The Cultural Services Consolidation Committee (CSCC) was formed in the spring of 1984 by the Grand Rapids City Commission. The commission hired Bruce Robinson to serve as the CSCC's professional manager, and Charles McCallum was appointed chairman.

The goal of the CSCC was to consolidate the John Ball Zoo, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the city and county library systems, thereby providing county-wide support for these institutions. Prior to the formation of the CSCC, a Library Study Committee had already begun planning consolidation of the city and county library systems.

The rationale for consolidation was based, in part, on the steadily decreasing population of Grand Rapids, while the population of surrounding communities was rising. As a result, visitors to the zoo and museum were made up largely of non-city residents. The CSCC felt that Grand Rapids residents were paying more than their share of costs and could not meet the demands of improved service. Non-city residents had little or no voice in the governance of these institutions. Further, the city and county library systems duplicated services and it was felt that consolation could avoid some of this duplication.

On May 13, 1986, Kent County residents voted against the proposed $2.1 million millage, ending consolidation plans. CSCC supporters were both stunned and frustrated by the election's outcome. only 15% of the registered voters turned out to participate, of which 72% voted against the CSCC's proposal.