Mayor Ken Johnson, City of Muskegon

06/13/2026

🌞Summer is here, and our Beach Shuttle is back! 🏖️

This Sunday, June 14, I’ll be holding mobile community office hours aboard the City of Muskegon’s free Beach Shuttle service, operated by MATS.

There’s no formal agenda, just a chance to ride along, talk about city matters, share ideas, ask questions, or simply enjoy the route and our city scenery together. Hope you can join!

At noon on Sunday (6/14), I’ll be boarding at the Herman Ivory Terminal downtown (351 Morris Street), then riding the loop for a couple hours between Aamodt Park in Jackson Hill and Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan, with pick-up/drop-off stops along the way.

Around 2pm to 3:30pm, I’ll be at The Deck – Muskegon County’s only beachfront restaurant. Enjoy a beverage or bite to eat, as we continue community conversations. Appetizers are on me😀

Then, for the final couple hours, I’ll be riding the Tan line, which loops between Kruse Park on Lake Michigan and Harbour Towne Beach on Muskegon Lake, with several beach and park stops along the way. Around 3:30pm, I expect to board the shuttle at the “flip-flop” transfer located at Indiana Ave & Beach Street, where I’ll also return around 5:30pm to switch to the Town line for heading back downtown.

🚐 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Riding the Town Line (Route 42)
Jackson Hill-Downtown-Lakeside-Beach connector

🍽️ 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Lunch break at The Deck
1601 Beach Street

🚌 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Riding the Tan Line (Route 41)
Beach loop featuring several stops between Kruse Park and Harbour Towne Beach

The Beach Shuttle is completely free to ride, ADA accessible, and equipped with bike racks - connecting neighborhoods, business districts, parks, and our beautiful shoreline while helping to reduce beach traffic congestion.

Come ride, chat, grab lunch, or just say hello. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind and talk about how we can keep moving Muskegon forward together!

Event details:
https://muskegon-mi.gov/event/beach-shuttle-office-hours/

Beach Shuttle route info:
https://matsbus.com/route-41/

05/25/2026

In memoriam of all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to country and in defense of our constitutional rights. With humility and great respect, we are profoundly grateful.

🇺🇸🙏🕊️

02/23/2026

AGENDA INFO & OFFICE HOURS – the City Commission meets this TUE, FEB 24 in general session, starting at 5:30 PM inside City Hall (933 Terrace St).

An agenda outline is provided below, and the complete meeting packet can be found here >> https://muskegonmi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2785/files/agenda/6207

Commission meetings are open to the public, and your attendance is welcome! You may also watch this week’s general session meeting on Comcast Channel 96, the City’s YouTube channel, and the City’s page - City of Muskegon Government.

During public comment periods, you may address the City
Commission either in person or by phone. Each speaker has up to three minutes to provide comments. For commenting by phone, a call-in number will be announced and shown on screen during public comment periods.

You’re welcome to contact me and my fellow commissioners before meetings to share your thoughts and ask questions. You can reach me via this fb page or [email protected]. Also, with [email protected], you can reach the entire Commission, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

>>>
2-24-2026 COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

If you’d like to discuss in person any agenda items or other City matters, I will be at The Coffee Factory (1402 Hudson St) from Noon until at least 1:30 PM on TUE, FEB 24. Stop by and let’s chat! Also, check the comments for a recent news story on TCF's 10th anniversary.

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2-24-2026 GENERAL SESSION AGENDA

□ Call to Order
□ Prayer
□ Pledge of Allegiance
□ Roll Call
□ Honors, Awards, and Presentations: None scheduled.
□ Public Hearings: None scheduled.

□ Federal / State / County Officials Updates: Time reserved for updates from any visiting governmental partners.

□ Public Comment on Agenda Items: Time reserved for YOU, the public, to comment!

□ Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes [City Clerk’s Office]

B. Purchasing SOVRA Software for Bids [City Clerk’s Office]

C. Notice of Intent to Bond - Sanitary Sewer Fund [City Manager's Office]

D. Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan Muskegon Regatta [DPW-Parks and Recreation]

E. Soccer in the Sand [DPW-Parks and Recreation]

F. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Fees [DPW]

G. Generator Service Contract Renewal [DPW]

H. Amendment to the zoning ordinance — Wireless Communication Service Facilities at Marsh Field [Planning Dept.]

I. Amendment to the zoning ordinance — veterinary clinics [Planning Dept.]

J. DTE Energy Easement - Laketon and Wood [DPW]

□ Unfinished Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ New Business:
A. 2nd Quarter Budget Reforecast FY 2025-2026 [Finance Dept.]

