Annual Reports 2024 Annual Report

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Annual Report
JAN UARY 2 0 24 - DECEMBER 2 024




    933 Terrace Street | Muskegon, Michigan | shorelinecity.com
AB O U T
City of
Muskegon
The City of Muskegon
is proud to highlight the
dedicated leadership of our
City Commissioners, each
bringing valuable expertise
                                       P R O U D TO B E YO U R
and insight to the table.
Together with the mayor and            City Commissioners
six City Commissioners, they
guide our city’s direction,                          Ken Johnson
making important decisions                           Mayor
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2025
that shape the future of our                         Email: ken.johnson@shorelinecity.com
vibrant community.
                                                     Rebecca St Clair
                                                     Vice Mayor, At-Large Commissioner
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2025
                                                     Email: rebecca.stclair@shorelinecity.com


                                                     Rachel Gorman
                                                     At-Large Commissioner
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2025
                                                     Email: rachel.gorman@shorelinecity.com


                                                     Jay Kilgo
                                                     Ward 1 Commissioner
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2027
                                                     Email: jay.kilgo@shorelinecity.com


                                                     Willie German, Jr
                                                     Ward 2 Commissioner
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2027
                                                     Email: willie.german@shorelinecity.com

Managing Muskegon                                    Destinee Keener
The Commission works hand-                           Ward 3 Commissioner
in-hand with our City Manager,                       Current term expires 12/31/2027
who oversees the day-to-                             Email: destinee.keener@shorelinecity.com
day operations of Muskegon,
collaborating with four divisions to
                                                     Katrina Kochin
manage a $108 million budget and
                                                     Ward 4 Commissioner
a dedicated team of 240 full-time
                                                     Current term expires 12/31/2027
and 30 part-time employees.
                                                     Email: katrina.kochin@shorelinecity.com
2
Division & Department Heads

   MANAG E R ’ S O F F I CE                                               PU B L I C SAF E TY D IVI S I O N
   Jonathan Seyferth City Manager                                         Timothy Kozal Director of Public Safety
   LeighAnn Mikesell Deputy City Manager                                  Andrew Rush Patrol Captain
   Peter Wills Director of Strategic Operations                           Jay Paulson Deputy Fire Chief
   Deborah Santiago-Sweet Community Engagement Manager
                                                                          Kim Spittler Chief Building Official
   Melissa Clark Human Resources Analyst
                                                                          Scott Zonnebelt Administrative Captain
                                                                          Tim Bahorski Investigations Captain
   D EVE L O P M E N T S E RVI CES D IVI S I O N
   Jake Eckholm Director of Development Services
                                                                          PU B L I C W O R KS D IVI S I O N
   Mike Franzak Planning Director
                                                                          Dan VanderHeide Director of Public Works
   Sharonda Carson Community & Neighborhood Services Director
                                                                          Todd Myers Deputy Director of Public Works
                                                                          Kyle Karczewski Parks & Recreation Director
   F I NAN CE & AD M I N I ST RAT I O N D IVI S I O N                     Joe Buthker Public Works Superintendent
   Ken Grant Director of Finance & Administration                         Jacqui Erny Financial & Administrative Services Superintendent
   Jessica Rabe Assistant Finance Director                                Josh Parmer Water Plant Superintendent
   Ann Meisch City Clerk
   Dwana Thompson EEO & Employee Relations Director
   Jake Laime Arena Director
   Jason Boes Information Technology Director
   Peggy Thorsen Income Tax Administrator
   Sarah Wilson City Treasurer




Campbell Park Pop-Up Party 2024                                        4th of July Fireworks 2024




Boards & Committees
In addition to our leadership team, Muskegon is fortunate to have an incredible network of community members
serving on 21 boards and committees. These boards play a critical role in shaping our city’s policies and initiatives, and
we are always accepting new applications for those eager to make an impact. We extend our deepest gratitude to the
many volunteers who generously dedicated hundreds of hours in 2024 to make Muskegon a better place for all. Your
contributions continue to inspire and strengthen our community!

