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THI S I S YOU R
Citizen’s Handbook
2 0 2 6 EDITION
231-724-6702 | shorelinecity.com | muskegonpolice.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................................................................................................................PG 1
HOW YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT WORKS............................................................................................................PG 1
YOUR ROLE AS A CITIZEN.....................................................................................................................................PG 1
CITY SERVICES BY DIVISION..................................................................................................................................PG 2
CITY ORDINANCES & POLICIES.............................................................................................................................PG 6
PARKS & PUBLIC SPACES......................................................................................................................................PG 8
NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY LIFE................................................................................................................PG 9
HELPFUL RESOURCES...........................................................................................................................................PG 10
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS...................................................................................................................................PG 10
QUESTIONS OR IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.....................................................................................PG 11
SEELCLICKFIX........................................................................................................................................................PG 13
HOW YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT WORKS
The City of Muskegon operates under a City Commission–City Manager form of government. This structure includes:
• City Commission: The City Commission is the legislative body of Muskegon, made up of six Commissioners and a
Mayor. They set policies, adopt ordinances, approve budgets, and represent the voice of residents.
• Mayor: Elected citywide, the Mayor presides over Commission meetings, represents the city at official functions,
and provides leadership and guidance.
• City Manager: Appointed by the City Commission; the City Manager oversees day-to-day operations, manages
city departments, and implements policies set by the Commission.
• City Divisions and Departments: Various departments provide services such as Parks & Recreation, Treasury,
Engineering, Inspections, Fire, Police, Highway and more.
YOUR ROLE AS A CITIZEN
Your voice matters! There are many ways to participate in local government and community life:
• Attend Public Meetings: We have many meetings that are open to the public. You can attend in person or watch
online to stay informed and provide input. Typically, the City Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays
of every month at 5:30 PM in the Muskegon City Commission Chambers. See all public meetings at
mkgcity.com/events
• Connect Muskegon Engagement Hub: Sign up for project updates, public meeting invites, and surveys through
Connect Muskegon—the city’s online community engagement hub. This platform gives you a direct line to major
projects, plans, and decisions shaping Muskegon’s future, explore here: mkgcity.com/connectmuskegon
• Serve on a Board or Commission: Apply to serve on an advisory board or commission and help shape decisions.
Examples of boards include the Downtown Development Authority, the Historic District Commission, or the
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Farmers Market Advisory Board. There’s an interest for everyone and the city is accepting applications all year.
mkgcity.com/volunteer
• Volunteer: Join neighborhood cleanups, local events, and special initiatives throughout the year. Connect with
your neighborhood association—most of Muskegon’s 15 historic neighborhoods have active associations that
organize events and serve as a vital link between residents and the city. A great place to start is the United Way
of the Lakeshore, which connects community members with a wide range of local opportunities to make a
difference. Looking to get your business involved? Checkout the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
• Vote: Local elections impact daily life. Make your voice heard at the ballot box. Learn more at
muskegonvotes.com
• SeeClickFix: A tool to report requests like a pothole that needs filled, a broken sidewalk, junk vehicle, or
overgrown weeds. All resident requests can be submitted through the city’s SeeClickFix tool. It's the fastest and
easiest way to report issues to city staff. Learn more or submit a request at mkgcity.com/seeclickfix
CITY SERVICES BY DIVISION
The City of Muskegon is led by the City Manager, who oversees all day-to-day operations and ensures the four main
divisions work together to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, ensure safety, and support community growth. All
divisions report to the City Manager.
The City Manager’s Office handles citywide responsibilities such as strategic planning, communications, community
engagement, intergovernmental relations, human resources, and budget oversight.
The following pages provide a snapshot of the City Manager’s Office and each division, along with the departments that
help make Muskegon a vibrant, well-run city.
Who Does What? Navigating government can be tricky. We’ve created a flyer on who to call:
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Who to A quick guide on who to call at the
City of Muskegon.
Contact? Report issues and track progress
online at mkgcity.com/seeclickfix
BUILDING & INSPECTIONS PUBLIC WORKS
Frequent Requests: Frequent Requests:
Grass Over 6" (April - Oct) Garbage, Yard Waste, Recycling
Animal Feces Special Event Permits
Brush & Leaves (April - Oct) Parks & Recreation
Trash or Junk Tree Trimming
Vegetation that Impedes Traffic Road & Alley Maintenance
on Alleys or Sidewalks Water or Sewer
231-724-6748 231-724-4100
PLANNING POLICE
Frequent Requests: Frequent Requests:
Garbage Toter Left on the Curb Junk vehicles
Sidewalk Snow Removal Parking concerns
Yard Signs on the Terrace or Noise complaints (call 911)
City Property Illegal dumping
Graffiti
231-724-6702 231-724-6750
Residents and visitors are always welcome to call the city, but we also want you to
know about Muskegon SeeClickFix — an online tool that makes it easy to report and
track requests across the city.
