Statement from WMCAT

Since 2005, the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) has been committed to our vision of equitable access to opportunity. Central to this vision is a human-centered approach, which prioritizes the voices and lived experiences of WMCAT students, families, and the communities they are part of. Public Agency at WMCAT, launched in 2016, has been an extension of this approach. 

We are proud of what Public Agency at WMCAT has achieved over its nine-year tenure, leading and developing programs that engaged a diverse cross-section of community members to co-create, examine, and influence the systems in our city that affect us all. The work of Public Agency included leading the Kent County Food Policy Council in developing a system-wide food plan; hosting the Grand Rapids Justice and Governance Partnership; working with first-generation college students in partnership with the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship; and developing Community Catalysts, a program that engaged a diverse cross-section of community members to co-create, examine, and influence the systems in our city that affect us all; and countless other influential engagements. 

As of December 2025, Public Agency contracts transitioned to ConnectUS, the national consulting arm of KConnect. This transition supports the continuation of this work toward an equitable future through a trusted partner that shares our values and commitment to collective change. 

We are grateful to our partners, collaborators, and community members who shared in Public Agency’s impact, and we invite you to continue to connect with WMCAT through Workforce Development and Arts + Tech programs.