Grand Rapids' first outdoor 'gear library' opening this weekend. City of Grand Rapids seeking public input in search for new police chief. ArtPrize 2021 winners revealed. https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Programs-and-Initiatives/Thrive-Outside https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home https://www.artprize.org/…

City of Grand Rapids creates Affordable Housing Fund. MDHHS launches online portal for immunization records. Susan Mast ALS Foundation hosting "PedALS" bike ride, walk to support local ALS families.

This month's special guest is Milinda Ysasi from the 2nd Ward to talk about local matters, live on City Connection.

GRCC, Grand Valley receive $1.2M grants to help local adults earn college degrees. Grand Rapids Public Museum announces "Polish Halls in Grand Rapids" program. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get star…

Rishi Singh, Sikh practitioner and interfaith outreach officer for the Sikh Society of West Michigan, previously asked Grand Rapids faith communities: "What is the purpose of your life? How can you live a spiritual life – how can you attain that which you’re sent here for – if you can’t answer that fundamental question, which is 'what is the purpos…

Blandford Nature Center celebrating late founder with four-day exhibit. Grand Rapids Public Library returning to regular hours. ArtPrize adding locations beyond downtown for 2021 event. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidi…

The Rapid begins bus service changes on Aug. 30. Ken-O-Sha Park reopens with improvements. Festival of the Arts cancels Sept. event over pandemic concerns. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started …

Kent District Library launching streaming platform for local musicians. Grand Rapids Public Schools requiring face coverings for all students, staff. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a c…

Fiesta Mexicana returning to downtown Grand Rapids next month. City of Grand Rapids earns national award for residential recycling programs. CDC classifies Kent County as "substantial" COVID-19 risk. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area…

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne to retire next year. Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kent ISD recommending face coverings for fall start of school. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a c…

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Stephanie Adams (Executive Director for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks) in conversation on this month's episode of City Connection. A production of GRTV, The Rapidian, & the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. Topics discussed included: status of COVID-19 in the city, Bliss' thoughts on how to effectively encourage others t…

Ven. Yong Su Mark Hepper, Mahayana Buddhist practitioner and Teaching Monk at the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple, previously asked Grand Rapids faith communities: "What does your faith, your religion, do to specifically address your members' suffering?" --- Rishi Singh, Sikh practitioner and interfaith outreach officer for the Sikh Society of West Mi…

Gangnam District in South Korea becomes Grand Rapids’ new sister city. Storytime Grand Rapids adds more Storytime in the Park dates. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a community reporter…

City of Grand Rapids replacing private lead service lines in Neighborhoods of Focus. The DAAC bringing back public art, music shows. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a community reporter…

Grand Rapids Urban League selected to lead Cure Violence in Grand Rapids. UICA reopens in new downtown location. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a community reporter, visit TheRapidian.…

First Ward Commissioner Jon O'Connor joins us for this month's City Connection. A production of GRTV, The Rapidian, & the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. To submit a question for future discussions, email us at: cityconnection@grcmc.org http://www.therapidian.org/ http://www.grcmc.org/ http://www.grtv.org/ Jon O'Connor, 1st Ward Commissioner h…

City of Grand Rapids resuming in-person government meetings next week. Kent County Health Department, community partners launch mobile vaccine unit in southeast Grand Rapids. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platfo…

Heritage Hill hosting Garden Tour, Pleasant Park Marketplace on June 19. Fulton Street Artisans Market opening day this Sunday. Grand Rapids Public Library kicks off adult summer reading program. GRCMC open to the public. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in…

Kristin Turkelson from the City Planning Department joins Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss & host Linda Gellasch in the GRTV studio. Bliss and Turkelson will discuss the City of Grand Rapids master plan, which is to be updated over the next few years. City Connection for June 2021. To learn more about the GR City Planning Department, visit: https:…

City of Grand Rapids expands micromobility pilot with electric assist bikes. Kent County expands Chief Hazy Cloud Park to nearly 400-acre natural preserve. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started …

