: 10. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Snow and flurries at times, with a high of 28 and low of 15 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Grand Rapids First Ward commissioner won't seek reelection in 2026 (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids’ First Ward will see a new city commissioner in 2027, as incumbent Drew Robbins says he won’t seek reelection when his term ends in 2026. Robbins, elected in 2022, highlighted neighborhood investments, park cleanups, and support for police reform while praising colleagues’ bipartisan approach to serving Grand Rapids residents.
   

2. Grand Rapids sees record $949 million in construction (woodtv.com) — Grand Rapids is on track to close 2025 with a record $949.3 million in permitted construction, driven by major projects like Amway Stadium and a new children’s rehabilitation hospital. City leaders say the boom, guided by the Community Master Plan, shows strong economic resilience while they race to keep inspections and services aligned with rapid growth.
   

3. Grand Rapids suburb seeks feedback on controversial zoning proposal (mlive.com) — Cascade Township, an affluent Grand Rapids suburb, is asking residents to weigh in on major zoning ordinance updates that could shape future development and housing options. Open-house style meetings on Dec. 17 and Jan. 8 at the Wisner Center will let neighbors question officials about density limits, industrial areas, walkability plans, and how closely the rules should protect the township’s rural character.
   

4. Medical student pioneers unique dementia care program living in senior community (wzzm13.com) — A Grand Rapids senior community is hosting an MSU medical student who actually lives on-site while learning dementia care, creating daily, face-to-face connections with older residents. The pilot program at Holland Home’s Raybrook Campus aims to grow, training more future doctors in a deeply personal, community-based setting.
   

5. 'Girl Bosses': Women entrepreneurs under one roof transform Grand Rapids building (fox17online.com) — Women entrepreneurs are turning a north-side Grand Rapids building in the Creston neighborhood into a hub of women-owned studios, salons, and shops, with only one space left. Owners say the all-women environment feels empowering, safe, and community-minded, and the landlord is already eyeing more city buildings to convert into similar innovation spaces.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi friends, I believe someone is plowing my driveway for me and it really means a lot to me!
    If you are the one doing it I would love to be able to bake you a loaf of bread or bagels and some cookies for your long nights or early mornings. (Nextdoor Walker/Richmond)
  • Found dogs!
    Help, we need to find their home quickly. Cuz they're cute, and I'm weak. To get them to come inside to the warmth we lured them with ham. I had a… (Nextdoor GPNA South East)

Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Grand Rapids