  Citizen’s Police Review Board                     Tax Increment Finance Authority                 Lakeside Business Improvement District
  Civil Service Commission                          Election Commission                             Local Development Finance Authority
  Community Development Block Grant/                Equal Opportunity Committee                     Local Officer’s Compensation Commission
  Citizen’s District Council                        Farmers Market Advisory Board                   Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
  Construction Code Board of Appeals                Historic District Commission                    Planning Commission
  District Library Board                            Housing Code Board of Appeals                   Zoning Board of Appeals
  Downtown Development Authority                    Housing Commission
  Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board          Income Tax Board of Review
                                                                                                                                              3
F R O M T H E O F F I CE O F
The City Manager
Dear Community Members,
As we reflect on 2024, I’m excited to share the progress we’ve made toward achieving our long-term goals for
the City of Muskegon as set by the City Commission. These goals serve as our guiding principles, steering our
collective efforts to create a thriving, welcoming community for all. I’m continually inspired by the dedication
of our city team. Every day, they work hard to provide exceptional service to residents, businesses, and visitors,
ensuring Muskegon continues to grow as a vibrant destination.


                                                            This year, we’ve advanced our vision for Muskegon as
                                                            a community known for its remarkable quality of life.
                                                            We’ve invested in parks, recreational programs, and
                                                            public spaces that enhance daily life for residents
                                                            while drawing in visitors who contribute to our local
                                                            economy (read more on page 6).

                                                            We’ve also focused on expanding economic
                                                            opportunities and housing access. By supporting
                                                            diverse business growth, increasing attainable housing
                                                            options, and fostering pathways to homeownership,
                                                            we’re building a stronger foundation for all Muskegon
                                                            residents (read more on pages 8-9).

                                                            Strengthening the connection between local
                                                            government and the community is at the heart
                                                            of what we do. Through clearer, more accessible
                                                            communication and active engagement opportunities,
                                                            we’ve made it easier for everyone to share their voice
                                                            and stay informed. This transparency helps foster trust
                                                            and collaboration, ensuring we grow together (read
                                                            more on pages 10-11).

Finally, we’ve taken steps to secure Muskegon’s long-
term financial sustainability by looking several fiscal
years into the future to model how past obligations and
future needs balance out. This project will be ongoing as
legacy costs and non-general fund expenditures impact
general fund expenses. It is a manageable challenge. By
                                                            Sincerely,
supporting economic development investment, investing
in housing, and supporting innovative projects, staff and
elected officials ensure that a wide range of revenue
streams support government operations (for more on
   revenues, see page 12).

             Together, we’re building a brighter future
               for Muskegon—one marked by progress,
                 resilience, and pride in our shared
                   community. On behalf of the entire
                     City of Muskegon team, thank
                       you for your continued trust,
                                                            Jonathan Seyferth, icma-cm
                                                            City Manager
                        engagement, and support.

4
2024 Service Awards Ceremony




Service Awards
202 4 S H O U TO U TS
A special thank you to all city staff for their dedication and hard work in serving the Muskegon community. Your
efforts truly make a difference. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 service award honorees
for their many years of service.




5
                        Mason Adkins (POL)          Joshua Eaton (POL)         Ambur Lenartowicz (FIN)        Samuel Schmitt (FIR)

                        Steven Chartier (FIR)       Jacob Eckholm (PLN)        Cory McCleary (WSM)            Adam Tiefenbach (FIR)

                        Teairra Clark (PKS)         Jordan Grabinski (FIR)     Hayden Nickell (FIN)           Alex Vanderwall (POL)

                        Devon DeVries (FIR)         Jennie Griswold (INC TX)   Donald Nunez (HWY)             Ryan VanNett (PKS)

                        Jason Dionne (FIR)          Jason Hruskach (FIR)       Samantha Pastoor (FIR)         Kyle Visser (FIR)

                        Daniel Duffy (FIR)          Jeffery Klochack (HWY)     James Petrie (FIL)             Peter Wills (MGR)

                        Jacob Dyer (FIR)            Todd Laisure (PKS)         Justin Prowant (PKS)




10                                                                             15
                        Logan Anderson (POL)     James Farrar (WSM)
                                                                                                    Phillip Dill (POL)
                        Joseph Buthker (DPW)     Peggy Straley (INC TX)
                                                                                                    Scott Liskey (POL)
                        Troy Edmondson (FIR)




25                      Edward Peabody (FIL)

                        Charles Tazelaar (PKS)
                                                 Michael Vandermolen (IT)

                                                 Terees Williams (PSB)