Learn more at mkgcity.com/seeclickfix.
Questions? Give us a shout at: [email protected]
Development Services Division
Focused on shaping the future of the city through planning, revitalization, and community investment.
• Community & Neighborhood Services Department
Manages programs to help residents with homebuyer’s assistance, home repair needs, furnace or water heater
issues, and lead abatement to improve quality of life for residents.
• Economic Development Department
Attracts, retains, and grows businesses; supports job creation and property redevelopment across the city. Serves as
staff liaison for business districts, including the Downtown Development Authority and Business Improvement
Districts.
• Planning Department
Guides land use, zoning, and development projects to ensure thoughtful, sustainable growth aligned with the city’s
master plan.
Finance & Administration Division
Manages city resources, public records, and key facilities to ensure transparent and efficient government operations.
• City Clerk
Oversees public records, elections, licenses, passport applications, and City Commission support to maintain civic
transparency and access.
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Employee Relations
Supports city staff with benefits administration and workplace policies.
• Farmers Market
Operates one of the largest outdoor markets in Michigan, connecting the community to fresh produce, local
products, and events.
• Finance Department
Responsible for overall management of the city’s financial affairs in accordance with all legal requirements and the
financial policies set by the City Commission.
• Income Tax Department
Administers the city’s income tax processes for residents, non-residents, and businesses to ensure compliance and
revenue generation.
• Information Technology Department
Installs, supports, maintains, and secures the city’s digital infrastructure, software systems, and technology
solutions.
• Treasury Department
Performs property tax collection, accounts receivable billing, including water/sewer utility billing, and handles cash
receipting management tasks.
• Trinity Health Arena
Manages and promotes the city-owned multipurpose arena, home to sporting events, concerts, and community
gatherings.
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Public Safety Division
Dedicated to protecting the community through proactive enforcement, emergency response, and safety standards.
• Building & Inspections Department
Ensures safe construction through permitting and inspections for all residential and commercial properties.
• Fire Department
Provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention education, and disaster readiness.
• Police Department
Delivers law enforcement services focused on community policing, crime prevention, and public trust.
Public Works Division
Maintains the city’s infrastructure, public spaces, and essential utilities for a high quality of life.
• Administration
Oversees department-wide planning, budgeting, and service coordination across public works functions.
• Engineering Department
Plans and oversees infrastructure improvements including roadways, utilities, and stormwater systems.
• Highway Department
Manages streets, sidewalks, signage, and snow removal to ensure safe and reliable city transportation routes.
• Parks & Recreation Department
Maintains parks, trails, green spaces, cemetery, forestry and marina while offering programs and seasonal amenities
for all ages.
• Sanitation Department
Operates garbage collection, recycling, yard waste, and bulk pick-up services to maintain a clean environment.
• Water Filtration Department
Provides safe, high-quality drinking water through advanced treatment, testing, and delivery systems.
• Water/Sewer Department
Maintains underground water delivery and wastewater systems to ensure health, safety, and environmental
compliance.
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CITY ORDINANCES & POLICIES
The City of Muskegon enforces ordinances that ensure health, safety, and quality of life. You can view the full Code of
Ordinances online at: mkgcity.com/ordinances
If you feel that something is not following the city ordinance all residents can submit requests through the city’s
SeeClickFix tool. It's the fastest and easiest way to report issues to city staff. Learn more or submit a request at
mkgcity.com/seeclickfix
Below you will find summaries of the most frequently asked questions regarding city ordinances.
ADDRESSING
All buildings must display address numbers that are visible from the street. Numbers should be at least four inches tall
and placed on a contrasting background to ensure visibility for emergency vehicles, mail delivery, and visitors.
ALLEYS
Property owners are responsible for maintaining alleyways behind their homes, including mowing, brush trimming, and
garbage removal—even outside of fenced areas. Alleys are plowed and graded if included on the city’s maintenance
schedule.
JUNK VEHICLES
Vehicles must be operable, licensed, and in good repair. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles may be towed.
NOISE
The city enforces a noise ordinance at all hours. Quiet hours are from 11:00pm to 7:00am. To report a violation in
progress, call 911.
PARKING
• Front Yard & Terrace: No parking in yards or terraces at any time (see winter parking exception below).
• Alleys: Must remain clear for emergency access.
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Must be stored behind the front of the house and screened by fencing or shrubbery
(minimum 5 ft tall).
• Large Vehicles: Vehicles over 2-ton hauling capacity are not allowed in residential areas except for temporary
service or delivery.
