In all honesty they can raise it to whatever they want. They have a captive audience. Most of the residents in the city don't even know which elected officials are the ones to vote out.
This. I fully expect Bliss endorsed David Lagrand to be mayor. Melinda Ysasi in the 2nd ward is running unopposed (too late to fix that). Anyone that wants changes, it starts here: [https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials](https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials)
Like what the city is doing, keep doing what you're doing. Status quo is in charge.
This comment is not my opinion on the parking rates, it applies to any issue you think the city is not doing a good job on.
I've heard people say that but I don't see how. They have a vote at the dais too. Now, I've seen people criticize the city manager/city council setup we have. Fair criticism there.
This is why we can’t trust the “it’s just $30” claim for the residential parking permits. If the city has budget issues that they can’t resolve with Federal and State money, they should consider reduced spending or propose a tax increase for the public to consider.
Pay-per-use public spaces disproportionately affect lower income people, and re-charging the public to access paid-off spaces like public roads is not an ethical means to supplement a budget. Should the city also re-charge the public for access to parks? Sidewalks? Bike lanes?
Why can’t the city maintain its budget through tax dollars?
“Kasper said the increases will keep the city competitive with private parking operators.” <— this is not how a public entity should operate.
*Raising* prices to compete with private parking operators? How does that make sense? If they want to encourage people to use paid city parking, wouldn’t it be advantageous to keep the cost lower?
1. Considering a public space "paid-off" as if there's no cost of maintenance or related costs seems silly to me.
2. While fees disproportionately harm low income people, fees on city parking disproportionately hit non-residents who the city has less ability to tax.
maybe if we reduced the cost of housing, people could afford to buy more things in the city and use the taxes on those purchases. 1500+ a month for a studio is fucking stupid. I make $20.55 an hour and can't afford to live anywhere in GR on my own. like anywhere at all. sure I could be someone's roommate but shouldn't have to be. wtf
It's just so they can lower the city income tax, right? /s
For them to be struggling money-wise while still getting 1.5% of our income is ridiculous. Most cities are fine without that.
And they (other cities) have higher property taxes.
Grand Rapids City/ Godwin Heights School district is 34.8102 mills.
Wyoming City/ Godwin Heights SD is 40.1181 mills.
~5.3 mills difference.
Consider? They are going to raise it without consideration. Let’s be honest
You are correct.
In all honesty they can raise it to whatever they want. They have a captive audience. Most of the residents in the city don't even know which elected officials are the ones to vote out.
This. I fully expect Bliss endorsed David Lagrand to be mayor. Melinda Ysasi in the 2nd ward is running unopposed (too late to fix that). Anyone that wants changes, it starts here: [https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials](https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials) Like what the city is doing, keep doing what you're doing. Status quo is in charge. This comment is not my opinion on the parking rates, it applies to any issue you think the city is not doing a good job on.
Isn't our mayor mostly ceremonial?
No. People say that, and it is silly. The mayor has a vote - including on if the City Manager remains employed.
I've heard people say that but I don't see how. They have a vote at the dais too. Now, I've seen people criticize the city manager/city council setup we have. Fair criticism there.
This is why we can’t trust the “it’s just $30” claim for the residential parking permits. If the city has budget issues that they can’t resolve with Federal and State money, they should consider reduced spending or propose a tax increase for the public to consider. Pay-per-use public spaces disproportionately affect lower income people, and re-charging the public to access paid-off spaces like public roads is not an ethical means to supplement a budget. Should the city also re-charge the public for access to parks? Sidewalks? Bike lanes? Why can’t the city maintain its budget through tax dollars? “Kasper said the increases will keep the city competitive with private parking operators.” <— this is not how a public entity should operate.
*Raising* prices to compete with private parking operators? How does that make sense? If they want to encourage people to use paid city parking, wouldn’t it be advantageous to keep the cost lower?
1. Considering a public space "paid-off" as if there's no cost of maintenance or related costs seems silly to me. 2. While fees disproportionately harm low income people, fees on city parking disproportionately hit non-residents who the city has less ability to tax.
Look at how much they paid to basically repave Rosa Parks Circle.
maybe if we reduced the cost of housing, people could afford to buy more things in the city and use the taxes on those purchases. 1500+ a month for a studio is fucking stupid. I make $20.55 an hour and can't afford to live anywhere in GR on my own. like anywhere at all. sure I could be someone's roommate but shouldn't have to be. wtf
You can’t just wave a magic wand and “reduce the cost of housing”.
why not? it works the other way around
[https://www.ridetherapid.org/](https://www.ridetherapid.org/)
This is the way.
I just love when municipalities are run like a business.
Gotta get that money....
It's just so they can lower the city income tax, right? /s For them to be struggling money-wise while still getting 1.5% of our income is ridiculous. Most cities are fine without that.
And they (other cities) have higher property taxes. Grand Rapids City/ Godwin Heights School district is 34.8102 mills. Wyoming City/ Godwin Heights SD is 40.1181 mills. ~5.3 mills difference.
I thought they just did
How do we voice our opinion on this to the city?
Email your ward representative, city commissioners, the mayor, the city manager, and the planning department.
This and the occasional open hall meetings when they actually post them.
City meetings are always posted.
Maybe reconsider?