Latesha Lipscomb

Stories

Grand Rapids seeks artist for gun violence memorial sculpture

City contact for the memorial RFP; submissions closed Oct. 16 and no winner has been named

Grand Rapids closed submissions for its $20,000 gun violence memorial on Oct. 16, three weeks after extending the deadline for artists tied up with ArtPrize. The city has named no winning artist and published no new selection schedule.

Updated Oct 28

Grand Rapids expands community violence prevention as city reports mixed crime trends

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Overseeing expansion of violence prevention programs citywide

Grand Rapids is doubling down on a public health approach to violence as its crime picture splits. City Manager Mark Washington reported Sept. 22 that property crimes fell 3% and car thefts slipped 2.7% in fiscal 2026, while crimes against people rose.

Updated Sep 23

Notable Quotes

"We know the pain of gun violence doesn't end with a single incident — it echoes through families, friends, and entire neighborhoods for years." — Latesha Lipscomb, city announcement

from Grand Rapids seeks artist for gun violence memorial sculpture · Updated Oct 28

"We as a collective have worked so hard over the course of the year to reduce violence in the community and provide real opportunities for our residents to see themselves differently." — Latesha Lipscomb

from Grand Rapids expands community violence prevention as city reports mixed crime trends · Updated Sep 23