Grand Rapids leaders approve 2022 budget. Gov. Whitmer announces lifted outdoor capacity limits in June, no indoor limits in July. Uptown Grand Rapids continues beautification projects for east side business districts. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in th…

City of Grand Rapids receives $75K grant for local Indigenous art along Grand River. ArtPrize shifts away from traditional public vote for 2021 event. Qualifying households now eligible for federally-funded discounts on internet service. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health…

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is joined in the GRTV City Connection studio by Jordoun Eatman, Project Lead and Lead Neighborhood Connector of the GR Office of Equity & Engagement. Recorded live Monday May 3rd, 2021. A production powered by the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, GRTV, & The Rapidian. http://www.grcity.us/ http://www.therapidian.org/ http:/…

The 49507 Project will transform POC/LGBTQ-led education into large-scale murals and youth poetry performances, aiming to uplift perceptions of the city's 49507 neighborhood. https://thediatribe.org/ https://thediatribe.org/the49507project

The City of Grand Rapids releases proposed 2022 budget plan. The Rapid switches to summer service schedule May 10. Gov. Whitmer announces 'MI Vacc to Normal' plan for relaxing state’s COVID-19 restrictions. Grand Rapids Public Schools refrains from expanding high school in-person learning to four days a week. The Rapidian encourages local residents…

Grand Rapids park improvements continue through millage investments, leveraged funding. Grand Rapids city commissioners approve city-sponsored events for 2021. Artist registration opens for ArtPrize 2021. MDHHS extends epidemic order, expands face covering requirement to kids age two and up. WYCE kicks off its spring fund drive. The Rapidian encour…

Muneeba Khan, Islamic practitioner and member of At-Tawheed Islamic Center, previously asked Grand Rapids faith communities: "Has there been any aspect of your faith that you’ve changed your perspective on over this pandemic time?" --- Rev. Yong Su Mark Hepper, Mahayana Buddhist practitioner and Dharma Teacher at the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple, r…

City of Grand Rapids launches e-scooter Community Pass for underserved residents. The DAAC to host Open Studio Nights in new Creston neighborhood space. Veen Observatory’s public observing nights return for 2021 season. MIOSHA extends state’s workplace emergency rules through Oct. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories r…

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks hosting citywide park cleanups. Grand Rapids Public Library launches home delivery, hold locker services. The City of Grand Rapids launches second year of summer youth jobs program. Kent County opening rapid COVID-19 testing sites this weekend amid spring break travel returns. The Rapidian encourages local residents to…

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is joined in the GRTV studio by new CEO for The Rapid, Deborah Prato! Get to know Deborah as she starts her journey with our regions transit authority! City Connection is hosted by Linda Gellasch. Broadcasted live on Monday April 5th, 2021. Including a Q&A portion where you can connect by submitting your questions/comments for …

Allison Egrin, Jewish practitioner and Program Assistant at Kaufman Interfaith Institute, previously asked Grand Rapids faith communities: "What aspect of your tradition has been the most difficult or taxing within the last year?" --- Muneeba Khan, Islamic practitioner and member of At-Tawheed Islamic Center, responds, and passes a question on to o…

The City of Grand Rapids income tax deadline extended to June 1. Circle Theatre Grand Rapids adds in-theatre, outdoor performances to its 2021 season. The Grand Rapids Community Media Center is looking for a full-time web developer. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health deve…

The City of Grand Rapids expanding efforts to improve curbside recycling. Kent County Health Department awarded extra COVID-19 vaccines by state for vaccine equity pilot project. New “Women’s Way” downtown mural to feature local Latinx leader Maurilia Ortiz Blakely. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic…

City of Grand Rapids begins planning process for new Master Plan. Michigan loosens COVID-19 gathering restrictions, opening vaccine eligibility to people age 50 and over. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. …

Festival of the Arts hosting ‘Plein Air’ event in June in downtown social zones. LaughFest announces 2021 festival headliners. Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s scholarship applications for 2021-22 academic year due March 1. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developmen…

