GR Forward (2015)

Submitted by whitemice on Mon, 03/24/2025 - 20:47

The GR Forward Plan was adopted by the Grand Rapids City Commission on December 15th, 2015 after approximately twenty months of development. Development began in April of 2014 and involved ~360 events and engaged ~4,400 citizens. The draft of the plan was presented on July 2nd of 2015.

As of 2025 the GR Forward plan remains a guiding document for both the city and DGRI (Downtown Grand Rapids Inc).

Goals

  1. Restore the river as the draw & create a connected and equitable river corridor

    1.1 : Integrate art, education, infrastructure, and ecology

    1.2 : Reinforce the Grand Rapids Whitewater Initiative

    1.3 : Establish Grand Rapids as the hub in a regional trail system with universal access along the river on both sides

    1.4 : Enhance neighborhood access to the river

    1.5 : Create the outdoor adventure city

  2. Create a true downtown neighborhood that his home to a diverse population

    2.1 : Leverage development opportunities to hit "Critical Mass"

    A tell-tale sign of this kind of success is when multiple coffee shops, stores and services are open and active on a Saturday morning. To achieve this goal, Downtown Grand Rapids needs to reach critical mass. 10,000 households, or roughly 12,000 residents, is the point at which other cities see these kinds of activities and services emerge and sustain themselves downtown. For this reason, encouraging growth and new housing is essential to attracting the retail and services that participants in the GR Forward have been asking for. Downtown pharmacies, a grocery, more restaurants, and more stores are all dependent on increasing the number of residents Downtown.

    2.2 : Support initiatives that improve downtown living for existing residents & attract new downtown residents

    2.3 : Preserve and expand housing opportunities

    2.4 : Concentrate retail and close the retail services gap

    2.5 : Require clean and efficient energy, green building practices, and universal design principles in projects with local subsity

  3. Implement a 21st century mobility strategy

    3.1 : Provide a stress-free pedestrian experience for all ages and abilities

    3.2 : Establish MobileGR department ✅

    3.3 : Complete the networks in and out of downtown

    3.4 : Get connected: utilize technology to make getting around easier

    3.5 : Put Grand Rapids 'on the map'

  4. Expand job opportunities & ensure continued vitality of the local economy

    4.1 : Promote inclusion and equal participation in the local economy

    4.2 : Attract talent and link job seekers with local opportunities

    4.3 : Create and preserve space for job creation and economic growth

    4.4 : Brand Rapids (Continue to Market and brand Grand Rapids as a visitor destination in the region and beyond)

  5. Reinvest in public space, culture, & inclusive programming

    5.1 : Expand arts and cultural events and temporary programming to further activate the public realm year-round

    5.2 : Raise the profile of downtown parks and public spaces

    5.3 : Express downtown Grand Rapids' character and identity through public realm improvements

    5.4 : Continue to ensure the safety and cleanliness of downtown Grand Rapids

  6. Retain & Attract Families, Talent & Job Providers with High Quality Public Schools

    6.1 : Increase investment in and expansion of theme schools and specialized programs to retain and attract students and parents and meet the needs of diverse student and city population

    6.2 : Build partnerships with Grand Rapids institutions to develop a locally-rooted workforce

    6.3 : Ensure high quality environments that enrich the educational experience, elevate community interaction,and create safe routes to school

Documents

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grforward
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