Grand Rapids city manager traveled extensively on taxpayer’s dime

Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington traveled to Belgium and various points in the United States in 2024 at a cost of $21,102, according to credit card receipts Michigan Capitol Confidential obtained through a records request.

In 2024 the city’s comptroller flagged some of Washington’s spending as irregular. Shortly thereafter, comptroller Max Frantz alleged in a December 2025 lawsuit, the city stripped him of 13 employees, many of his duties, and $1.3 million in funding.

While in Belgium, Washington stayed at Duke’s Palace, a five-star hotel, to attend the International City/County Management’s Association’s Global Exchange in May 2024. He spent $2,888 on the Belgian trip.

The 8,000-mile-round trip benefited the city, a Grand Rapids spokesman told CapCon.

“City Manager Mark Washington traveled to Belgium in May 2024 as part of the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Global Exchange, undertaken in his role as an appointed member of ICMA’s Global Engagement Committee,” Steve Guitar told CapCon in an email. “The exchange focused on pedestrian and transit solutions, urban innovation, and emerging technologies, including participation in a European AI summit.”

The ICMA covered Washington’s conference registration fees, Guitar said. The conference itinerary included meetings with officials from Bruges and other Belgian municipalities, he added. The information Washington learned will help Grand Rapids create policies that involve mobility, technology and urban development, he said.

“Sub‑national diplomacy is a priority for Grand Rapids, reflected in programs such as Sister Cities,” said Guitar. “Participation in ICMA exchanges strengthens global partnerships that inform local policy and service improvements. ICMA set the itinerary and lodging for the delegation, in which Mr. Washington represented Grand Rapids and the Midwest region. In accordance with ICMA’s program guidelines, participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and related expenses under their employer’s policies. Total cost to the City for the Belgium exchange was $2,888. Average lodging cost per night was $170, which is comparable to the cost of mid-range business hotels in the U.S.”

Belgium was not the only destination Washington visited. He used the city credit card to spend $21,102 across 73 transactions. Most of the expense was for flights and hotels.

He traveled to Austin, Houston, and Fort Worth, Texas; Indian Wells, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Mackinac Island; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; New Jersey; and Washington, D.C.

Washington also paid fees to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Michigan Municipal League, and parking and rental car fees, according to 12 months of credit card records embedded below.

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in the state. If you know of stories that deserve more sunlight, please send your suggestions, along with supporting documents, to micapcon@mackinac.org.

Mwashington's Feb24 PCard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's March24 PCard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

 

 

Mwashington's April24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

 

Mwashington's May24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

 

Mwashington's June24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

 

Mwashington's July 24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's August24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's September 24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's October 24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's November 24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen

Mwashington's December 24 Pcard Statement-Redacted by mcclallen