Morning Matters: Conversation with Rep. Stephen Wooden

About Rep. Stephen Wooden

Rep. Wooden represents the 81st House District, which includes northeast Grand Rapids City, Ada Township, most of Grand Rapids Township and southern Plainfield Township. Before joining the Legislature, he served as a Kent County Commissioner from 2019 to 2024, where he worked across party lines on issues affecting children and families.

His legislative priorities include bringing down the cost of essentials like housing, childcare, and prescription drugs. Rep. Wooden has extensive experience in community development, having worked for seven years with Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, where he helped develop or renovate nearly 1,000 affordable residences. As a Kent County Commissioner, he secured $17.5 million in federal relief money to establish the Kent County Affordable Housing Revolving Loan fund, which has since grown to $58.3 million.