The City of Grand Rapids' logo was designed by Joseph Kinnebrew, an internationally-recognized sculptor and painter. It incorporates a yellow sun, blue river, and a red representation of the "La Grande Vitesse" sculpture by Alexander Calder, which was erected in downtown Grand Rapids on Calder Plaza in 1969.

Location

Grand Rapids is located in southwest Michigan midway between Detroit and Chicago.

Population

With an estimated population of 197,800 in 2000, Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan. The metro region has a population of 1,000,000. The City grew 4% in the last decade, the only major urban Michigan community to do so.

Local Government

Grand Rapids utilizes a non-partisan Commission-Manager form of government. The City Commission acts as the legislative body and appoints the City Manager who serves as the Chief Administrator. The City Commission is comprised of six Commissioners who are elected in a staggered manner to serve four-year terms. The Mayor is chosen in a city-wide election every four years.

Police and Fire

Grand Rapids citizens and businesses are protected and served by over 400 police officers and 250 professional fire personnel.

Hospitals

Spectrum Health (Butterworth and Blodgett campuses), DeVos Children's Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital, Mary Free Bed Hospital and Rehabilitation Services, Kent Community Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Forest View Hospital, and Pine Rest Mental Health Services make Grand Rapids the center for medical services for Western Michigan.

Higher Education

Grand Rapids is home to over 12 colleges and universities: including Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Davenport University and Kendall School of Art and Design.

Transportation

The Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) provides citizens with regular bus routes, parking lot shuttles, and dial-a-ride service. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the state's 2nd largest airport, handles over 170 flights a day and provides service to over 5,000 passengers each day. Three freight carriers and Amtrak provide rail service.

Culture and Entertainment

Grand Rapids offers a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities including the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, St. Cecilia Music Society, Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Actor's Theater, Circle Theater, Heritage Theatre Group, Broadway Theater Guild, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Van Andel Museum Center, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Grand Center, and John Ball Park Zoo to name just a few.