What is a County Commissioner?

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is the chief legislative and policy-making body of Kent County Government. Commissioners are elected to 2-year terms from districts roughly equal in population. 

• Approving a mission statement for the County.
• Adopting the Annual County Budget. This includes approving the annual budgets of other, independently elected County officials: the Clerk, the Drain Commissioner, Judges, the Prosecutor, and the Treasurer.
• Raising the money to fund the County's operations by levying property taxes, setting fees, selling bonds or borrowing.
• Appointing County residents to serve on various County boards, commissions, and committees which provide oversight for significant County Services.
• Selecting a County Administrator/Controller to supervise day-to-day operations of County departments.
• Determining the sites of County buildings, and purchasing or disposing of County-owned property and facilities.
• Representing the county, and managing its property and business by adopting rules, regulations, ordinances and policies.

You can find more information here: https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/BOC/.

Commissioner Brieve was first elected to represent the 10th District in November 2014. Emily has been consistently re-elected every two years since 2014. Commissioner Brieve has served and is currently serving on numerous boards, commissions and committees during her time on the Board of Commissioners. 

• Network180
• Community Health Advisory Committee, Chair
• Lead Task Force, Chair
• Convention Arena Authority Liasion
• Standing Rules Committee
• Judicial Resources Review Subcommittee
• Grand Rapids Public Museum Board
• Board of Commissioners Legislative & Human Resources Committee, Chair
• Board of Commissioners Finance & Physical Resources Committee, Chair
• West Michigan Sports Commission, Secretary
• Board of Public Works, Chair
• Gerald Ford International Airport Authority Board
• Board of Commissioners Executive Committee

(Bold font indicates where Emily is currently serving.)

The Kent County Board of Commissioners annually seeks (beginning in August) residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions and committees. Interested residents may view all current vacancies and apply online for appointment. Find out more information and apply here: https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/BOC/boards_committees.htm.