Now more than ever, local and state elections matter for climate action
 

About the Questionnaire 

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Grand Rapids Climate Coalition and Friends of Slow Streets, with project support from Mixto Communications, developed this questionnaire for the seven eligible candidates in the city’s selection process for a Third Ward City Commissioner. Candidate responses to each question was limited to 400 characters. Responses have been published verbatim; if no response was submitted, Did Not Respond is stated alongside the candidate’s name.

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We wanted each candidate to share how they would lead on environmental justice and livable communities policy and investments in Grand Rapids if appointed as a City Commissioner. More importantly, because this position will be appointed and not elected, we wanted Third Ward residents to know more about who might be representing them over the next year. The appointment process, outlined below, is moving quickly with limited time for resident input. We believe residents deserve more information about the candidates and opportunities to participate in the process.

About the Appointment Process

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This appointment is a result of the City Commission vacancy created when former Commissioner Nathaniel Moody resigned in December 2023. Thirteen candidates submitted applications by February 1; on February 6, the City Commission deemed seven candidates were eligible and approved to move forward in the process.

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On Tuesday, February 20 at 1pm, the Committee on Appointments (Commissioners Kelsey Perdue, Drew Robbins, and Milinda Ysasi) will interview the candidates, with each having 25 minutes to share an introduction before answering questions from committee members. The committee will recommend three candidates to the full City Commission for a vote.

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On Tuesday, March 5, the Committee of the Whole will interview the final three candidates beginning at 11:30am. Candidates will be discussed for a possible vote and if a vote is held, the appointed candidate will be sworn-in immediately. If further discussion is needed, the City Commission will take up the matter again on Tuesday, March 19 for a vote.

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Meetings take place at City Hall, 300 Monroe Avenue NW on the 9th Floor in City Commission Chambers. Interviews will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 26, Facebook, and YouTube. Members of the public may comment in person on February 20 or March 5, or email comments to cityclerk@grcity.us.

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THIRD WARD CITY COMMISSION CANDIDATES 

CATHERINE CONKLIN (view application)

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Serving on the City Commission

If appointed, when your term concludes, do you plan to run for election or do you see yourself as a steward for this seat for the remainder of this term only?

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I would like to run for election.

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Gentrification, Displacement, and the Planning Approval Process

Many residents are concerned about the effects of gentrification, specifically housing displacement. In the Third Ward, Amplify GR is an example of a project that has caused concern regarding the impact on longterm residents.

Do you support project approval processes that account for the effects of gentrification and displacement and address these concerns? What (other) mechanisms for countering these effects would you support?

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I would support efforts to help people maintain their homes and communities, and the approval process is part of that. I would be interested to learn more about the proposed plan to alleviate the problems. I believe the displacement of people is amplified by our low housing inventory, income inequality, healthcare access, and barriers of entry to homeownership.

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Education

What do you understand to be top priorities for Third Ward residents in the area of education, and how would you act on them as Commissioner?

As the parent of 4 school aged children, I have personally experienced the struggle of children in different places and transporting them. Transportation and the accessibility of differing options for the kids has a been difficult task, despite having more than a normal amount of flexibility available in our lives. Child care outside of school, as well as supporting pre-k access are also high.

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Housing Affordability and Changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance

Research by Rent. ranked Michigan third among states with the highest yearly rent increases (12.5% in 2023) and residents of the City of Grand Rapids are struggling to find affordable housing, especially as housing supply has not grown to match increasing demand.

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Last month, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended changes to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to accessory dwelling units, unrelated occupants, group living uses, small-scale residential infill and residential parking requirements in order to address the need for housing and housing affordability.

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If appointed, what changes to the city's zoning ordinance would you support to address the affordable housing crisis?

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No response

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Cycling Infrastructure

Friends of Slow Streets has requested a change in the design standard for Vital Streets, starting in July 2024, so that new streets on main roads must have concrete protected cycling infrastructure with bicycle lights, protected bicycle intersections, and protected bicycle lanes. As these streets await reconstruction, the group has proposed that the city equitably install 21 miles of concrete, jersey-barrier protected bicycle lanes each year.