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WINTER PARKING RULES (December 1 – March 1)
In Neighborhoods:
• Parking is allowed overnight on both sides of the street from 5pm-7am.
• During the day from 7am-5pm “odd/even” parking is enforced to allow for plowing.
o On even dates (example: 2nd, 14th, 26th) park on the side of the street with even numbered addresses
(example: 152 is an even address).
o On odd dates (example: 1st, 15th, 27th) park on the side of the street with odd numbered addresses
(example: 153 is an odd address).
Downtown Business Zone:
• Winter parking is allowed during the day on both sides of the street from 7am to midnight. Overnight, from midnight
to 7am, odd/even parking is enforced.
City-Wide:
• All posted “no parking” signs apply all days of the week.
• When street parking is only allowed on one side of the street, vehicles may park on the terrace (space between
street and sidewalk) to follow odd/even regulation.
SIDEWALKS
Property owners are responsible for clearing, maintaining, and repairing sidewalks. Hazards like uneven pavement (3/4
inch or more difference) must be addressed by the property owner.
TERRACES (Between sidewalk & street)
Terraces must be maintained by property owners (mowing, no loose trash). Trash should not be placed out earlier than
7:00pm the night before pickup. No yard signs are allowed on terraces.
TREES
The trees on terraces are maintained by the city’s forestry team. Do not remove public trees. City staff cannot go onto
private property to trim or remove a tree.
YARD SIGNS
Signs may not be placed on public property, including terraces. Unauthorized signs may be removed.
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PARKS & PUBLIC SPACES
The City of Muskegon offers a wide variety of parks and recreational opportunities for all ages. Whether you’re looking
for a quiet space to relax or an active place to play, you’ll find it across our more than 30 public parks.
Explore Our Parks
• Hackley Park: A historic downtown park known for its statues, gardens, and frequent community events.
• Pere Marquette Beach: 27.5 acres of shoreline along Lake Michigan.
• Kruse Park: A beach park with high dunes and Muskegon County’s only designated dog beach.
• Margaret Drake Elliott Park: A lakeside park used for channel fishing, gatherings, and family-friendly events.
• McGraft Park: Home to wooded trails, tennis courts, disc golf, a bandshell, community building and more.
• Smith-Ryerson Park: A park with sports facilities, a playground, and an indoor community building.
• Beachwood Park: Playground, picnic shelter, outdoor fitness trail, pickleball courts, and wooded trails.
• Reese Playfield: Features sports courts, picnic tables, and a neighborhood play area.
• Sheldon Park: A green space filled with baseball fields perfect for pick-up games.
• Marsh Field: A historic stadium used for baseball and community recreation.
• Launch Ramps: The city has four public launch ramps (Fisherman’s Landing, Grand Trunk Park and Launch Ramp,
Greater Muskegon Jaycee’s Launch Ramp, and Hartshorn Marina and Park). Learn more about the launch ramps
at: mkgcity.com/ramps
For a full directory of city parks and amenities visit mkgcity.com/parks
Get Involved in Recreation
Muskegon’s Parks & Recreation team hosts activities year-round to keep residents active and connected:
• Teen Nights offer food, games, and safe socializing for youth at various park locations.
• The Walking Club meets weekly during warmer months at rotating parks for guided, community-paced walks.
• Community Game Nights pop up across the city with lawn games, sports equipment, and music—free and open
to all ages.
• Touch the Trucks brings families face-to-face with emergency and construction vehicles, with sensory-friendly
accommodations available.
• Dozens of special events are held throughout the year, from concerts and car shows to movies in the park and
cultural festivals.
• Muskegon supports multiple sport leagues using city facilities, including pickleball, softball, volleyball, and more.
Want to join an event or start a league? Visit mkgcity.com/parksrec or email [email protected]. To
host your own event, contact [email protected]
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Beach Parking Pass Information
From May 15 to September 15, a parking pass is required at all city beaches, including Pere Marquette Beach, Margaret
Drake Elliot Park, Kruse Park, and Harbour Towne Beach.
Daily Rates:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: $10
• Wednesday: Free parking
• Saturday & Sunday: $15
Season Passes:
• Non-Resident Pass: $40
• Available at City Hall, Public Works, Muskegon Police Department, or online using license plate number.
• Kiosk purchases must be exchanged for a sticker at an authorized location.
City Residents:
• Eligible for two free beach parking passes per household (businesses and landlords excluded).
• Pick up in person at the Police Department, request mail delivery online, or request online using license plate
number.
Learn more or apply at mkgcity.com/parkingpass
Muskegon Farmers Market
The Muskegon Farmers Market, located at 242 W. Western Ave, is a year-round destination for fresh produce, baked
goods, crafts, and more. In addition to its variety of vendors offering local goods, the market also hosts special events
and activities throughout the year, including a flea market.