□ Any Other Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ General Public Comment: More time reserved for you to address the Commission!

□ Closed Session: Nothing scheduled.
□ Adjournment: Take care, and be well.

>>>
ADA POLICY: The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting with twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City Clerk’s Office - Ann Marie Meisch, MMC. 933 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440. (231)724-6705 / [email protected]

>>>
IMAGE: Members of the 2026-2027 City Commission standing as a group in Commission Chambers at City Hall, from left-to-right: Willie German, Jr – Ward II Commissioner, Kiley Jackson – At-Large Commissioner, Destinee Keener – Vice Mayor / Ward III Commissioner, Ken Johnson – Mayor, Katrina Kochin – Ward IV Commissioner, Rebecca St Clair – At-Large Commissioner, Jay Kilgo – Ward I Commissioner

02/21/2026

Happening today (Sat, Feb 21) in Downtown Muskegon 😀 Enjoy!!

Thanks, JCI Greater Muskegon and Greater Muskegon Jaycees Snowfest committee!

We’re getting ready for ❄️ SNOW MUCH FUN ❄️ at Snowfest this Saturday in downtown Muskegon — and you won’t want to miss it!

Here’s just SOME of the fun waiting for you:

🎨 Face Painting with Alena Kayzah of Kayzah Creations
Watch local mom & artist Alena create vibrant face & body art masterpieces that will make your day ✨ POP ✨ with COLOR 🎉

🦣 Michigan’s Ice Age Experience
Get up close to incredible fossils including a Sabre-tooth cat skull, Mammoth & Mastodon teeth, and a Dire Wolf skull — and learn how glaciers shaped our beautiful state with the Muskegon Museum of History & Science.

🚒 Fire Department Meet & Greet
Explore real fire trucks, see lifesaving equipment, snap photos, and learn fire safety tips from the heroes who protect our community every day.

🧸 PLAY Muskegon Kid Zone
Step into an immersive tiny town play experience from Muskegon’s only play café! Hands-on fun, imagination, creativity, and confidence-building for kids (and their favorite grown-ups!).

👮 Muskegon Police Department Meet & Greet
Check out a real patrol vehicle, see cool police equipment, meet officers, and learn how they serve and protect our community.

🐦 Jay the Jayhawk from Muskegon Community College
Celebrate 100 years of MCC and 40 years of Snowfest! Find Jay wandering downtown with limited-edition Centennial shirts, stickers, and photo ops!

🔥 And don’t forget — grab your wristbands for Snowfest's Battle of the Bowls to warm up during an afternoon of fun! Nothing beats delicious chili & soups while enjoying all the festivities.

Bundle up, bring the family, and make plans to attend — Snowfest is bringing the FUN to downtown Muskegon this Saturday! ❄️🎉

01/27/2026

The Climate Action Campaign came to Muskegon last week to host a press conference on the implications and impacts of rising surface water temperatures throughout the Great Lakes, from water quality to shoreline erosion to extreme weather events.

I was invited to share a municipal perspective on the matter. Dr. Alan Steinman of the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute shared data and a science-based perspective, while Deirdre Nieves of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council spoke on environmental justice and the effects of climate change on individuals and families. They shared great remarks and insights that I wish were featured in reporting on the press event.

While the federal government currently is hostile to alternative, renewable sources of energy and ignores the science of human-accelerated climate change, the City of Muskegon remains committed to our Commission-adopted Climate Action Plan and achieving net zero in greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations by 2040.

The Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a national coalition dedicated to cutting carbon emissions and accelerating a transition to clean energy, so as to improve public health and create a more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for all.

CAC member organizations include: Center for American Progress, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environmental Defense Fund, League of Conservation Voters, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, U.S. Climate Action Network, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

Mayor Ken Johnson called for federal action as new data shows lake temperatures rising above long-term averages and contributing to extreme winter weather.

01/26/2026

Help available and needed! Please consider donating your time and resources to support our neighbors in need - some groups working to help unhoused neighbors are highlighted below, but please share others in the comments.