                                                                                                                                      5
                                                                           Destination
                                                                           Community
                                                                           & Q UAL I TY O F L I F E
                                                                           Aligned with Muskegon’s 2027 Goal to
                                                                           enhance quality of life and create a destination
                                                                           community, 2024 brought key investments
                                                                           in parks, public safety, and community
                                                                           partnerships. Highlights include master planning
                                                                           for major parks, the launch of the Park Ranger
                                                                           Program, Police Department re-accreditation,
                                                                           and new initiatives to reduce homelessness and
                                                                           support student career readiness. These efforts
                                                                           reflect Muskegon’s commitment to improving
                                                                           amenities, strengthening safety, and fostering
                                                                           community well-being.
                                                Campbell Field Master
                                                  Park Planning 2024




Parks & Recreation Impact
                                                                                                                                                    C




2024 saw the completion of master planning for Kruse
Park, Richards Park, McGraft Park, Campbell Field, and
Hartshorn Marina. Future enhancements are already
underway with secured funding for a new Smith-
Ryerson Playground, the expansion of Wi-Fi access,
and bathroom upgrades.                                                                                           McGraft Park Concert Series 2024



                                                                         The recreation team supported beloved events such
                                                                         as Taste of Muskegon, Lakeshore Art Festival, Tree
                                                                         Lighting Ceremony, and the McGraft Park Summer
                                                                         Concert Series while introducing exciting new
                                                                         programs: Senior Programming, Youth Sports Camps,
                                                                         and Neighborhood Game Nights.




                                                                             “We had no idea that grocery
                          New playground installed at St. Joesph Park.        bingo would be such a hit!”
                                                                                   — Kyle Karczewski, Parks & Recreation Director

Exciting new playgrounds at five locations, including
Margaret Drake Elliott Park and McCrea Playfield, with
a total investment of $840,691. Key upgrades include
                                                                         Launched in 2024, the Park Ranger Program helped
beach steps at Kruse Park, a new baseball field at
                                                                         improve park safety and cleanliness. Hiring is underway
McCrea, and a fully renovated Downtown Splash Pad.
                                                                         for the 2025 ranger positions.
6
         Addressing Unhoused Population
         & Supporting Education
         Homelessness Outreach & Strategy
         In 2024, we initiated focused efforts to support
         Muskegon’s unhoused residents. Inspired by outreach
         to the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team in
         Vancouver, WA, we established an internal team to
         improve housing options and reduce homelessness. The
         first step involves gathering data and engaging with local
         service agencies. In 2025, we plan to form a regional core
         team of service providers to strengthen collaboration and
         create long-term solutions.

         Strengthening Career Readiness in Education
         We are collaborating with Muskegon Public Schools
         and community partners to develop an educational
         model that prioritizes career readiness.
         The goal is to ensure all students
         graduate with practical skills and real
         pathways for future success.




Charles Hackley Middle School




         Lead Service Line Replacement
         Program Progress                                                   Pop-Up Party in McLaughlin 2024



         In 2024, we made great progress replacing lead service
         lines to ensure safe drinking water for our community.                 Re-Accredited in 2024
         This work aligns with the new Lead and Copper Rule
         Improvements (LCRI), effective October 8, 2024, which                  The Muskegon Police Department was re-
         sets stricter water system standards nationwide. The                   accredited by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of
         rule requires replacing all lead pipes by 2037 and                     Police, reaffirming its commitment to the highest
         introduces tougher testing. In addition to replacing                   professional standards.
         1,708 lines, we achieved:

            Interactive Map                                                     WHY ACCR E D I TAT I O N MAT T E RS
            Launched an online map to track progress and check your home.
                                                                                   Strengthens Public Trust
            Annual Notices
            Sent residents their second letter about lead service lines.           Reduces Liability

            Door Hangers                                                           Ensures Policy Compliance
            Distributed easy-to-understand
            door hangers for homes with lead
            service line work.
                                                                                Standing Out in Michigan
            Water Filtration Video                                              Out of 588 law enforcement agencies in Michigan,
            Educated the public on our water                                    only 87 are accredited—including Muskegon and
            filtration process.                                                 Norton Shores in Muskegon County. Re-accreditation
                                                                                occurs every three years, reinforcing our dedication to
            Service Line Fees
            New water fees, plus state and federal                              community-focused, accountable policing.
            grants, are funding this program.
                                                                                                                                      7
Economic                                                                                       Zoning Reform Approved

Development                                                                                    After five years of planning, new zoning reforms were
                                                                                               passed to expand housing options and affordability.