• May–November: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturdays - 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
• December–April: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
For more information, visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com
NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY LIFE
Muskegon is made up of 15 active neighborhood associations. These groups foster pride, strengthen connections, and
work with the city to address issues and opportunities. Connect with your neighborhood association to get involved. You
can learn more at mkgcity.com/neighborhoods
Visit Muskegon has the go-to community calendar highlighting our community assets, events, and more. Visit their
website to learn what’s going on this weekend and more visitmuskegon.org
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HELPFUL RESOURCES
Here are some important phone numbers and contacts for quick reference to support you and your family:
• Emergency Services: 911
• County Dispatch Non-Emergency: 231-724-3524
• Community Assistance & Information: 211
• Muskegon County Administration: 231-724-6520
• Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce: 231-722-3751
• United Way of the Lakeshore: 231-722-3134
Public Education Contacts:
• Muskegon Area Intermediate School District: 231-777-2637
• Muskegon Public Schools Administration: 231-720-2000
• Orchard View Public Schools Administration: 231-760-1850
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
Utility Connections
• Water and Sewer Services Provided by the City of Muskegon. To sign up, contact the Treasury Department at
City Hall: 231-724-6718. A photo ID is required. If you have a land contract, bring proof of the registered
contract.
• Electric Service Consumers Energy: (800) 477-5050 | consumersenergy.com
• Gas Service DTE Energy: (800) 477-4747 | dteenergy.com
• Sanitation Services (Trash, Yard Waste, and Recycling) Trash, yard waste, and recycling services are provided by
Republic Services for City of Muskegon residents. Pickup schedules, guidelines for extra garbage, yard waste
rules, and recycling details can be found online. Visit mkgcity.com/sanitation or call 231-724-4100 to learn more
or to sign up.
Take advantage of our spring and fall Neighborhood Dumpster Days: check the full schedule at
mkgcity.com/dumpsterdays
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State & Federal Government Contacts
• Environmental Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE): (800) 662-9278 michigan.gov/egle
• Department of Natural Resources (Grand Rapids): (616) 356-0505 michigan.gov/dnr
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): (877) FEMA-MAP | fema.gov
• Internal Revenue Service: (800) 829-1040 | irs.gov
• Social Security Administration (340 Morris St., downtown): (800) 772-1213 | ssa.gov
• Veterans Affairs: (800) 698-2411 | va.gov
• Muskegon Post Office (800 First St.): (231) 722-7292 usps.com
• Governor’s Office (Gretchen Whitmer): (517) 335-7858 | michigan.gov/gov
• Secretary of State (Driver’s License, Vehicle Registrations): 1485 East Apple Ave. |
(888) 767-6424 | michigan.gov/sos
Muskegon County Contacts
Muskegon County provides many important services and departments. Here are a few key phone numbers to keep
handy:
• Muskegon County General Information: (231) 724-6000
• Muskegon County Health Department: (231) 724-1810
• Muskegon County Road Commission: (231) 767-1110
• Muskegon County Animal Control: (231) 733-6841
• Muskegon County Emergency Management: (231) 724-6711
For a full list of Muskegon County departments and services, visit: co.muskegon.mi.us/directory.aspx
QUESTIONS OR IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
Your city government team is here to help. Contact us at the information below or stop in to chat:
• City Hall: 231-724-6705 or visit us at 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440
• Public Works: 231-724-4100 or visit us at 1350 East Keating, Muskegon, MI 49442
• Email: [email protected]
• Report a concern or service request: mkgcity.com/seeclickfix
Thank You for Being Part of Muskegon Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, your engagement makes a
difference. Let's work together to build a stronger, more connected Muskegon.AND
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SeeClickFix
S POT A P RO B L E M ? R E PO RT I T !
SeeClickFix Muskegon is a free tool that helps you
report non-emergency problems around the city.
See Click Fix You’ll get updates as
Something that To open the app By submitting a your issue is reviewed
and resolved.
needs attention. or go online. report to the city!
DOWNLOAD THE APP Examples of What You Can Report:
This is not a full list—just a few common examples:
Potholes
Gravel road or alley problems
Park maintenance issues
Broken benches or trash cans
Blocked storm drains
Missed trash, recycling, or yard waste pickup
ACC E S S O N L I N E AT SeeClickFix is not monitored 24/7.
For emergencies or urgent safety issues (like
mkgcity.com/seeclickfix downed power lines, active water main breaks, or
Use SeeClickFix by visiting the flooding), call 911.
URL in your preferred web Prefer to Talk to Someone?
browser or scan the QR code Flip this flyer over to find the contact
with your phone. information for the right department.
Let’s work together to keep Muskegon safe, clean, and beautiful.
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