Economic Development

June 7, 2022

The goal of the Economic Development Department is to strengthen the vitality of the City through sound marketing strategies that target business creation and retention. The staff assists developers; current and potential business owners; and the authorities, boards, and commissions that serve the business community. They provide connections that allow businesses to locate, improve, succeed, and thrive in the City of Muskegon. The department also manages the Western Market chalets.

Public boards, commissions, and committees associated with the Economic Development Department include the Downtown Development Authority, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Lakeside Business Improvement District.

We are here to help. Please contact us with questions about available commercial and industrial properties, the Port of Muskegon, tax incentives, the revolving loan fund, brownfield redevelopment, and business development.

Connect with Us!

Jake Eckholm
Director of Development Services
📧 [email protected]
📞 (231) 724-6702
City Hall · Room 202

Jake leads department strategy, coordinates citywide incentives, and oversees major development projects.

Jocelyn Hines
Economic Development Analyst
📧 [email protected]
📞 (231) 724-6722

Jocelyn processes Brownfield Redevelopment incentives and serves as staff liaison for the Downtown Development Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. She is the first point of contact for businesses on Apple Avenue, Downtown, and Laketon Avenue.

Isabela Gonzalez
Economic Development Analyst
📧 [email protected]
📞 (231) 724-4141

Isabela processes Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificates and serves as staff liaison for Lakeside. She is the first point of contact for businesses on Getty Street, Sherman Boulevard, Henry Street, and Lakeside (including Lakeshore Drive down to Pere Marquette Beach).