The Giving Table, CommUnity Board of Muskegon, Covenant Community Church RCA (134 E. Barney Ave. 49444 / 231-737-1491), and Samaritan Way Recovery Center (1465 Apple Ave. 49442 / 231-246-8092) have partnered to provide warming spaces and overnight shelter temporarily as dangerously cold temperatures continue in our area. Follow their pages for updates and opportunities to help. They have a list of what's needed (see comments section below), and they especially need volunteers for the overnight shelter and morning transportation.

The Muskegon Rescue Mission provides programming and resources, including food, clothing, and shelter, to neighbors in need. Donations always welcomed! They maintain the following facilities, which can be contacted by phone at 231-727-6090 or 231-727-6085:
📍 Men's Shelter: 400 W. Laketon Ave. 49441
📍 Women's & Family Shelter: 1691 Peck St. 49441
📍 MRM Community Resource Center: 1747 7th St. 49441

The Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network - Outreach Team and United Way of the Lakeshore are conducting a Point-in-Time Count this Wed, Jan 28. They’re asking people to sign up for three-hour shifts starting at 9 PM and 11:45 PM on 1/28 and 4:30 AM on 1/29. Per their site, “Survey Volunteers support the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count by surveying individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Volunteers will work in assigned teams of 3–4 people and canvass a mapped area that includes locations where people experiencing homelessness have previously been encountered, such as encampments, parks, alleys, underpasses, and service locations.” United Way recently had a Care Kit Drive to collect personal items and create care kits for handing out to unhoused individuals during the PIT Count.

Folks at Biking With Purpose regularly check on and help unhoused folks around Greater Muskegon. They collect donations and redistribute food and personal items. Reach out if you'd like to support their efforts.

>>>
Hearty thanks to everyone who sustains these organizations and initiatives (among others) by contributing time, talents, and resources!! We’re fortunate to have so many caring and giving people in our community.

01/24/2026

AGENDA INFO & OFFICE HOURS – the City Commission next meets on MON, JAN 26 as the Community Relations Committee and TUE, JAN 27 in general session, both of which start at 5:30 PM inside City Hall (933 Terrace St).

Agendas are listed below, and the general session meeting packet can be found here >> https://muskegonmi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2784/files/agenda/6140

Commission meetings are open to the public, and your attendance is welcome! You may also watch work/general session meetings on Comcast Channel 96, the City’s YouTube channel, and the City’s page - City of Muskegon Government.

During public comment periods, each speaker has up to three minutes to provide comments. For commenting by phone in meetings being livestreamed/broadcast, a call-in number will be announced and shown on screen during public comment periods.

You’re welcome to contact me and my fellow commissioners before meetings to share your thoughts and ask questions. You can reach me via this fb page or [email protected]. Also, with [email protected], you can reach the entire Commission, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

>>>
1-25-2026 COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

If you’d like to discuss in person any agenda items or other City matters, At-large Commissioner Kiley Jackson and I will be at Aldea Coffee (794 Pine Street) from 2:00 PM until at least 3:30 PM on SUN, JAN 25. Stop by and let’s chat!

>>>
1-26-2026 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE AGENDA

□ Call to Order
□ Roll Call

□ Presentations:
A. Awarding Certificates of Appreciation

□ Approval of Minutes
□ Old Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ New Business:
A. Board / Committee Resignations
B. Board / Committee Reappointments & Appointments
C. Board Updates from Commissioners

□ Any Other Business
□ Public Comment
□ Adjournment

>>>
1-27-2026 GENERAL SESSION AGENDA

□ Call to Order
□ Prayer
□ Pledge of Allegiance
□ Roll Call
□ Honors, Awards, and Presentations: Nothing scheduled.

□ Public Hearings:
A. Establishment of a Commercial Redevelopment District – 1937 Lakeshore Dr. [Economic Development Dept.]

B. Issuance of a Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate – 1937 Lakeshore Dr. Lakeside Development Properties, LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

C. Issuance of an Obsolete Property Certificate – 1185 Third St. [Economic Development Dept.]

□ Federal / State / County Officials Updates: Time reserved for updates from any visiting governmental partners.

□ Public Comment on Agenda Items: Time reserved for YOU, the public, to comment!

□ Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes [City Clerk’s Office]

B. DPW Union Contract [City Manager's Office]

C. Lakeshore Drive Reconstruction MDOT Agreement [Division of Public Works]

D. Pedestrian Warning System on Port City Blvd [DPW – Engineering Dept.]

E. 1183 Pine Street HOME rehab project [Community & Neighborhood Services Dept.]

F. Security Software for Computers and Users Information Technology

G. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant – Ledeboer Family [Economic Development Dept.]

H. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption - Ledeboer Family [Economic Development Dept.]

I. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant - HAPCE LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

J. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption - HAPCE LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

K. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant - Sue Ann Properties, LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

L. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption - Sue Ann Properties LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

M. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant - Brinks and Arnoldink Properties, LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

N. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption - Brinks and Arnoldink Properties, LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

□ Unfinished Business: Nothing scheduled.
□ New Business: Nothing scheduled.
□ Any Other Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ General Public Comment: More time reserved for you to address the Commission!

□ Closed Session: Nothing scheduled.
□ Adjournment: Take care, and be well.

>>>
ADA POLICY: The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting with twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City Clerk’s Office - Ann Marie Meisch, MMC. 933 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440. (231)724-6705 / [email protected]

>>>
IMAGE: Members of the 2026-2027 City Commission standing as a group in Commission Chambers at City Hall, from left-to-right: Willie German, Jr – Ward II Commissioner, Kiley Jackson – At-Large Commissioner, Destinee Keener – Vice Mayor / Ward III Commissioner, Ken Johnson – Mayor, Katrina Kochin – Ward IV Commissioner, Rebecca St Clair – At-Large Commissioner, Jay Kilgo – Ward I Commissioner

01/10/2026

AGENDA INFO & OFFICE HOURS – the City Commission next meets on MON, JAN 12 in work session and on TUE, JAN 13 in general session, both of which start at 5:30 PM inside City Hall (933 Terrace St).

Agendas are listed below, and you may access the complete meeting packets at these links >>

Work session – https://muskegonmi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2759/files/agenda/6114

General session – https://muskegonmi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2771/files/agenda/6116

Commission meetings are open to the public, and your attendance is welcome! You may also watch these meetings on Comcast Channel 96, the City’s YouTube channel, and the City’s page - City of Muskegon Government.

During public comment periods, you may address the City Commission either in person or by phone. Each speaker has up to three minutes to provide comments. For commenting by phone, a call-in number will be announced and shown on screen during public comment periods.

You’re welcome to contact me and my fellow commissioners before meetings to share your thoughts and ask questions. You can reach me via this fb page or [email protected]. Also, with [email protected], you can reach the entire Commission, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

>>>
1-11-2026 COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

If you’d like to discuss in person any agenda items or other City matters, Commissioner Destinee Keener (our newly appointed Vice Mayor) and I will be at Rake Beer Project / Overgrown Coffee Co. (500 W. Western Ave) from 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM on SUN, JAN 11. Stop by and let’s chat!

>>>
11-12-2026 WORK SESSION AGENDA

□ Call to Order

□ New Business
A. BS&A Online Payments [Treasury Dept.]

B. American Public Works Association (APWA) Monument Proposal [Division of Public Works]

C. City Commission Handbook [City Manager's Office]

□ Public Comment
□ Adjournment

>>>
11-13-2026 GENERAL SESSION AGENDA

□ Call to Order
□ Prayer
□ Pledge of Allegiance
□ Roll Call

□ Honors, Awards, and Presentations:
A. Recognition of Equalization [City Manager's Office]

B. Audit Presentation-ACFR by Brickley Delong [Finance Dept.]

□ Public Hearings:
A. Establishment of a Commercial Redevelopment District —356 W. Western Ave. [Economic Development Dept.]

B. Issuance of a Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate — 356 W. Western Ave. [Economic Development Dept.]

□ Federal / State / County Officials Updates: Time reserved for updates from any visiting governmental partners.

□ Public Comment on Agenda Items: Time reserved for YOU, the public, to comment!

□ Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes [City Clerk’s Office]

B. BS&A Online Payments [Treasury Dept.]

C. 2026 Wage Matrix for Non-Union Part-Time and Limited Term Employees [Employee Relations Office]

D. 2024 Justice Assistance Grant [Division of Public Safety]

E. Resolution Revoking an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) Exemption Certificate for Ghezzi Investments LLC [Economic Development Dept.]

F. Amendment to Purchase and Development Agreement: 286/294 Myrtle [Planning Dept.]

G. Sale of 502 Oak [Planning Dept.]

H. Sewer Jet Truck Purchase [Division of Public Works]

□ Unfinished Business: Nothing scheduled.
□ New Business: Nothing scheduled.
□ Any Other Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ General Public Comment: More time reserved for you to address the Commission!

