March 2024 eNewsletter

Mayor's Message

With each passing day comes a sense of warmer weather bringing new growth and change to our natural surroundings. Our city has also experienced new growth and change with the ever-increasing number of new residents as indicated by the last three censuses. 

Reports after the 2020 census indicated that Kentwood was one of the fastest-growing communities in Michigan, with a 11.5% increase in population, growing from 48,707 to 54,304. The City continues to welcome new residents as they move into neighborhoods throughout the City. With an increase in population comes additional calls for emergency services. Compared to 2010, our staff this past year answered 36% more calls for Fire and medical services and 14% more for Police. However, our staffing levels for Police have not changed since 2000 having a minimum of three police officers and one sergeant per shift. With more residents and more calls for service, we need additional support to meet our growing community’s need for service and maintain our response times.

Having our own professional Police and Fire staff is a benefit that strengthens relationships with our residents and businesses, while providing familiarity with our streets, parks, and other critical infrastructure. This added value of knowledge produces excellent results for service and quicker response times. 

On May 7, Kentwood voters will consider a permanent, dedicated millage increase that, if passed, will increase police staffing while providing critical support for our Police and Fire departments so they can continue to serve our community with excellence. You can learn more about the proposal on our website.

Throughout this season of growth, I hope you and your loved ones stay connected through community events, library programming, and more. I look forward to seeing you out and about in our City as the weather begins to warm.

Blessings to you and yours, 

Mayor Stephen Kepley

Winter Concert Series: Whorled – March 7

We are closing out our Winter Concert Series with Whorled. The folk band will perform Celtic, gypsy jazz, Brazilian, bluegrass and classical music 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7 in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Around Baking Company food truck will be there offering freshly baked pizzas for sale. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. Visit kentwood.us/WinterConcerts for more information. 

Hunt for Shamrocks at Jaycee Park

March 13-23

Explore Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE, and see if you can spot the 12 shamrocks hidden throughout the park. Participate by taking a selfie with a shamrock, share on Facebook and use the hashtag #KentwoodShamrockHunt or email your picture to eRecreation@Kentwood.us to be entered to win a prize. For more details, visit kentwood.us/ShamrockHunt.

Save the Date: Mary Free Bed Prosthetics Limb Loss Awareness 5K – April 27

We’re teaming up with Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics to host the Mary Free Bed Prosthetics Limb Loss Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 27. This all-ages, all-abilities event helps to increase awareness of limb loss, build community and raise funds for our adaptive recreation programs.

Race day will start with packet pickup at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE, followed by the race at 10 a.m. The event will also include a 1-mile fun run for children ages 12 and younger at 11 a.m. along the same route.

Online registration for both races is available online. The cost for the 5K is $30 per person through March 29 and goes up to $35 March 30 through race day. Participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt, finisher medal and swag bag as part of their registration. The kids race costs $10 and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal.  For more details, visit kentwood.us/LimbLoss5K.

Voters Will Consider Millage Increase to Support Police and Fire

On May 7, Kentwood voters will head to the polls to consider a permanent, dedicated millage increase of 1.95 mills that, if approved, will provide critical support to the City’s Police and Fire departments. The increase will help the departments hire additional staff and maintain response times to meet the community’s growing needs for police, fire and emergency medical services. To learn more, visit kentwood.us/PoliceFireMillage.

Kent District Library Events

The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch is offering a variety of programs this month, including:

Elephant and Piggie Party: Wednesday, March 6, 1-2 p.m.

• Pig out while connecting with Elephant and Piggie books through fun activities.

Pressed Flower Prints: Wednesday, March 6, 6-7:30 p.m.

• Bring a hint of spring to your home décor and create pressed flower prints with hand-picked dried flowers on craft paper.

Grand Rapids Community Seed Exchange: Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• If you’re looking for new seeds or have a surplus to share, come swap seeds!

The Art of Life: Tuesday, March 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

•  Enjoy a laid-back, beginner-level, step-by-step acrylic painting class and create an 8-by-10 landscape to take home.

Find a full list of events at kdl.org/events.

Meet Our Newest City Commissioner:

David Moore

Second Ward Kentwood Commissioner David Moore was elected this past November and began serving on the City Commission in December. A resident since 2016, Commissioner Moore has been active in the community as a Parks and Recreation commissioner, church leader and educator. Outside of his role as a commissioner, Moore works as a freelance writer and coach and is a devoted father of eight children, valuing faith, family and community. To learn more about Commissioner Moore and the other members of the City Commission, visit kentwood.us/CityCommission.

Daylight Saving Time and Smoke

Detector Checks

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for the beginning of daylight saving time Sunday, March 10.

If your smoke alarms are powered with replaceable batteries, it’s recommended you check the batteries about every six months, making daylight saving time a great biannual marker. Replace the batteries at least once a year or when the alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low. You can find more information about smoke alarms and other fire safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Agency at NFPA.org.

Spring Leaf and Brush Drop-Off Program Returns April 6

We again will offer our brush and leaf drop-off site at our Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, from Saturday, April 6 through Friday, May 24. Brush and leaf drop-off will be available noon-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

The drop-off site is available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff or call the Department of Public Works at 616.554.0817 for more information. 

Help Repair Potholes by Submitting a Service Request

Did you know that you can report potholes and other common issues online? As temperature fluctuations persist, potholes are emerging throughout Kentwood. Help our Department of Public Works repair our roads quickly by submitting a report at kentwood.us/PSR. 

Join Our Team

We’re hiring for several positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to explore our current job listings and apply.