Sustainable Streets?

Whether citizens drive, walk, bike, scooter, or bus to the places they need to go, streets hold a vital role as the base of Grand Rapids'  transportation and commercial needs.

Unfortunately, Grand Rapids' streets are increasingly not fulfilling that role.

A group of 30 concerned citizens was appointed by the City of Grand Rapids in 2012 to put together a plan to address the city's streets crisis. According to a report done by the city, 63 percent of the city's 588 miles of streets are in poor condition, and without some additional increase in funding, 94 percent will be in poor condition in nine years.

The Sustainable Streets Task Force has been working for over a year, and has made significant progress in coming up with a plan that calls for a mix of new local and state investments and new ways of doing business.

On June 20, our Not Your Average Speaker Series will be an opportunity for people to hear from members of the task force. Recommendations include:

-  An asset management plan that emphasizes the right fix at the rigth time
-  Setting a goal of 70 percent of streets in a "good" state of repair in 15 years
-  New ideas for significant local revenue generation to make up for state shortfalls

But the work is not done yet, and they are still seeking public input. Join us at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's upstairs community room (30 N. Division) on Thursday June 20 at 5:30 p.m., and help add to this problem solving effort. Successful cities are built by active participants.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.

Please RSVP here if you would like to attend.

This "Not Your Average Speaker Series" is produced by Rapid Growth Media and is sponsored by MSHDA.

Courtesy photos