State Representative Stephen Wooden is serving his first term representing the 81st House District, which includes northeast Grand Rapids City, Ada Township, most of Grand Rapids Township and southern Plainfield Township. Prior to serving in the Legislature, he served as a Kent County Commissioner from 2019 to 2024. For six years, he worked with both sides of the aisle to protect children from lead poisoning, expand emergency mental health services and improve high-speed internet access for rural communities. Most notably, Stephen secured $17.5 million in federal relief money to establish the Kent County Affordable Housing Revolving Loan fund. This public-private partnership has now grown to $58.3 million. He worked for nearly a decade in the non-profit sector helping people save on their monthly bills, including seven years for Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, where he helped develop or renovate nearly 1,000 residences. He is an Eagle Scout from Troop 271.
