Grand Rapids City Comptroller · 2026
Dave Bulkowski
Working for accountability, transparency, and the people of Grand Rapids.
A community organizer and attorney who has spent three decades working for more accessible, inclusive neighborhoods. Now he wants to be the city's independent watchdog over how Grand Rapids spends public money.
Endorsed by
- David LaGrand Mayor of Grand Rapids
- Rosalynn Bliss Former Mayor of Grand Rapids
- Melinda Ysasi Grand Rapids City Commissioner
- Jon O’Connor Former Grand Rapids City Commissioner
- Kent County Democratic Party Party endorsement
A quick word
“I'm running for City Comptroller to do the core job well, and then to open it up: more participatory budgeting, and a clearer picture for residents of what the City pays for and what we get back.”
Dave Bulkowski
Priorities
Four commitments for a more accountable city.
Do the core job well
Carry out the audits and oversight the city charter asks of the Comptroller, the office that keeps an independent eye on city finances.
Expand participatory budgeting
Give residents a direct hand in how their tax dollars get spent across Grand Rapids.
Transparency and ROI
Help residents see what the City pays for, and what it gets back from tax credits and other funding tools.
Experience and accessibility
A seasoned civic leader and lifelong advocate for accessible, inclusive communities. Experience matters.
Know the office
What does the Comptroller actually do?
The elected City Comptroller is the city's chief auditing and accounting officer. It's an independent watchdog role: auditing departments, keeping the books, and reporting back to residents. The whole point of the office is transparency. That's the job Dave wants to do.
- Independent financial oversight of every city department
- Internal audits and sound financial controls
- Accounts payable, payroll, and accounting operations
- Monthly and annual financial reporting to residents
30+
years of community service
5
terms on the Kent County Commission
2000
leading Disability Advocates of Kent County
Join the campaign.
Pitch in, lend your name, or chip in what you can. Every bit helps build a more transparent, accountable Grand Rapids.