Correspondence

This collection includes correspondence, campaign materials, and writings that document William “Bill” Blickley’s civic involvement and planning philosophy. Campaign materials, especially his position papers from his service as Third Ward City Commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids, provide insight into his political views, priorities, and values.

Materials describing the Blickley family’s research travel through Europe and West Africa offer detailed observations on housing, transportation, and other infrastructure systems that informed his approach to urban planning.

The collection also contains an essay by the late City Commissioner M. Howard Rienstra reflecting on his experience with terminal cancer, adding a personal perspective from a colleague in local government.