Cedar Springs Launches New Civic Alert System

The City of Cedar Springs is making a thoughtful move to improve how it connects with residents through the launch of CivicReady, a new mass notification system designed to share important information when it matters most.

City Council approved the system in October 2025, and it officially went live on February 1, 2026. The program allows residents, as well as family members who care for loved ones in Cedar Springs, to opt in to receive alerts directly from the city. Notifications can include urgent emergency updates, along with general reminders and public meeting notices.

City Councilwoman Rose Powell said the need for a system like this became clear last year. In 2025, a communication error led to the city’s water tower being partially drained. At the time, Cedar Springs did not have a quick and reliable way to notify residents about the resulting Boil Water Advisory.

“I personally called everyone I knew,” Powell said. “This system where everyone can get a call or a text when something comes up will be nice.”

More recently, in January 2026, a water main break on 17 Mile Road in front of Independent Bank placed several businesses and nearby homes under a boil water advisory. City officials noted that situations like that put a spotlight on how helpful a community-wide notification system can be, especially when timely information is important.

“This is an easy tool,” City Manager Darla Falcon said. “If you have no other means of communication from the city, please use this. We want to keep our citizens informed.”

Residents who sign up can tailor their preferences, choosing which types of alerts they would like to receive. They may opt out at any time and select as many or as few categories as they wish.

While the city holds sole authority to issue alerts, Falcon said Cedar Springs is willing to coordinate with other agencies when appropriate. If the Kent County Sheriff’s Office or the Kent County Road Commission requests assistance in sharing information about a public safety concern or road closure, the city would work with them to help keep residents informed.

The initial cost to taxpayers for implementing CivicReady is $5,000. There is no cost for residents to enroll or receive notifications.

Those interested in signing up can visit the City of Cedar Springs website for additional information and enrollment details.