Kent County Board of Commissioners

Kent County approves childcare plan to close 20,000-slot gap

Approved the 14-measure childcare plan on Sept. 24, 2026

Kent County has licensed space for about 31,863 young children in childcare. It has roughly 52,323 kids under five. That leaves a shortage of more than 20,000 slots, with infant care waitlists running 12 to 18 months.

Updated Sep 24

Ford International Airport lands $6M federal grant for Concourse B rebuild

Built World

Appoints airport authority board members

Grand Rapids' Gerald R. Ford International Airport received $6 million in federal money to rebuild Concourse B, the terminal section used by four airlines and eight gates. The Federal Aviation Administration recorded the award September 4, and the airport authority will reconstruct 37,100 square feet of concourse that has reached the end of its useful life.

Updated Sep 22

Kent County Sheriff's Office proposes jail millage renewal and increase for November ballot

Money Moves

Approved ballot language for Nov. 3 election

Kent County voters will decide in November whether to renew and increase the 36-year-old property tax that funds the county jail. The sheriff's office is asking for a 20-year extension at 0.98 mills, up from the current 0.7332 mills. For a home with $100,000 in taxable value, that adds about $24.68 per year, for a total of roughly $98.

Updated Sep 3

Kent County approves balanced FY 2027 budget, raises employee pay 4 percent