Brett Townsend, Community Services Specialist at Grand Rapids Community Media Center (CMC), asks leaders or practitioners in Grand Rapids faith communities: "What tenet of your religious or spiritual tradition most stands out to you right now?" --- Allison Egrin, Jewish practitioner and Program Assistant at Kaufman Interfaith Institute, responds, a…

City of Grand Rapids launches survey tool to regularly collect quick resident feedback. Grand Rapids Public Library tentatively reopening branches on Feb. 24. Kent County Health Department reports continued decline in county’s COVID-19 case growth. Avenue for the Arts to host virtual skills-building talks for creative professionals in March. The DA…

Mayor Bliss to deliver virtual State of the City address on Feb. 16. Three Grand Rapids parks lit with luminary pathways for Valentine’s Day weekend. The Rapid continues paper ticket phase-out with end of 10-ride paper tickets. U.K. COVID-19 variant confirmed in Kent County. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related…

Local museums, library celebrating Black History Month with online events. Grand Rapids Fire Department forms community education team to improve fire prevention. LaughFest returns for mostly-virtual 2021 festival in March. MDHHS allows winter contact sports to resume on Feb. 8. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories rel…

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss talks with David Green, Grand Rapids' new Communications Director. City Connection is hosted by Linda Gellasch and powered by GRTV & The Rapidian; services of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. Topics discussed include: World of Winter outdoor festival, making GR a more active 4-season city, homeless outreach efforts & pa…

UICA reopening July 15 in new downtown location. City commissioners approve ground-floor housing in business districts. Large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic opens at DeVos Place. SpartanNash pharmacies partner with state to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, an…

Grand Rapids Public Schools resumes in-person learning. Grand Rapids Public Museum opening Windows GR exhibit, highlighting local artists of color. ArtPrize opens artist registration for 2021 event on April 19. Indoor dining at restaurants and bars across Michigan will reopen on February 1st. The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation is hosting a l…

Grand Rapids Public Library celebrating 150th anniversary. Free public Wi-Fi comes to 10 Grand Rapids parks. MDHHS extends statewide emergency order, relaxes some restrictions. Meijer partners with state to help administer COVID-19 vaccines. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public he…

Community leaders address storming of U.S. Capitol. Kent County Health Department asks for patience with COVID-19 vaccine rollout. ArtPrize returning in 2021. The Rapid makes schedule changes to Route 1. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids …

Shelby Garbini, Board Member of King Park Neighbors, asks Grand Rapids' neighborhood associations: "I’m curious how other neighborhood associations are really making sure that they are interacting and engaging with a diverse group of neighbors across all their boundaries? Are they tracking that in some way, or do they have some sort of plan to make…

COVID-19 vaccinations begin in West Michigan. Mel Trotter Ministries, partners prepare winter emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink opens Friday, with safety measures. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Gran…

Kent County Health Department reports stabilizing COVID-19 case growth for Kent County. Updated guidance on quarantine period from the KCHD. City of Grand Rapids making city parks, playgrounds smoke-free zones on Jan. 1. Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses launches revamped website with directory of local Black-owned businesses. The Rapidian encoura…

City Manager Mark Washington joins Mayor Rosalynn Bliss virtually in the GRTV studio to look back on the year of 2020, and ahead to 2021. Hosted by Linda Gellasch. A production of GRTV, The Rapidian, and the Community Media Center. Conversation recorded Monday December 7th, 2020. http://www.therapidian.org/ http://www.grtv.org/ http://www.grcmc.org…

Kent County launches #KCTakeoutChallenge to support local restaurants. Grand Rapids Community Foundation accepting scholarship applications for 2021-22 academic year. Cinema Lab is once again partnering with the Wealthy Theatre for free virtual movie and TV show discussions this month. The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stor…

Amy Brower, Executive Director of Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, asks Grand Rapids' neighborhood associations: "In the midst of all this fast moving change and planning for the future, how are they . . . still preserving some of the rich history of their unique neighborhoods, or some of the stories that reflect their past?" --- Mallory Pa…