Kent County, Michigan

Built World

Redundancy partner that can activate Grand Rapids sirens

Grand Rapids' 27 outdoor warning sirens now sound only within a mile of the area the National Weather Service flags as a threat, instead of all at once across the city. The first test under the new year-round schedule is at noon Friday, Nov. 6.

Updated 5 days ago

Built World

Project owner

Structural demolition began Oct. 19 at the former Kent Community Hospital on Fuller Avenue NE. The building has been empty since Corewell Health moved out in 2024, and the tear-down is expected to run through March.

Updated Oct 25

Rule Changes

Partner in the 911 dispatch agreement

Grand Rapids city commissioners approved a three-year intergovernmental agreement with Kent County on October 6 that replaces the Kent County Dispatch Authority. According to the city's Commission Connected newsletter, the deal raises capital funding for 9-1-1 technology upgrades to $1.9 million a year, adds $200,000 in annual revenue for the city, and cuts administrative costs by $150,000.

Updated Oct 12