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Grand Rapids Community Master Plan Adopted! A 2.5-Year Journey of Collaboration

By December 17, 2024Project Updates

Last week, the Grand Rapids Planning Commission officially adopted the new Community Master Plan, Bridge to Our Future, marking the culmination of a 2.5-year-long planning process that reflects the City’s commitment to thoughtful, equitable, and forward-looking growth. 

Prior to Planning NEXT’s involvement, the City of Grand Rapids had already spent 2 years setting the stage for success with an extensive pre-planning process, including the selection of a 50-member Steering Committee. This committee played a vital role in shaping the Community Master Plan, helping to hire Planning NEXT as the lead consultant and guiding the process through its many phases. 

Priorities for the Plan 

Grand Rapids is unique in its compact geography, leaving no room for sprawl and emphasizing redevelopment. The plan addresses the critical need to balance housing with the City’s shifting industrial landscape and economic goals. 

Equity and inclusivity were central to the process. Through four robust rounds of community engagement, the plan ensured that all voices—especially those from historically overlooked populations—were heard and represented. Each engagement phase was designed to move from generative to responsive, building on the insights from prior rounds to ensure alignment with community priorities. 

Community Engagement and Connection 

Key to the Community Master Plan’s success was the City’s innovative use of Community Connectors—trusted leaders from diverse backgrounds who fostered direct communication between residents and the City. These connectors expanded outreach to neighborhoods, engaging residents through one-on-one interviews, community conversations, and events where meals and snacks were provided to encourage participation. 

The engagement campaign was bolstered by a significant media relations effort, resulting in at least 24 news stories across print, radio, television, and online platforms, with an estimated reach of over 4 million individuals. This was supplemented by email updates, posters in libraries, promotional materials, and articles in WeAreGR. 

A Vision for the Future 

The adopted plan is a testament to Grand Rapids’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. It not only prioritizes redevelopment and housing but also creates a blueprint for balancing economic vitality with the needs of a dynamic and diverse community. 

Congratulations to Grand Rapids on this significant achievement and thank you for allowing Planning NEXT, along with team members Interface Studio, Sidewalk Detroit, TYLin (formerly Sam Schwartz), Güd Marketing, Vias Marketing, and Ninigret Partners, to be part of this impactful process!