On Sept. 11, the Grand Rapids Police Policy and Procedure Review Task Force released 38 recommendations identified in six areas to address disparate outcomes and strengthening community and police relations. “This is not a top-to-bottom look at the police department. It’s looking at these six areas and how they may lead to disparities,” says Ron Davis, principal of 21st Century Policing and Task Force’s facilitator. Read more HERE.
From Sept. 16 through 21, Teresa Severini, deputy mayor of culture, tourism, and universities of Perugia, Italy, was in Grand Rapids to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Grand Rapids and Perugia. To commemorate the milestone, Ms. Severini participated in the signing of the declaration of the 25th anniversary. In October, Mayor Bliss and Chef Jenna Arcididacono of local restaurant Amore Trattoria Italiana will lead a food tour group to Umbria, Italy, with a stop in Perugia to celebrate the signing of the 25th anniversary document, as well. Read more HERE.
On Sept. 18, the Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeal Board released a report of its 2016 and 2017 activities, including the adoption of bylaws, an educational effort to ensure community members know how to access the board and GRPD’s Internal Affairs Unit, and a total of four appeal hearings, among other highlights. Read more HERE.
On Sept. 21, the City celebrated its 65th Anniversary Civil Rights Celebration, “Braiding Generations: Past, Present and Future," featuring keynote speaker Angela Rye, an attorney, CEO of IMPACT Strategies, commentator on CNN, and NPR analyst. Helen Jackson Claytor Civil Rights Awards were presented to Elias Lumpkins, former Grand Rapids Third Ward city commissioner; Nancy Haynes, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan; and Lorena Aguayo-Márquez, Kellogg community recruitment specialist at Grand Rapids Community College. Read more HERE.
On Sept. 27, Third Ward residents can join Third Ward commissioners, Senita Lenear and Nathaniel Moody, for their fall listening tour, 6 to 8 p.m. at Beacon Hill Community House Auditorium, 1919 Boston St. SE. A second session takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, 851 Madison Ave. SE. Read more HERE.
The City of Grand Rapids Clerk’s Office is hiring Election Day workers for midterm elections, Tuesday, Nov. 6. Election workers must be U.S. citizens, 16 or older, and registered voters if at least 18. Workers are paid for training and earn between $150 and $175 on Election Day. Read more HERE.
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