Chosen by the Michigan Municipal Executives (ICMA state chapter) as the 2020 Next Generation Management Fellow. Spearheaded Redevelopment Ready Certification from MEDC, completed 95% of best practices over nine months. Prepared new wage and benefit scales, new employee handbook language, and a pension sustainability study during labor negotiations. Created 5 year recreation plan for the City: including civic engagement, strategic planning session with Council members, and a redevelopment plan. Led review of existing code of ordinances and charter language, and developed astrategy for future revision commission. Coordinated with Council, Boards and Commissions including preparing a training strategy, new orientation format, new handbooks, new bylaws, and strategic planning. Partnered with citizens, including developing a public participation plan, civic engagement opportunities relating to recreation planning and economic development planning, providing a Guide to Business Development, updating available website information, and hosting a workshop for local business owners on grant opportunities. Worked closely with state and federal partners and developed a plan for use of incoming American Rescue Plan dollars. Worked on revenue diversification efforts, including income tax feasibility study, marijuana ordinance study, and other potential funding sources for projects. Participated in budget discussions, human resources decisions, capital improvementplanning, election management, economic development and marketing planning, information technology updates, public works and public safety improvements, and planning and zoning projects.

Worked with the Kent Department of Public Works to provide information on best practices relating to innovation in public works sustainability. Put together case studies and best practices for classroom discussion on a variety of local government topics, including: methods of service delivery, planning and zoning, regional cooperation, economic development, and sustainability practices. Developed two new courses: Comparative Public Administration and Building Sustainable Communities. Taught two lectures, the first on the importance of trust and ethics in the public sector and the second on the history of social services.

Developed action steps for strategic plan and goals for new year, and managed completion of goals. Created a cohesive strategy for more effective civic engagement. Redesigned and rebranded city documents and marketing strategy. Created and executed social media strategy, with a focus on uplifting the voices of our community partners and providing strong communication with citizens. Searched and applied for grants. Under the direction of the City Manager: completed reports for the State of Michigan and the federal government, completed budget amendments for FY 2020 andcontributed to FY 2021 budget decisions, participated in the planning and zoning approval process, including issuing yearly rental licenses for landlords and site plan approval, participated in regional government information sharing and decision making: especially the Northwest Ottawa Recreational Authority, West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, and Northwest Ottawa Water and Sewer Systems.

Worked with the Economic Development Director and Planning Director on a varietyof economic development priorities and planning projects. Assisted with taxabatement compliance and reporting. Developed a comprehensive list of all currentproperties available and their characteristics in order to better assist companies witheconomic development. Searched and applied for grants.

Developed new programming for Muskegon County for youth engagement withphilanthropy. Educated over 7000 youth ages 5-17 about engaging with theircommunities and assisted them with planning and executing volunteer projects,resulting in over $50,000 in donations for the organization. Formed and maintained newand past relationships with schools, faith communities, and community organizationssuch as scouting troops, sports teams, and other after school programs. Directlyresponsible for increasing donations over 150% in my program. Created family friendlypop-up events with area businesses to help bring awareness to organization needs.