□ Closed Session: Nothing scheduled.
□ Adjournment: Take care, and be well.

>>>
ADA POLICY: The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting with twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City Clerk’s Office - Ann Marie Meisch, MMC. 933 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440. (231)724-6705 / [email protected]

>>>
IMAGE: Members of the 2026-2027 City Commission standing as a group in Commission Chambers at City Hall, from left-to-right: Willie German, Jr – Ward II Commissioner, Kiley Jackson – At-Large Commissioner, Destinee Keener – Vice Mayor / Ward III Commissioner, Ken Johnson – Mayor, Katrina Kochin – Ward IV Commissioner, Rebecca St Clair – At-Large Commissioner, Jay Kilgo – Ward I Commissioner

01/05/2026

New Year, New Commission. The City Commission for 2026-2027 has an organizational meeting on MON, JAN 5 at 5:30 PM inside City Hall (933 Terrace Street), which will include a swearing-in ceremony, selection of vice mayor, establishing meeting schedules, and making various appointments.

Our agenda is listed below, and you may access the complete meeting packet >> https://muskegonmi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2783/files/agenda/6111

Commission meetings are open to the public, and your attendance is welcome! You may also watch these meetings on Comcast Channel 96, the City’s YouTube channel, and the City’s page - City of Muskegon Government.

During public comment periods, you may address the City Commission either in person or by phone. Each speaker has up to three minutes to provide comments.For commenting by phone, a call-in number will be announced and shown on screen during public comment periods.

You’re welcome to contact me and my fellow commissioners before meetings to share your thoughts and ask questions. You can reach me via this fb page or [email protected]. Also, with [email protected], you can reach the entire Commission, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

>>>
1-5-2026 ORGANIZATIONAL AGENDA

□ Call to Order
□ Prayer
□ Pledge of Allegiance
□ Roll Call

□ Honors, Awards, and Presentations
A. Oath of Office Ceremony – Judge Gregory C. Pittman [City Clerk’s Office]

□ Public Hearings: Nothing scheduled.

□ Federal / State / County Officials Updates: Time reserved for updates from any visiting governmental partners.

□ Public Comment on Agenda Items: Time reserved for YOU, the public, to comment!

□ Consent Agenda: Nothing scheduled.
□ Unfinished Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ New Business:
A. Certification of Commissioners/Mayor seating

B. Election of Vice Mayor

C. Setting General Session Meetings

D. Setting Work Session Meetings

E. 2026 LPC Meeting Calendar

F. Appointment of City Officials

G. Designation of City Fund Depositories

H. Designation of Firm to Act as Legal Counsel - Parmenter Law

I. CRC Appointment Meeting Dates

J. Mayor Committee Appointments

□ Any Other Business: Nothing scheduled.

□ General Public Comment: More time reserved for you to address the Commission!

□ Closed Session: Nothing scheduled.
□ Adjournment: Take care, and be well.

>>>
ADA POLICY: The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting with twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City Clerk’s Office - Ann Marie Meisch, MMC. 933 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440. (231)724-6705 / [email protected]

01/01/2026

Downtown Muskegon is the place to be for NYE! 🎉🎊✨

The Lakeshore Legacy Project is doing it up again this year with a ball drop and fireworks at midnight. Kicking off at 8pm, LLP is bringing together DJs, food vendors, Flexadecibel, and friendly folks to ring in 2026.

Also, check out the many excellent establishments downtown serving up beverages and beats, food and festivities, specials and specialties.

Many thanks to all the organizers and businesses for making NYE in Muskegon so spectacular!

Wherever you end up this evening and however you celebrate, be safe and courteous and have great fun!!

Cheers to the future 🎆

The announcement you’ve been waiting for!

🎉✨ Muskegon, get ready to ring in 2026 in EPIC fashion! ✨🎉

The Lakeshore Legacy Project is proud to host our Annual NYE Ball Drop & Fireworks Celebration — and this year is going to be bigger and brighter than ever before!

Join us as we transform downtown into the ultimate NYE party! Enjoy delicious food and local vendors, dance the night away with our DJs, and don’t miss a special live performance by the incredible Flexadecibel! 🔥

As the clock counts down, gather with friends, family, and the whole community for an unforgettable celebration capped off with our spectacular midnight ball drop and fireworks show lighting up the lakeshore sky!

✨ This is the place to be to welcome 2026!
Bring your energy, bring your people — let’s make memories together.