H O U S I N G & BU S I N ES S                                                                  K EY CHAN G ES I N CLU D E :

                                                                                                      Allowing smaller lots for new single-family homes by
                                                                                                      amending zoning districts to match current area and
In 2024, Muskegon made significant strides in                                                         bulk requirements;
advancing economic development, increasing
                                                                                                      Permitting multi-unit homes of up to three units in
housing diversity, and enhancing business                                                             residential neighborhoods;
opportunities. Key initiatives focused on zoning                                                      Simplifying design standards to make it easier to add
reform, housing development, and commercial                                                           units to existing homes; and
investment, all aimed at fostering a vibrant,                                                         Reducing parking requirements from two spaces to
inclusive community where residents and                                                               one per new unit. These changes aim to increase
                                                                                                      housing availability and affordability, reflecting resident
businesses can thrive.                                                                                feedback and best practices in urban planning.




Infill Housing Program Continues
In 2024, 15 new infill homes were completed by the city,
contributing to neighborhood revitalization and affordable
homeownership.

Since 2019, the program has delivered a total of 212 new
homes, providing high-quality, attainable housing options
and helping stabilize neighborhoods.

This data underscores the program’s effectiveness in
not only delivering city-built homes but also in attracting
significant private development, amplifying its impact on
Muskegon’s housing landscape.


Completed Infill Housing Projects
O N C I T Y OWN E D LOT S (2019–202 4)




            2
            31




New infill homes on Leonard Avenue, completed in 2024 through the Brownfield Infill Housing Program




8
In Progress Housing Developments
In 2024, the Muskegon community saw notable progress in expanding housing options, from
market-rate developments to projects supporting affordable housing through Low-Income Housing
Tax Credits (LIHTC). These projects aim to meet diverse community needs while contributing to
Muskegon’s growth.

At the end of 2024, the city is halfway through its 2023-2027 housing study period and has achieved
51% of its housing gap goal—adding 1,518 of the 2,924 units needed. These efforts reflect Muskegon’s
commitment to ensuring accessible and diverse housing options for all residents.



In Progress Market-Rate                            These site-approved projects will add a mix of rental, owner-occupied,
                                                   and commercial spaces—supporting Muskegon’s economic vitality and
Developments                                       housing diversity.

S I T E P L AN AP P R OVE D H O U S I N G D EVE L O P M E N TS




ADELAIDE POINTE     MIDTOWN CENTER     LAKEVIEW LOFTS II     CEN T RAL PAR K          T H E S HAW          T H E D O CKS
                                                              APART M EN TS                                                    SAP P I S I T E
  EST COMP LETION    EST COMP LETION    EST COMP LETION                            EST COMPLETION         EST COMPLETION      EST COMP LETION
                                                              EST COMPLETION
  June 2025             2026             Fall 2026          January 2027                2028                 2030+               2030+
   # OF UNITS         # OF UNITS         # OF UNITS             # OF UNITS          # OF UNITS             # OF UNITS          # OF UNITS
       55                 65                   64                  144                  600                   240                 2,317
    RENTALS            RENTALS              RENTALS              RENTALS              RENTALS               RENTALS             RENTALS
        0                 65                   64                  144                  432                     0                  TBD
     OWNED              OWNED               OWNED                  OWNED               OWNED                 OWNED               OWNED
       55                  0                   0                    0                   168                   240                  TBD
COMMERCIAL SQFT     COMMERCIAL SQFT    COMMERCIAL SQFT       COMMERCIAL SQFT      COMMERCIAL SQFT        COMMERCIAL SQFT     COMMERCIAL SQFT
   350,000             11,000               3,000                    0                25,000                 4,000             >197,000




Expanding Access to                                   Commercial & Industrial Developments
Affordable Housing
                                                      In 2024, Muskegon advanced several key commercial and industrial
Four new Low-Income Housing Tax Credit                projects, strengthening local job creation and enhancing economic vitality.
(LIHTC) developments will bring 193                   These developments represent significant capital investment and new
high-quality, affordable housing units to             opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Muskegon by 2026. Amity Commons, Allen
Crossing, Lofts of Muskegon, and Nelson
Apartments (former school) all received
LIHTC awards in 2024.

