City of Grand Rapids Economic Development

08/11/2026

Planning a visit to MI Street / Business District? Free Shuttle Fridays make it easy to explore local Grand Rapids businesses.

The shuttle runs every Friday evening, offering a quick ride between Michigan Street and downtown. Thanks to our partnership with Mobile GR and the Michigan Street CIA, you can park once, support local businesses on Michigan Street, then head downtown.

Learn more about Free Shuttle Fridays and plan your visit on the Michigan Street website!

Free Shuttle Fridays Downtown Grand Rapids ↔ Michigan Street. Every Friday this summer. On us. The Basics When:Fridays, 5–10PM | July 24 – September 11 Cost:Free. No fare, no reservation. How often:Continuous service, roughly every 20 minutes. Where to catch it: Downtown Pick-UpGrand Rapids Ci...

08/06/2026

Our team joined community partners to celebrate the next milestone at Abode West Fulton as the pre-cast parking structure began to take shape.

It was great to hear from the West Side Corridor Improvement Authority's (West Side CIA) Chair John O'Connor and Vice-Chair Brent Gibson. Abode is a great example of how the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Westside Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) are working together to support investment and growth for the city's CIAs.

We also enjoyed getting a preview of the future Westside gateway sign, another exciting addition to the corridor!

08/04/2026

Looking to connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders? The Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority (Southtown CID) has two great opportunities to get involved.

Join an upcoming networking event for businesses across Southtown’s six business districts to discover valuable business resources, explore opportunities to help your business grow, and make meaningful connections.

You can also participate in SouthPrize, a community art competition that celebrates local creativity while bringing neighbors and visitors together. Local artists can showcase their work, and Southtown businesses can host participating artists.

Visit Southtown's website to learn more about both opportunities and get involved: https://southtowngr.com/

08/03/2026

We’re proud to support the redevelopment of Grand Rapids University Prep Academy’s Division Street campus through a $745,000 grant in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The $7.4 million project will add more than 10,000 square feet of space, including four new classrooms and a wellness learning center, creating opportunities for Grand Rapids scholars and families in southeast Grand Rapids.

We’re excited to see this project move forward and the lasting impact it will have on the community. Read more below!

Project leaders are still looking for $2.8 million to complete a 10,000-square-foot expansion of the 6-12 school.

07/30/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report highlights the significant progress made through the City's Land Bank over the past year.

Created in October 2024 to support additional housing development opportunities, the Land Bank has become an important tool for advancing community priorities. Of the 107 parcels transferred from the State Land Bank in February 2025, fewer than half were buildable lots, making strategic planning and collaboration crucial for maximizing impact.

By working alongside City departments and community partners, the Land Bank is helping create opportunities for future housing and neighborhood investment, with projects like Southside Creekways serving as one example of that work in action.

Read the full report and follow along to stay up to date on Land Bank initiatives: https://bit.ly/3SWHe0v

07/28/2026

Beginning in September, the National Virtual Small-Scale Developer Boot Camp, hosted by the Incremental Development Alliance, is a six-week program that helps aspiring developers turn small-scale real estate ideas into buildable, funded projects.

Learn more about the program and available partial scholarships below. Scholarship applications are open through August 8, 2026. Apply early to be considered!

A description of the Small Developer Boot Camps hosted by the Incremental Development Alliance, including course overviews, learning objectives, and who should attend.

07/23/2026

Who says field trips have to stop in adulthood? Our workdays sometimes look like this when we visit partner projects and join our neighborhoods in celebrating their growth. As we continue to strengthen our team and promote some of our long-time team members, we are welcoming an Economic Development Coordinator II.

We're looking for a strategic thinker who enjoys navigating development projects, mentoring teammates, and helping lead the way for Grand Rapids’ impactful economic development initiatives. Oversee the administration of various tax abatement and tax increment financing programs!

Learn more about the gig and submit your application by this Sunday: https://bit.ly/4vZlqiZ.

07/22/2026

There are now more transportation services available for your downtown travels! The Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority's (MI Street / Business District) free pilot shuttle service is now available to you every Friday night through early September.

Add an adventure element to your downtown travels and visit all of your favorite local shops! We can't wait to see how our partnership with Michigan Street brings more visitors and residents to the incredible businesses and neighborhoods.

Learn more by reading the full WOOD TV8 article below!

Beginning July 24, the Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority will introduce its new, free pilot shuttle service between Michigan Street and downtown Grand Rapids.

07/22/2026

This month's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am. You can find the meeting's agenda here: https://grandrapidscitymi.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=5876&Inline=True

07/20/2026

The North Quarter Corridor Improvement Authority (Creston CIA) is looking to collaborate with partners on two upcoming projects!

Help bring the neighborhood's holiday spirit to life by supporting this year's Lights on Creston event, connecting artisans, volunteers, and the community for a memorable holiday season. Looking for another way to get involved? Support the corridor by maintaining bioretention islands that improve stormwater management, enhance water quality, and beautify the neighborhood.

Learn more and submit your RFP for either opportunity today: https://bit.ly/4xklZpg