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These projects would be funded by $10 million a year dedicated from the city’s general fund for 5 years, with the city applying for additional funding available through the federal government as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, as well as other programs.

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If appointed, what actions would you take in support of these projects or other cycling infrastructure to support the Third Ward?

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I am in favor of these changes. I would love to help get the word out about these and other available programs to help both biking and other infrastructure changes. I would be an advocate on the commission for programs like this.

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Grand Rapids Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

As climate change continues to impact every community, Grand Rapids must proactively work to prepare and protect communities that are impacted first and worst. These are primarily Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, which are also disproportionately low-wealth, disabled, and residing in older residential buildings — many of which are located in the Third Ward.

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Given that climate change disproportionately impacts these communities, how would you like to see the current Climate Action and Adaptation Plan prioritize them so new policies don’t replicate existing disparities?

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I would like to see Grand Rapids adopt more programs to upgrade homes, such as the lead pipe replacement project. Reinvestment in the community to absorb some of the costs of needed upgrades and enhancements can help alleviate some of the disparities.

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BING GOEI (view application) 

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Did Not Respond

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REGINALD HOWARD (view application) 

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Serving on the City Commission

If appointed, when your term concludes, do you plan to run for election or do you see yourself as a steward for this seat for the remainder of this term only?

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Yes, I plan to run for election.

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Gentrification, Displacement, and the Planning Approval Process

Many residents are concerned about the effects of gentrification, specifically housing displacement. In the Third Ward, Amplify GR is an example of a project that has caused concern regarding the impact on longterm residents.

Do you support project approval processes that account for the effects of gentrification and displacement and address these concerns? What (other) mechanisms for countering these effects would you support?

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Our neighborhoods deserve to grow and offer better for all residents. We need to work with our communities and ensure we provide them with the best resources and information that they are included in the process and know that they will be taken care without fear of being homeless or placed somewhere lesser than where they live.

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Education

What do you understand to be top priorities for Third Ward residents in the area of education, and how would you act on them as Commissioner?

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Lack of Teachers and classroom sizes. I will push for bonuses and better pay for teachers who work in our 3rd Ward and hold meetings with our parents, students and teachers to ensure they are all getting what they need. Housing Affordability and Changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance.

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Housing Affordability and Changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance

Research by Rent. ranked Michigan third among states with the highest yearly rent increases (12.5% in 2023) and residents of the City of Grand Rapids are struggling to find affordable housing, especially as housing supply has not grown to match increasing demand.

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Last month, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended changes to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to accessory dwelling units, unrelated occupants, group living uses, small-scale residential infill and residential parking requirements in order to address the need for housing and housing affordability.

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If appointed, what changes to the city's zoning ordinance would you support to address the affordable housing crisis?

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This Housing crisis is dear to me because I work with Homeless Veterans and families. We need to address the problem of affordable. And we need to address the problems that were created by the increase in rent and how our residents were evicted and made homeless. We need to help our residents by providing legal assistance to remove Evictions from their records. Eviction Explugment.

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Cycling Infrastructure

Friends of Slow Streets has requested a change in the design standard for Vital Streets, starting in July 2024, so that new streets on main roads must have concrete protected cycling infrastructure with bicycle lights, protected bicycle intersections, and protected bicycle lanes. As these streets await reconstruction, the group has proposed that the city equitably install 21 miles of concrete, jersey-barrier protected bicycle lanes each year.

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These projects would be funded by $10 million a year dedicated from the city’s general fund for 5 years, with the city applying for additional funding available through the federal government as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, as well as other programs.

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If appointed, what actions would you take in support of these projects or other cycling infrastructure to support the Third Ward?

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I love seeing people out riding bikes and enjoying the sites of the city and family fun. I am in support of bettering our communities and the environment.

