Muskegon is Open for Business
Muskegon should be the destination for businesses to build and grow. We have an affordable cost of living, beautiful natural resources, a thriving arts scene, a diverse workforce, excellent transportation options—including a regional airport and cross-lake ferry—and we’ve made important investments in our infrastructure.
But our job growth has stagnated, our unemployment rate is higher than neighboring counties, and we have lost large employers that once provided living wages to many Muskegon residents.
As Mayor, I will work to keep and build on what we have, partner with local and regional groups to foster new employment opportunities, make Muskegon more business-friendly, and support and cultivate local entrepreneurs.
Keep What We Have
In 2025, Muskegon lost both Cole’s Bakery and Michigan Spring & Stamping—costing our city 300 jobs. It’s hard to grow when you can’t keep what you already have. City government must work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to actively engage local employers, listen to the challenges they face, and find ways to help them survive and thrive.
When I’ve spoken with CEOs, they often express frustration about the lack of communication with local government leaders regarding their short-term needs and long-term goals. That dialogue should be a regular part of our economic development strategy—helping us prevent the large layoffs that impact families when businesses close.
Partner with Local and Regional Groups
When I met with Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, he expressed excitement about the potential for closer partnerships between our cities on economic development opportunities. Muskegon’s elected officials should work collaboratively with other cities, Muskegon County, local investors, and the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce to attract businesses across industries.
It’s time to stop keeping Muskegon’s opportunities a secret and to actively collaborate with business leaders to develop new ones.
Encourage Small Business Start-Ups and Growth
With the resurgence of our downtown district and the potential of Lakeside, we’ve seen the beginning of a small-business renaissance in Muskegon. We must encourage this growth throughout the city.
Successful models—like The Vault, which pairs investors with entrepreneurs—should be expanded. In Muskegon County, only 11% of businesses are women-owned. The City should work with nonprofits such as the Business Equity Initiative to provide grants and access to capital for women- and minority-owned businesses.
Make Muskegon Business-Friendly
Whether it’s a City Commission that micromanages economic development, city codes that require eight separate approvals just to operate a food truck, or Safebuilt—a service almost universally disliked by business and property owners—Muskegon too often feels like it has a big “CLOSED” sign hanging on the door.
As Mayor, I will work to make Muskegon a business-friendly city by:
Leading a City Commission that supports—not hinders—economic growth
Reviewing and streamlining licensing processes
Putting inspections and licensing out for competitive bids
Implementing a “shot clock” to waive fees if inspections are not completed on time
Our city needs jobs. Muskegon must read “OPEN for business.”
