City of Wyoming Officially Rejoins the Grand Valley Metro Council

March 3, 2005 was a historic day for the Grand Valley Metro Council as the City of Wyoming officially rejoined Michigan 's second largest transportation and land use planning organization. As representatives from Kent and Ottawa Counties and 30 other Grand Rapids area communities applauded, Wyoming Councilmembers William Ver Hulst and Jack Poll were officially sworn-in and welcomed as Wyoming 's representatives to the GVMC Board.

A founding member of the Grand Valley Metro Council in 1990, Wyoming voted to withdraw from the GVMC in 1991 over unfounded fears that the city would lose its home rule autonomy. On Monday December 6, 2004 , the Wyoming City Council voted 6-1 to rejoin the Grand Valley Metro Council, following poignant remarks of support by Walker Mayor Rob VerHeulen, Kentwood Mayor Rick Root, Kent County Commissioners Jack Boelema and Harold Mast, together with the reassuring presence of Grand Rapids City Manager, Kurt Kimball and former Byron Township Supervisor Larry Silvernail.

Following the swearing-in ceremony on March 3, GVMC Chair and Grandville Mayor James Buck praised the vote by Wyoming Council members, calling it a significant, positive move for the Grand Rapids Metropolitan area. 

“I'm absolutely delighted that Wyoming has voted to rejoin our family of communities at the Metro Council, Buck said. “Their membership energizes us and gives our region another strong and valued voice for good government. The City of Wyoming 's involvement, voice and votes on the Metro Council will further strengthen our collaborative effort to find common ground to solve some of the most vexing problems that our region has ever faced.” 

Kent County Chief Deputy Clerk Sonya Dean administers the GVMC oath of office to (L-R) Plainfield Township Supervisor George Meek and Wyoming Councilmembers William Ver Hulst and Jack Poll during the GVMC 's March 3, 2005 Board meeting at the Kent County Commission Chambers.