LIHTC is a competitive federal program                New & Ongoing Commercial/Industrial Projects
administered by the state, where tax credits
                                                                                       # of Jobs                Capital        Est
are awarded to developers. These credits              Development Name
                                                                                       Created/Retained         investment     Completion
are then sold to investors to help finance
the construction of affordable housing,               Forming Technologies Facility             100                 $25M            2026
reducing overall development costs.                   Hackley Castle Hotel                          40              $15M            2026

These projects reflect the city’s ongoing             Core Plaza                                150                  $9M            2025
commitment to expanding housing                       Trilogy Senior Living                     125                 $25M            2024
options and enhancing the quality of life
                                                      Element by Marriott Hotel                     50              $31M            2026
for residents.
                                                                                                                                                 9
Community
CO N N ECT I O N
In 2024, the City of Muskegon continued to build stronger connections with
residents, workers, business owners, and visitors through a variety of initiatives
that foster communication, increase opportunities for input, and strengthen
relationships. The community’s voice has remained central in shaping the
city’s efforts.




                                                     New City Branding
                                                     In 2024 Muskegon approved a new city brand developed
                                                     with significant community involvement. Over 70 hours
                                                     of engagement reached 1,206 participants, gathering
                                                     valuable feedback from residents, city staff, and students.
                                                     This process resulted in a vibrant visual identity that
                                                     represents Muskegon’s unique community. The brand
                                                     symbolizes the city as a collective of diverse people, ideas,
                                                     and lifestyles, creating something extraordinary together.
                                                     The new brand can be seen on city equipment, vehicles,
     Entrance doors to City Hall
                                                     signage, and at public events where branded swag is
                                                     distributed. Read the brand story on the back cover.
10
                                                                 CO N N ECT M U S K EG O N                                 2 024
                                                                 Newsletter                                                NEWS L E T TER STATS

                                                                 The monthly Connect Muskegon email newsletter             P R INT
                                                                 provides residents with important updates,
                                                                 services, events, and features from across the city.
                                                                                                                           48,000
                                                                                                                           Addressed & Mailed
                                                                 This communication tool continues to be a key
                                                                 resource for keeping residents informed.                  EMAIL

                                                                 In addition to the email newsletter, the print            19,958
                                                                 newsletter is mailed out to all city residents twice      E-Newsletters Sent
                                                                 a year. This printed edition has recently received a
                                                                 face lift to better align with our city’s more engaging   49.6% 18%
                                                                 and dynamic branding.                                     Avg Open Rate   Avg Click Thru




                                                                                       Manager’s Monthly Memo
                                                                                       Jonathan, the City Manager, engaged with the
                                                                                       community through a monthly video and email update.
                                                                                       These provide highlights from senior staff and updates on
                                                                                       important city initiatives.


                                                                                       Commission Highlights
                                                                                       A bi-monthly email digest summarizes the most recent city
Presidential Election Turnout                                                          commission meetings, making it easy for residents to stay
                                                                                       informed about key decisions via email or on social media.
In the 2024 presidential election 15,380 ballots were cast,
resulting in a voter turnout of 53.22% for the City of Muskegon.
                                                                                       Community Engagement Hub
City of Muskegon Voter Turnout Percentages                                             We continued to launch project-specific pages on
P R E S I D E N T I A L E L ECT I O N (20 12 – 20 2 4)                                 Connect Muskegon to boost awareness and transparency
                                                                                       around important city projects, further engaging the
                                                                                       community in city planning and development.
                             56.35%
                                                    53.53%             53.22%
       50.65%
                                                                                       In-Person Community
                                                                                       Engagement
                                                                                       The city hosted 28 in-person community engagement
                                                                                       events in 2024, ranging from park planning sessions to
                                                                                       zoning reform meetings, to utility and road construction
                                                                                       open houses. These events brought residents together to
                                                                                       share feedback and stay informed on major city projects.
        2012                   2016                     2020            2024




               National Night Out in Marsh Field 2024


                                                               National Night Out
                                                               In August, the city hosted its first city-wide National Night Out at Marsh Field, with
                                                               over 600 residents who enjoyed activities, music, food, and access to community
                                                               resources. The event, featuring a home run derby with police and firefighters, was
                                                               a hit, and residents are excited to continue the tradition next year.
                                                                                                                                                       11
Financial
I N F RAST R U CT U R E
In 2024, the City of Muskegon made key progress in strengthening its financial infrastructure,
focusing on revenue growth, improved financial practices, and sustainable investments. Efforts like
enhancing income tax collections and addressing infrastructure needs have set a strong foundation
for future growth and fiscal sustainability.

