A clear plan, a steady hand, and a community-first mindset—Mayor Gary Carey opens up about how Walker stayed focused through change and turned long-term planning into everyday wins. We talk about the five pillars that guide our decisions, why public safety sits at the top, and how a once-sparse industrial park became the tax base that funds more officers, a full-time fire department, better parks, and stronger infrastructure.

We share the backstory behind those big moves: partnerships that made shovel-ready land possible, the FedEx facility that sparked momentum, and a pro-business stance that still screens for the right fit. Then we get into the hard parts—trade-offs of a full-time fire service, from staffing to facilities and long-term funding, and how shifting medical calls from police to fire unlocks capacity where it matters most. On housing, we break down the master plan’s push for balance, the financial realities of rental versus single-family in a city like ours, and why every approval must be weighed against ten-year consequences.

Looking ahead, we lay out the leadership transition in City Hall, from the city manager’s retirement to commission seats that need steady, policy-minded people. If you’ve served on a committee or want to learn, now is the time to step up. We also highlight regional wins—dedicated Rapid bus routes in Walker for the first time and Metro Council support that helped us build smarter. Through it all, we come back to civility: disagree without breaking trust, and keep the city pointed forward.

If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to get involved or have a topic we should tackle next? Email us at podcast at walker.city and tell us what you want to hear.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY

Imagine rolling from your neighborhood straight onto fresh singletrack without loading a car. That’s the promise at Johnson Park, where we’re building a new regional trailhead on the Grand River Greenway with six to eight miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails, a four-season restroom, expanded parking, and welcoming gathering spaces. We’re joined by Kent County Parks and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Association to unpack how smart design, committed partners, and an energized community are turning dirt into access, connection, and measurable economic lift.

We dig into the design choices that make these trails work for everyone: an inner green loop with wider tread for adaptive riders, beginners, and families, plus optional progressive lines for riders who want to build skills. With Spectrum Trail Design leading construction, the system balances flow, challenge, and sustainability so new riders feel safe and experts stay engaged. Best of all, the layout connects directly to the Greenway, letting riders pedal from Grand Rapids, Walker, or Granville, ride the park, and head home—no car required.

Trails also mean business. We look at national case studies and local forecasts that show visiting riders spend hundreds per trip on food, lodging, and gear. By placing high-quality, inclusive singletrack next to urban amenities, Johnson Park is poised to become a destination that supports small businesses and strengthens the talent story for employers. We outline the funding stack—per-foot build costs, a DNR grant for amenities, and an active campaign with the Kent County Parks Foundation to extend from six to eight miles—along with a summer 2026 target to bring the full experience online. Want to track progress, volunteer, or donate? We share exactly where to go for updates and trail days so you can be part of the build.

If this kind of connected, inclusive outdoor access matters to you, follow along, share the episode with a friend who rides, and leave a quick review so more neighbors discover the project. Your support helps us grow the miles—and the community that will ride them.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY

Want to see how small grants make big things happen? We sit down with Teresa from the Grandville Walker Foundation to unpack a simple, powerful model for local impact in Walker and Grandville. From funding a refrigerator that expands Senior Neighbors’ capacity at the Walker Center to backing a music garden near the library and exploring support for a Johnson Park-connected bike trail, these $500–$2,500 grants deliver real results you can visit, use, and feel.

We walk through exactly how the foundation works: two grant cycles per year, a clear focus on projects that directly benefit residents in Walker or Grandville, and a practical approach that helps nonprofits close funding gaps and get to “done.” Teresa shares what the board looks for—impact on a larger number of people, readiness to execute, and alignment with improving quality of life—and why early applications help the board collaborate with applicants and strengthen proposals. If you’re leading a local nonprofit or community initiative, you’ll get concrete guidance on preparing to apply and timing your request for the spring window.

We also talk funding and growth: how small donations, legacy gifts, and community fundraisers like a new 50/50 raffle fuel the foundation’s work, and why no gift is too small. Teresa opens up about her motivation to serve, the board’s low time commitment, and the skills that can make a difference right now—marketing, legal, outreach, and simple willingness to show up. Along the way, we highlight the power of placemaking: trails, parks, and gathering spaces that knit neighborhoods together and make daily life better.

If you care about local change, this conversation offers a roadmap. Learn where your project fits, how to give in a way that matters, and what it feels like to hand a check to neighbors doing vital work. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves community, and email us your thoughts or project ideas at podcast@walker.city.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY