Legislative and community updates, submit a veteran to honor, and much more

Legislative and community updates, submit a veteran to honor, and much more

E-Newsletter | Rep. Kristian Grant | Sept. 25, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

As September is fully underway and we welcome the start of fall, I hope you and your family are settling into the new season. From students heading back to school to community events happening across Grand Rapids and Wyoming, this time of year always brings new energy to our neighborhoods.

It has been a busy month across the 82nd District and at the Capitol, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect with neighbors, hear what’s on your mind, and continue working on the issues that matter to our community.

As we head into the final months of the year, I look forward to continuing that work and keep you updated along the way.

As always, if there’s anything my office can help you with, please reach out.

Warmly,

Kristian Grant
State Representative
House District 82

Please join me for our September Coffee Hour at AYA Youth Collective! Stop by to grab a cup of coffee, ask questions, share what’s on your mind, and chat about what’s happening in our community and at the Capitol. I hope to see you there!

When: Sept. 28, 2026, from 9-10 a.m.
Where: AYA Youth Collective, 320 State St. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Join us for our second annual Veterans Day Breakfast as we gather to honor the veterans of the Grand Rapids area and recognize their service to our country and our communities. We will also present special state tributes to local veterans nominated by their loved ones.

We are also inviting our community to help us recognize local veterans. If you are a veteran — or if you know a veteran in the Grand Rapids area whom you would like to honor — please submit their name and share their story with our office through the form below so we can recognize their service at the annual event. To attend our Veterans Day breakfast, please RSVP below.

When: Nov. 11, 2026, from 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Location will be provided after guests RSVP.

We hope you will join us in expressing our gratitude to those who have served and in recognizing the lasting contributions they continue to make in our community.

ArtPrize is back in Grand Rapids, and this year there’s plenty to see right here in Southtown! SouthPrize brings ArtPrize into our neighborhoods, featuring local artists and artwork displayed at businesses and community spaces throughout Alger Heights, Boston Square, MLK & Eastern, Madison Square, Seymour Square, and South Division. Join SouthPrize on Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon–8 p.m. for a full day of art, voting, live performances, free bus and trolley tours, and activities throughout Southtown.

Start at HUB 07, 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, then explore participating locations across the community and vote for your favorite pieces. SouthPrize artwork will remain on display through Oct. 3, so there’s plenty of time to get out, support local artists and neighborhood businesses, and experience ArtPrize right here in Southtown!

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For more updates, events, and resources you can follow me on Facebook.

It was great to gather around the table for another Sunday Dinner & Dialogue with neighbors and Together West Michigan.

We had a meaningful conversation about the future of our community, the importance of voting, and how we can continue organizing and making our voices heard. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their thoughts, and continues to stay engaged in our community.

August was Black Business Month, and we were proud to highlight some of the incredible Black-owned businesses serving our community. From creating jobs and opportunities to bringing neighbors together, these local businesses are an important part of what makes District 82 so special. Thank you to every entrepreneur and small business owner who continues to invest in our community!

This summer has been a busy one, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made on some of the issues that matter most to families in our community.

Housing continues to be one of my top priorities.

In July, the new Low-Income Housing Tax Credit was signed into law right here in Grand Rapids. This new tool will help support the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing across Michigan and bring more resources to communities working to address our housing shortage.

We also celebrated a new investment coming directly to our district.

The 848 Division development in Southeast Grand Rapids received nearly $1.5 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to help create 46 affordable homes for older adults.

And as new industries continue to grow across Michigan, I’m working to make sure our communities have a voice in that growth.

I joined colleagues in introducing legislation as part of the Data Center Guardrails Package that would require certain new data center developments to enter into community benefits agreements, helping ensure local residents have a seat at the table when these projects come to their communities.

There is still plenty of work ahead, and I’m looking forward to continuing to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our neighborhoods and create opportunities for the people who call Grand Rapids and Wyoming home.

A reminder that you can reach out to our office for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to:

•  Navigating state agencies like the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, etc.
• Getting answers to your questions and hearing your concerns, including your ideas for legislation.
•  Hosting student groups at the Capitol who are in town for a tour, or presenting certificates and resolutions in the district.
•  And so much more . . . So please don’t hesitate to reach out. If we can’t help directly, we will try to connect you with someone who may be able to!