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Grand Rapids Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

As climate change continues to impact every community, Grand Rapids must proactively work to prepare and protect communities that are impacted first and worst. These are primarily Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, which are also disproportionately low-wealth, disabled, and residing in older residential buildings — many of which are located in the Third Ward.

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Given that climate change disproportionately impacts these communities, how would you like to see the current Climate Action and Adaptation Plan prioritize them so new policies don’t replicate existing disparities?

As we continue to learn more about Climate Action we must work together to find new ways to improve our communities and hold accountable people to do what it takes to ensure our residents feel safe and know that they are the priority and not the price.

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MARSHALL KILGORE (view application)

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Serving on the City Commission

If appointed, when your term concludes, do you plan to run for election or do you see yourself as a steward for this seat for the remainder of this term only?

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I intend to run for election.

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Gentrification, Displacement, and the Planning Approval Process

Many residents are concerned about the effects of gentrification, specifically housing displacement. In the Third Ward, Amplify GR is an example of a project that has caused concern regarding the impact on longterm residents.

Do you support project approval processes that account for the effects of gentrification and displacement and address these concerns? What (other) mechanisms for countering these effects would you support?

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In order to combat gentrification and displacement, it is essential to enforce requirements for affordable housing and create community land trusts. These actions will guarantee housing opportunities for low-income individuals and maintain stable costs to prevent displacement. It is vital to prioritize the needs of the current community when approving development projects.

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Education

What do you understand to be top priorities for Third Ward residents in the area of education, and how would you act on them as Commissioner?

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As Commissioner, I will focus on improving education in the Third Ward by increasing school accessibility, distributing funding fairly, addressing disparities in outcomes, supporting academic programs, and overcoming systemic barriers with community partners. Together, we can create a better future for all students in the Third Ward.

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Housing Affordability and Changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance

Research by Rent. ranked Michigan third among states with the highest yearly rent increases (12.5% in 2023) and residents of the City of Grand Rapids are struggling to find affordable housing, especially as housing supply has not grown to match increasing demand.

​

Last month, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended changes to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to accessory dwelling units, unrelated occupants, group living uses, small-scale residential infill and residential parking requirements in order to address the need for housing and housing affordability.

​

If appointed, what changes to the city's zoning ordinance would you support to address the affordable housing crisis?

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If appointed, I would support changes to the city's zoning ordinance to allow for more accessory dwelling units, increase density in residential areas, and reduce parking requirements to encourage more affordable housing options. These changes can help increase housing supply and affordability in Grand Rapids.

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Cycling Infrastructure

Friends of Slow Streets has requested a change in the design standard for Vital Streets, starting in July 2024, so that new streets on main roads must have concrete protected cycling infrastructure with bicycle lights, protected bicycle intersections, and protected bicycle lanes. As these streets await reconstruction, the group has proposed that the city equitably install 21 miles of concrete, jersey-barrier protected bicycle lanes each year.

​

These projects would be funded by $10 million a year dedicated from the city’s general fund for 5 years, with the city applying for additional funding available through the federal government as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, as well as other programs.

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If appointed, what actions would you take in support of these projects or other cycling infrastructure to support the Third Ward?

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I will endorse the Friends of Slow Streets' plan for protected cycling infrastructure on major roads and the implementation of 21 miles of protected bicycle lanes annually in Grand Rapids. This will promote sustainability, enhance safety, and provide convenience for Third Ward residents. I will advocate for funding and explore additional avenues to prioritize these initiatives.

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Grand Rapids Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

As climate change continues to impact every community, Grand Rapids must proactively work to prepare and protect communities that are impacted first and worst. These are primarily Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, which are also disproportionately low-wealth, disabled, and residing in older residential buildings — many of which are located in the Third Ward.

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Given that climate change disproportionately impacts these communities, how would you like to see the current Climate Action and Adaptation Plan prioritize them so new policies don’t replicate existing disparities?

