# City Commission Workshop - November 12, 2026


**Body:** The City of Grand Rapids
**Date:** November 11, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Physical Infrastructure


The City of Grand Rapids held a commission workshop on November 12, 2026, covering finances, public safety, AI, climate action, housing, and mobility. Procurement discussions included the automated license plate reader (ALPR) contract, which expires June 8, 2027, and a planned vendor review/RFP process. Commissioners differed on whether to accelerate that review; the city manager said staff would assess feasible timelines and report back at the December Public Safety Committee. Commissioners also expressed support for reviewing data-sharing limits, including sharing with entities that have 287(g) agreements. No vote on the contract or procurement timeline was taken. Separately, the city has issued an RFP for a 311 chatbot and is evaluating submissions; staff are exploring three FOIA-processing tools and other AI pilots. A draft language-inclusion policy is expected to be adopted in February 2027, with implementation targeted for April.

The financial update reported a $7 million contribution to the budget stabilization fund, approximately $12 million in estimated street-lighting costs, and a $15 million-to-be-scoped Collier Plaza project. The city received about $1.76 million through the Public Safety Revenue Sharing Grants Program; $200,000 was allocated to a Public Safety Trust Fund grant process, which received 110 applications, with awards anticipated for Fiscal Committee consideration in December. The Affordable Housing Fund has about $11 million available; proposals under consideration include $2 million for emerging-developer work and roughly $3 million for a Land Bank partnership, but neither was approved at the workshop. Other infrastructure and climate items included $4 million for sidewalk maintenance and enhancements, a $335,000 grant toward an industrial grinder, and a $50,000 annual investment in renewable-generated steam. These were updates or proposals rather than workshop votes; staff will continue mobility and EV-charging planning, with further cost and design information to follow.

**Source:** The City of Grand Rapids