Annual Income & Property Tax Collections
F Y AU D I T E N D I N G J U N E 30, 202 4 (2018–202 4)




Income Tax Collections                                        BS&A Cloud Transition
Over the past four years, income tax collections have         We began transitioning our financial systems to the
shown a strong upward trend, reflecting improvements in       BS&A Cloud, moving from the previous desktop version.
the tax filing process and efforts to assist taxpayers. See   This upgrade was made with the goal of improving user
the trend on the chart above.                                 experience and streamlining processes for the team
                                                              members who rely on the system daily. The cloud-
From 2021 to 2024, income tax collections grew by 31%,        based platform is designed to enhance accessibility,
increasing by nearly $3 million due to staff’s renewed        efficiency, and functionality within the city’s financial
efforts targeting delinquent payers and helping taxpayers     operations, supporting a more modern and responsive
file accurately and on time.                                  approach moving forward.
12
Public Safety                                                                                                  Police Department Trends
                                                                                                               Part 1 vs. Part 2 Crime Trends (2019–2024)
I M PACT                                                                                                       Over the past five years, the overall crime trend in
                                                                                                               Muskegon shows a 9% decrease in serious crimes
                                                                                                               (Part 1). However, non-serious crimes (Part 2) have
                                                                                                               increased by 16%. This suggests progress in reducing
Fire Department Trends                                                                                         more severe criminal activity while seeing a rise in
                                                                                                               less severe offenses.
Fire Department Calls in 2024
The total number of fire department calls increased in                                                         Part 1 vs. Part 2 Crime
2024, reaching 2,324 calls, up from 1,930 in 2023. This                                                        T R E N D S (2019–202 4)
represents a 20% increase in fire-related incidents,
marking a notable uptick in the department’s response to
fire emergencies.


Non-Medical Fire Calls
BY T YP E (2019–202 4)


                                                                                                   2,324

                                                                                 1,930
                                                                                                               Part 1 crimes are serious felonies. Part 2 crimes are non-serious felonies and misdemeanors.
                                                               1,657
           1,518                              1,536                                                            Examples of Part 2 crimes: Damage to Property, Non-Aggravated Assault, Retail Fraud,
                            1,349                                                                              Obstruction of Justice, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Trespassing.


                                                                                                               Serious Felonies
                                                                                                               BY T YP E (2019–202 4)



                                                                                                                        1,669
Live Fire: Structure, cooking, appliance, vehicle, and brush fires.
Hazards: Power line down, gas leaks, hazardous material spills, and vehicle accidents.                                                 1,422
                                                                                                                                                                    1,295          1,321
Service: Assistance calls including lift assists, locked-out situations, stuck elevators, and illegal burns.                                                                                      1,210
False Alarm: Smoke and fire false alarms.
Other: Cancellations while en route and miscellaneous calls.                                                                                          871




Medical Calls in 2024
Although fire calls saw a significant increase, medical
calls remained relatively stable, with 3,720 calls in 2024,
slightly down from 3,898 in 2023. While the total number of
medical calls has fluctuated over the years, it continues to
                                                                                                               Traffic Stops vs. Citations Issued
outnumber fire calls by a substantial margin.
                                                                                                               (201 4–202 4)


Historic Fire Department Calls
M E D I CA L VS . N O N - M E D I CA L (2019–202 4)




                                                                                                               Traffic stops in 2024 fell by 27.5% compared to 2023,
                                                                                                               an effect of the June roll out of a new operating
                                                                                                               system. As officers adapted to the upgraded
                                                                                                               technology, self-initiated activity slowed. Traffic
                                                                                                               citations also dropped by 34.4%, reflecting this
                                                                                                               transition period.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          13
Fun Facts
                                                                                                                         City-wide

CI TY-WI D E


                                                                                                                         Neighborhood Association Meetings
                                                                                                                         16 staff members rotated through
                                                                                                                         visiting each of the 15 neighborhood
                                                                                                                         association meetings, strengthening
                                                                                                                         relationships between city staff and
                                                                                                                         community leaders!




