Kelsey Perdue is a City Commissioner representing Grand Rapids’ Third Ward and a public health leader committed to building fairer, people‑first systems that help communities thrive. Born and raised in Michigan, she is deeply rooted in the state and brings that lived understanding to her work every day.

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Kelsey approaches public service with practicality and care, guided by data, listening, and showing up consistently for the people she represents. Her work focuses on housing, economic development, public safety, and long‑term community health, with an emphasis on ensuring growth is shared and shaped by neighborhood needs.

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She believes local government works best when people are informed, connected, and engaged. As a commissioner, Kelsey prioritizes transparency and accountability—regularly sharing updates on what she’s working on, the decisions being made at City Hall, and the real challenges of navigating complex systems. She sees her role as both an advocate and a bridge‑builder, working across sectors and perspectives to move issues forward.

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Before serving in elected office, Kelsey led community health equity and policy efforts across Michigan, partnering with residents, nonprofits, health systems, and policymakers to address the root causes of inequity. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Howard University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Yale University.

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Kelsey is proud to call Grand Rapids home. Her commitment to the Third Ward—and to Michigan more broadly—is guided by a simple belief: leadership means doing the work, being honest about progress and setbacks, and staying close and committed to the people you serve.