WEEKLY POLICY SPOTLIGHT: Muskegon is Open for Business
Talk about this policy and more with Bob in person this Friday (10/03).
7:30am: Dockside Donuts
5pm: Wonderland
Housing for ALL of Muskegon – for today and for our future
Want to talk about this issue and others with me in person? I’ll be at Dockside Donuts for coffee at 7:30 AM and at Wonderland at 5 PM this Friday. Stop by and let’s chat about the future of Muskegon.
Housing is at the heart of Muskegon’s growth and quality of life. Over the last decade, the City has pioneered infill housing programs, turning vacant lots into new homes that increase density, reduce blight, and strengthen neighborhoods. Through projects like Midtown Square and new workforce housing developments, Muskegon has proven that targeted investments can raise property values and attract new residents. But the housing shortage is still severe—affecting both for-sale and rental options at every price point.
Housing Priorities for Muskegon
Improve on past progress: Infill housing, workforce apartments, and public-private partnerships have revitalized neighborhoods. Now, we must ensure we’re providing quality homes that will serve the community for generations to come.
Expand housing efforts: Move beyond lakefront redevelopment and infill to address downtown neighborhoods, workforce housing, seniors, and market-rate alternatives.
Support current residents: Provide grants and low-interest loans for home improvements, as well as accessible housing options for seniors and residents with mobility challenges.
Partner with the private sector: Encourage investment in duplexes and multi-family developments as city-owned lots become limited.
Support our police: Create incentives for officers to live in Muskegon County, improving retention and strengthening neighborhood connections.
Collaborate widely: Work with neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and home builders to meet today’s housing demand and prepare for tomorrow’s growth.
Muskegon, I’ve Been Listening
Four months ago, I began my campaign for Mayor of Muskegon by introducing myself—my background, military service, education, experience in government, my family, and why I chose Muskegon. Since then, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with people across our city, and I’ve learned something important: it’s not enough to simply Choose Muskegon—we need a Mayor for ALL of Muskegon.
Too many people and neighborhoods feel left out of the decisions shaping our future. Right now, Muskegon is underserved by a Mayor who relies heavily on support from a small, hyper-partisan group that represents only part of our city. But Muskegon deserves more.
Our community is facing real challenges—and real opportunities—in economic development, housing, public safety, and supporting our youth. To move forward, we need a Mayor who works for everyone, not just a small, loud portion of the population—not just a Mayor of Facebook.
That’s the kind of Mayor I promise to be: one who listens and works with all of Muskegon—left and right, young and old, working families and retirees, neighborhoods east and west of Seaway. By staying non-partisan, I can bring people together—business and labor, non-profits and faith groups, city hall and surrounding governments—to make decisions that benefit our entire community.
But I can’t do it alone. A low-turnout election will keep the same small group of voices dominating City Hall. I need your help. Take the time to vote, and vote for me, Bob Garretson—a Mayor for ALL of Muskegon.
Are You Interested in Supporting This Campaign but Unsure How?
There are many ways to get involved, whether it’s volunteering your time, displaying a yard sign, or making a donation to help bring Bob’s vision to life. Your support, in any form, makes a real difference.
Bob is Trusted by Muskegon’s Leaders & Neighbors
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