Director of Public Space Management, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
Kimberly Van Driel is passionate about community activation through placemaking initiatives in her downtown of Grand Rapids, MI. As the Director of Public Space Management for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), she serves as a curator for her downtown through public art, décor, events, programming, and parks. By combining her love of art, events and planning she has been able to help create long lasting memories for citizens within her community. Her experience with place management and event planning utilizing tactical urbanism has led her to capture citizens who live, work, play, and visit the downtown by endorsing local creativity and talent. Through her work with community outreach, her team works with many local partners to highlight cultures and showcase diversity within the community to create inclusive activities for all that visit the downtown area. Kim is focused on empowering local artists, organizers, planners, and makers to get involved in the building of their downtown through their own placemaking initiatives help which help to strengthen our community’s connection with the city of Grand Rapids.