GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Fines for parking tickets would go up by $5 under a budget proposal presented to the Grand Rapids City Commission on Tuesday morning.
Fines for parking meter violations would rise from $15 to $20, and violations of the odd-even parking ordinance would increase from $20 to $25. City Manager Mark Washington presented the $735 million budget proposal to city commissioners at the Committee of the Whole meeting. That would be a 6.5 percent increase over the fiscal 2025 budget.
Here are more details from a City of Grand Rapids news release:
Washington told the Commission’s Community of the Whole, that the proposed budget reflects the City’s commitment to good governance, fiscal stewardship and delivering essential services, while sustaining momentum on transformational community projects.
“This plan positions the City to weather future uncertainty while remaining firmly rooted in our core values: accountability, collaboration, customer service, equity, innovation and sustainability,” Washington said.
The FY26 budget represents a 6.5% increase over the adopted FY25 budget. The proposed General Operating Fund (GOF) appropriation is approximately $196 million, a 5.2% increase, largely due to inflation and previously negotiated wage and benefit adjustments.
The budget maintains the City’s property tax millage rate at 8.8587 mills, slightly lower than FY25, and supports continued funding for Clean Community initiatives.
Capital investments total $189 million—part of a projected $582 million over the next five years—and are supported by a combination of GOF dollars, bonds, dedicated millages, leveraged partner funding, and state and federal allocations. Projects include site development and service relocation for the future Acrisure Amphitheater, park and trail improvements, and fleet and facility modernization—including alternative fuel infrastructure upgrades.
The budget also aligns with FY26 focus areas identified earlier this year by the City Commission. These priorities shaped departmental requests and guide both strategic investment and essential day-to-day operations.
The proposed FY26 budget includes:
- Sustained service levels in all City departments, with 22 added positions to meet increased demand and improve quality and responsiveness.
- Increased funding for fire services, including the Kendall Street, Division Avenue and Training Center facilities.
- Four new 911 Dispatch positions to improve performance and reduce overtime.
- An extra police academy class to support full sworn staffing.
- Additional water system staff to support production, testing, and documentation.
- Investments in economic development, small business support, and expanded funding for the West Michigan Welcome Plan and Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.
- An additional fire inspector to support development review and inspection services.
- Continued implementation of the Community Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance update.
- Creating alternative energy at the Butterworth Landfill.
- Two street lighting electricians to help with emergency response and routine maintenance.
- Resources to meet a new state mandate for firearm background checks.
City staff also considered several upcoming fiscal obligations—both known and uncertain—including collective bargaining agreements, grant-funded positions, and ongoing funding needs for major economic and tourism projects.
“Even as we plan for progress, we remain mindful of the uncertainty ahead,” Washington said. “While Grand Rapids continues to show economic resilience, broader pressures—such as inflation, high labor and material costs, supply chain challenges and unpredictable state and federal funding—require careful prioritization. This proposed budget maintains essential services while investing in long-term, strategic initiatives to ensure resilience for years to come.”
“As we approach Grand Rapids’ 175th anniversary, we are reminded that great cities aren’t built by accident. They’re built through stewardship, collaboration and a long-term vision,” he said. “This budget reflects that vision, and I look forward to working with the Commission to refine and adopt a plan that meets the needs and expectations of our community.”
Public Participation and Budget Review Schedule
Residents are encouraged to participate in the FY26 budget process. All meetings will be streamed live on Comcast Channel 26, the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page and YouTube channel. Each also will be streamed live in Spanish HERE. Residents may provide feedback at the May 13 public hearing or submit written comments to cityclerk@grcity.us.
FY26 Budget Review Schedule:
- Tuesday, April 29:
- Introduction of the FY26 Preliminary Fiscal Plan, 10 a.m. (Committee of the Whole)
- Tuesday, May 6:
- Budget Review Workshop, 9 a.m.
Vital Streets Oversight Commission, Mobility, Health & Environment, Stormwater Oversight Commission and Capital
- Tuesday, May 13:
- Budget Review Workshop, 10 a.m. (Committee of the Whole)
Safe Community, Economic Prosperity & Affordability, Governmental Excellence, Engaged & Connected Community
- Budget Public Hearing, 7 p.m. (City Commission Meeting)
FY2026 Budget, Revenue Omnibus and Tax Rates
- Tuesday, May 20:
- Final Deliberation on FY2026 Preliminary Fiscal Plan, 10 a.m. (Committee of the Whole)
- Commission Adoption of FY2026 Final Fiscal Plan/Budget, 2 p.m. (City Commission Meeting)
DOCUMENTS:
- City of Grand Rapids FY 26 Preliminary Fiscal Plan
- City of Grand Rapids FY 26-30 Preliminary Capital Plan PDF
- City of Grand Rapids FY 26 Preliminary Fiscal Plan Introduction PDF
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