We are actively seeking new board members and volunteers
Happy Fourth of July, neighbors! As we celebrate the 4th of July this weekend, we want to thank every one of you who has pitched in this year, showing up to meetings, volunteering, welcoming new neighbors, and helping rebuild this association from the ground up. It is working because of you.
A special thank you to everyone who came out to meet us at our Association Open-house. It was a joy to meet so many neighbors, community partners, and familiar faces.
One quick thing worth passing along to any families you know: our 49507 zip code is now eligible for Rx Kids, which supports new and expecting mothers across the neighborhood. There is more on that just below.
If you are heading downtown or having your own fireworks, celebrate safely and know the local rules before lighting any of your own. And please join us at our monthly meeting this Tuesday.
The AHNA Board
Enrollment opened July 1 for our zip code. Rx Kids supports new and expecting mothers with a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy, plus $500 a month through baby's first six months, with no income requirements. If you or a neighbor is expecting or has a new baby, this is worth a look.
The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, a nonprofit focused on reducing environmental hazards in homes across Kent County, has relocated its office to the Alger Heights neighborhood in Genesis Suites off Alger and Nelson. They are sharing word about the City of Grand Rapids Lead Hazard Control Program, which offers up to $20,000 in home repairs to reduce lead hazards and prevent childhood lead poisoning. The program serves families with young children and typically covers window replacements, siding repairs, and interior and exterior paint.
Learn about the Lead Hazard Control Program
Our Community's Children, now located at the new MLK Community Center, is hosting Studio Days at MLK this summer to help young people and their families start, continue, or finish their college journey. Appointments are available Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 24 through August 20, and drop-ins are welcome.
Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation is launching its 2027 to 2032 Strategic Master Plan, and they want to hear from neighbors. Everyone who lives, works, learns, or plays here is invited to help shape the future of local parks, trails, programs, and public spaces through an online survey and a series of summer engagement events.
Take the survey and learn more
The Grand Rapids Fire Department is mailing notices to businesses across the city as part of the second phase of its firefighter right-to-know reporting cycle. The notices help businesses comply with state requirements to disclose hazardous chemicals kept on-site, and each letter includes a QR code linking to a quick, mobile-friendly submission form.
Joseph Trigg, a 25-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department, was sworn in June 29 as the city's new police chief.
The City has begun in-river construction on the Grand River Restoration. Crews are removing four low-head dams between Bridge Street and Fulton Street, and over the next two years the Taplin Group will replace them with boulder arches, riffles, and habitat structures that improve safety, support native fish, and return the rapids to the city's namesake river.
As the community celebrates the Fourth of July, the City reminds residents that fireworks use is regulated by a City ordinance aligned with state law, with violations carrying a $1,000 civil fine. The City has outlined permitted dates and times and shared safety tips to help keep neighborhoods peaceful.
The City is welcoming thousands of visitors Downtown on July 4 for the annual Grand Rapids Fireworks in celebration of Independence Day. The display is free and open to the public, and the City has shared tips for navigating Downtown.
The City's Office of Oversight and Public Accountability has launched an online portal that lets residents submit complaints, compliments, appeals, expungement assistance requests, and workshop requests through a single intake at grandrapidsopa.siviltech.com.
There's a way for every neighbor to plug in. Block liaisons, event hands, a seat at the table, pick what fits your week. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at Seymour Church. Email us to get involved.
