Kentwood, MI

Kentwood incorporated on its third attempt in 1967, using what remained of Paris Township to prevent further annexation by Grand Rapids and Wyoming. Plaster Creek and Paris were considered as names, but Paris was rejected because another Michigan community already used it. The Kent County city borders Grand Rapids to the northwest and ranked as the metropolitan area’s third-most-populous municipality when the 2020 census recorded 54,304 residents. Its government combines two roles: the mayor also serves as city manager, votes on the city commission, and presides over commission meetings. The Kentwood Branch Library opened beside City Hall on Breton Avenue in 2010. Wyoming borders the city to the west, Cascade Township to the east, and Gaines Township to the south.