Commissioners Attend White House Leadership Conference and Advocate for Federal Funding

From Kent County:

Earlier this month, six Kent County Commissioners joined approximately 70 elected officials from across Michigan for a leadership conference hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Attendees participated in briefings with several Cabinet-level officials from the Trump administration, focusing on federal policy priorities and opportunities for collaboration with local governments.

While in Washington, several Commissioners also met with congressional staff to discuss the President’s proposed budget and advocate against potential funding cuts. A key concern raised was the proposed funding reductions to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which plays a critical role in supporting local services. Through this federal funding, Kent County Community Action served 24,558 individuals last year alone.

During their visit, Chair Ben Greene, Vice Chair Dan Burrill, and Finance Chair Lindsey Thiel also had the opportunity to connect with Spencer Woodruff, a Kent County native who now works in the office of Vice President J.D. Vance. Spencer generously offered a tour of the Vice President’s Senate office, where the Commissioners viewed the historic Wilson Desk—famously used by President Gerald R. Ford during his time in the Oval Office.

The visit was a valuable opportunity to advocate on behalf of Kent County residents and ensure our voices are represented in national conversations about federal funding and local needs.