                                                       Firefighters handing out candy in Glenside to Trick or Treaters
                                                                                                     Halloween 2024
                                                                                                                         The Portal by Lee S. Brown, Downtown Muskegon




                                                                                                                         The Portal
                                                                                                                         A 45-foot circle of Corten steel
                                                                                                                         designed by local artist Lee S. Brown,
                                                                                                                         was installed along Shoreline Drive in
                                                                                                                         September 2024.
            Sharonda Carson winning the SHADES of                                       Emily Morgenstern accepting
     Excellence Professional of Color Award for 2024                                        Future 15 Award for 2024
                                                                                                                         Green Muskegon
                                                                                                                         Muskegon achieved Gold
FOIA Requests                                                                                                            Certification in the Michigan Green
(2020–202 4)                                                                                                             Communities Challenge in 2024,
                                                                                                                         recognizing the city’s ongoing
                                                                                                                         commitment to sustainability and
                                                                                                                         environmental responsibility.



                                                                                                                                                                         Dave Bailey standing
                                                                                                                                                                          with planted Maple




14
                                                Development                              Public Safety
                                                Services

                                                197                                      Sponsored nine Police Recruits to
                                                Through the adopt-a-lot                  attend the Grand Valley State University
                                                program, 197 vacant lots were            and Grand Rapids Community College
                                                adopted in 2024.                         Police Academies.


                                                170+                                     410
                                                More than 170 homes were                 410 Fire or Carbon Monoxide
                                                helped with home repairs by the          Alarms Installed
                                                CNS Department.

                                                                                         71                  187
                                                1,500+                                   Fire                Detective
                                                There are 1,500+ new housing             Investigations      Bureau Cases
                                                units in development—building a          Complete            Closed
                                                stronger Muskegon for all.

                                                The historic Nelson House was            9,992
                                Nelson House
                                                saved by the city- moving from the       Building & Inspections Permits Processed
                            moving down Third
                                  Street 2024   demolition site to Muskegon Ave.
                                                                                         $108m
                                                                                         in new construction projects processed
    Public Works                                                                         through Building & Inspections

    Parks & Recreation
    Revitalizing Recreation: Major upgrades at four key park locations.                  15,092hrs
                                                                                         of training for Fire & Police
    Park Ranger Program = Safer, Cleaner Parks for All                                   Departments


                                                                                         58,028
                                                                                         Police Service Calls


                                                                                         23,433
                                                                                         Police Reports

    City Road & Infrastructure
                                                                                         3,495
    500                                         1,100+
                                                                                         Arrests by Police

    Lane Miles of road maintained—              Trees planted, making our city greener
    enough to reach Nashville, TN!              and cooler, one tree at a time!
g



    68ac                                                                                 Finance &
e



    Acres of road covered with a fresh
                                                3.7bil                                   Administration
                                                Billion Gallons of water treated,
    layer of asphalt—that’s enough to           keeping Muskegon hydrated and
    cover Hertiage Landing twice!               healthy!                                 10 Years of the Downtown
                                                                                         Muskegon Farmers Market

    17,000t                                     609
                                                                                         In 2024, we celebrated the market’s 10th
                                                                                         anniversary with a community event
    Tons of asphalt used to maintain            Lead Service Lines Replaced—a            and a ceremony honoring the original
    roads—helping pave the way to               big step toward safe, clean water        visionaries. Here’s to many more years
    better roads!                               for all.                                 of fresh produce and local goods!
                                                                                                                               15
Brand Story
T H E S H O R E L I N E CI TY
We Are Muskegon
Throughout our neighborhoods, along
the waterfront, and into downtown,
you can feel an undercurrent
of energy - and a vibe that’s
unapologetically Muskegon. Things
are different now. If your view of
Muskegon is decades, years, or even
months old, we’re sure it’s outdated-
because we aren’t the same place
today as we were yesterday.

We have new and flourishing business
districts and a growing population
of people who call this place home.
Some things have stayed the same,
like our sense of community pride
and natural resources that invite
new adventures every day. There’s a
vibrancy you can feel when you walk
through our neighborhoods.

We’ve made sacrifices, overcome
challenges, revitalized our city, and
turned the old into something new -
We are resilient.

Whether you work here, live here, or
explore here, you’ll see something
that runs deeper. You’ll discover that
in Muskegon, hard work is rewarded…
That our people are diverse, inclusive,
and as real as they come. That
relationships are valued, and a smile
and a wave are contagious…

We won’t always agree, but that’s
okay - We believe that diverse life
experiences create balance. Our
story has come a long way, and the
city is committed to making the next
chapter our best one yet.

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