City Credit Card Receipts Show Extensive Trip Itinerary

GRAND RAPIDS — Credit card receipts show that Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington spent more than $17,000 on the city card in 2024, with an additional $2,888 charged for a trip to Belgium.

According to records obtained by Michigan Capitol Confidential through a records request, Washington traveled to Belgium and various points in the United States during 2024 at a total cost of $21,102.

The city comptroller previously flagged some of Washington's spending as irregular in 2024. Shortly after, comptroller Max Frantz alleged in a December 2025 lawsuit that the city stripped him of 13 employees, many of his duties, and $1.3 million in funding.

Belgium Trip Details

While in Belgium, Washington stayed at Duke's Palace, a five-star hotel, to attend the International City/County Management's Association's Global Exchange in May 2024. He spent $2,888 on the Belgian trip.

A Grand Rapids spokesman defended the expense. "City Manager Mark Washington traveled to Belgium in May 2024 as part of the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) Global Exchange, undertaken in his role as an appointed member of ICMA's Global Engagement Committee," Steve Guitar told CapCon in an email.

"The exchange focused on pedestrian and transit solutions, urban innovation, and emerging technologies, including participation in a European AI summit."

The ICMA covered Washington's conference registration fees, Guitar said. The conference itinerary included meetings with officials from Bruges and other Belgian municipalities.

"The information Washington learned will help Grand Rapids create policies that involve mobility, technology and urban development," the city official explained.

ICMA Program Guidelines

Guitar emphasized the importance of global partnerships. "Sub-national diplomacy is a priority for Grand Rapids, reflected in programs such as Sister Cities," he said. "Participation in ICMA exchanges strengthens global partnerships that inform local policy and service improvements."

"ICMA set the itinerary and lodging for the delegation, in which Mr. Washington represented Grand Rapids and the Midwest region. In accordance with ICMA's program guidelines, participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and related expenses under their employer's policies."

Total cost to the City for the Belgium exchange was $2,888. Average lodging cost per night was $170, which is comparable to the cost of mid-range business hotels in the U.S.

Domestic Travel

Belgium was not the only destination Washington visited. He spent $17,206.81 with the city card, much of it for flights and hotels.

Records show Washington traveled to:

• Austin and Houston, Texas
• Indian Wells, California
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Mackinac Island
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Washington, D.C.

Washington also paid fees to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Michigan Municipal League, and parking and rental car fees, according to 12 months of credit card records.

Correction

An earlier version of this story misstated Washington's travel expenses as $21,102. It also incorrectly stated that Washington traveled to Fort Worth, which he did not. CapCon regrets the error.

Context: Ongoing Comptroller Lawsuit

The travel expense disclosure comes amid ongoing litigation between the city and former comptroller Max Frantz. In December 2025, Frantz filed a lawsuit alleging that the city stripped him of 13 employees, many of his duties, and $1.3 million in funding.

Frantz had previously raised concerns about city spending, including the travel expenses of City Manager Mark Washington.

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in the state. The city manager's role involves overseeing municipal operations, budget management, and implementing the mayor's policy agenda.