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As the Director of Engagement at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, I advocate for environmental justice. I hope the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan prioritizes marginalized communities by amplifying their voices, ensuring fair access to resources, and rectifying disparities in policy implementation.

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JOHN KRAJEWSKI (view application)

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Did Not Respond

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BARBARA SNELL (view application)

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Did Not Respond

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AL JEROME WILLIS (view application)

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Serving on the City Commission

If appointed, when your term concludes, do you plan to run for election or do you see yourself as a steward for this seat for the remainder of this term only?

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I plan to run for election to serve the 3rd ward.

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Gentrification, Displacement, and the Planning Approval Process

Many residents are concerned about the effects of gentrification, specifically housing displacement. In the Third Ward, Amplify GR is an example of a project that has caused concern regarding the impact on longterm residents.

Do you support project approval processes that account for the effects of gentrification and displacement and address these concerns? What (other) mechanisms for countering these effects would you support?

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Yes, I believe that community should be at the core of everything we project and approve. I support the use of Community Land Trusts to allow for equitable opportunities and to inspire community unity. While my response ability is limited in this questionnaire, I look forward to expanding upon this through conversations with our community.

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Education

What do you understand to be top priorities for Third Ward residents in the area of education, and how would you act on them as Commissioner?

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3rd Ward residents and citizens of Grand Rapids alike have been very vocal and clear on these issues. Dependable transportation options for our students, healthy school lunches that are appetizing and properly prepared, buildings that are maintained and staff that is paid the right way. As Commissioner I will work with leaders, parents and students to elevate these priorities on a daily basis.

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Housing Affordability and Changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance

Research by Rent. ranked Michigan third among states with the highest yearly rent increases (12.5% in 2023) and residents of the City of Grand Rapids are struggling to find affordable housing, especially as housing supply has not grown to match increasing demand.

​

Last month, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended changes to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to accessory dwelling units, unrelated occupants, group living uses, small-scale residential infill and residential parking requirements in order to address the need for housing and housing affordability.

​

If appointed, what changes to the city's zoning ordinance would you support to address the affordable housing crisis?

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I support the proposed amendments slated for public hearing on March 27 allowing for increased multi family units. I also support incentivizing development of high density and low-income construction that factually helps those most in need. I am not opposed to further conversations about rent caps and holding landlords accountable for maintaining properties in accordance with increased rents.

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Cycling Infrastructure

Friends of Slow Streets has requested a change in the design standard for Vital Streets, starting in July 2024, so that new streets on main roads must have concrete protected cycling infrastructure with bicycle lights, protected bicycle intersections, and protected bicycle lanes. As these streets await reconstruction, the group has proposed that the city equitably install 21 miles of concrete, jersey-barrier protected bicycle lanes each year.

​

These projects would be funded by $10 million a year dedicated from the city’s general fund for 5 years, with the city applying for additional funding available through the federal government as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, as well as other programs.

​

If appointed, what actions would you take in support of these projects or other cycling infrastructure to support the Third Ward?

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Whether one is driving a car, riding a bike, walking, or riding the bus this must be a priority. I support the expansion of protected bike lanes as the data shows this is a necessity for safety. Biking supports a healthy lifestyle, preserves our environment and promotes positive mental health. I believe this is a priority that most citizens can find commonality in and increased connection.

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Grand Rapids Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

As climate change continues to impact every community, Grand Rapids must proactively work to prepare and protect communities that are impacted first and worst. These are primarily Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, which are also disproportionately low-wealth, disabled, and residing in older residential buildings — many of which are located in the Third Ward.

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Given that climate change disproportionately impacts these communities, how would you like to see the current Climate Action and Adaptation Plan prioritize them so new policies don’t replicate existing disparities?

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I believe the way we see this through should be based on 3 fundamentals: Equity, Unity, and Community. We must ensure that the measures we put in place are equally distributed based on need. Communities most affected and having been affected the longest must be addressed first and foremost. Unity around the implementation of solutions will lend way to increased Community and lasting connections.

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Project support provided by Mixto Communications