Boards & Commissions

The City of Grand Haven has several different boards and commissions of which the members are chosen from the community. Many terms come due in June; however, openings can occur at any time due to other factors.

Current Vacancies

  • Compensation Commission (2 Vacancies)
  • Harbor Board (2 Vacancies)
  • Main Street Downtown Development Authority (2 Vacancies)
  • Musical Fountain Commission (1 Vacancy)
  • Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority (1 Vacancy)
  • Zoning Board of Appeals (2 Vacancies)

Citizens Interested in Serving May:

  • Pick up an application at the City Clerk’s office (616-847-4886)
  • Print this linked application form
  • Click here to submit an application online
    • After you apply: After an application is received by the Clerk’s Office, copies are sent to the mayor and the administrative liaison. The mayor reviews the applications and often meets with candidates to better understand their intentions and background. The mayor makes the appointment, with confirmation by city council, at a future city council meeting. Then the applicant is sworn in by the City Clerk.

Additional Information

Airport Board

The Airport Board recommends such airport rules and regulations deemed necessary and are consistent with the Charter and general ordinances of the city.

Audit Review Committee

The Committee, established by “Sarbanes-Oxley” requirements of the Federal Government meets twice a year to plan for and review the draft annual financial reports of the City of Grand Haven, This in-depth review both explains any documentation or issues noted within the City’s audit and includes up to three accounting-knowledgeable citizens to assist in clarity.

Board of Light & Power

The BLP is one of more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities serving homes and businesses across the United States, and is locally controlled by a five-member Board of Directors elected by Grand Haven residents.

BLP Meeting Minutes

Board of Review

This Board of Review meets three times a year. March, July, and December, for the purposes of correcting any errors or omissions to the assessment and tax rolls.

Building Authority

The Building Authority is basically used as a financing mechanism for City Council. It was incorporated mainly for the purpose of reconstructing the Central Business District parking lots but can be used for a multitude of projects.

Cemetery Board

The Cemetery Board is authorized to declare such rules and regulations which it deems appropriate concerning decorations on lots and such other matters deemed pertinent to the care and custody of the cemetery.

Community Center Board

This board is a citizen’s advisory board that provides recommendations to City officials concerning Central Park Place usage and improvements.

Compensation Commission

This board was created to determine the salaries of all elected City officials, for example, the City Council and the Board of Light and Power. This board meets for fifteen days or less in every odd-numbered year, and shall make a determination within forty-five calendar days of its first meeting.

Construction Board of Appeals

This board hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code. These meetings are called as needed.

Duncan Park Commission

The 40+ acres that make up Duncan Park were donated “to the people of the City of Grand Haven” by Martha Duncan in 1913 in memory of her husband, Robert Duncan. The Duncan Park Commission has the exclusive power and authority to manage and control the park. The care and maintenance of Duncan Park is funded through private donations and endowment funds. The park is located off of Sheldon Road and is used extensively throughout the year. It is a beautifully wooded nature preserve of Beech & Hemlock. Facilities include a small picnic area located adjacent to the paved parking area and natural walking trails. There is limited access from Sheldon throughout the park to Lake Avenue.

Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

This board is charged to actively pursue the redevelopment of environmentally contaminated properties, and to assist in development of commercial and industrial properties within the City of Grand Haven. Part of their role includes the management of a revolving loan fund, which may be used to provide “gap” financing for businesses within the city.

Harbor Board

This is a citizen’s advisory board, which provides input on issues regarding the usage and maintenance of the waterfront properties owned by the City of Grand Haven.

Historic Conservation District Commission

The purpose of this board is to safeguard the heritage of the City of Grand Haven by preserving landmarks and sites which reflect elements of the city’s cultural, social, economical, political or architectural history.

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission was created to encourage, promote and cause mutual understanding, sensitivity, awareness, and respect among all groups in the City and beyond, to prevent discrimination and disorder, and to give effect to the guarantee of equal rights for all.

Loutit District Library Board

Loutit District Library is run by a Board of Trustees. Library Trustees are volunteers appointed by their municipality to serve a three-year term. Grand Haven City, Grand Haven Township, and Robinson Township appoint two trustees each. The City of Ferrysburg and the Grand Haven Area Public School District appoint one trustee each for a total of eight trustees. The Board of Trustee’s job is to set policy for the library and appoint the Library Director.

Main Street Downtown Development Authority

The Main Street Downtown Development Authority concentrates on the vitality of the downtown area. Meetings are held at City Hall in the  Council Chambers, 519 Washington Ave, on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 a.m.

Musical Fountain Committee

The Musical Fountain Committee develops the technical operations of the Musical Fountain including program development, scheduling of programs, system maintenance, and technological improvements.

Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority

NORA’s mission is to build community through people, parks & recreation.   At NORA, we work with our local municipalities to provide recreational opportunities in Northwest Ottawa County.   From after school programs & leagues, to our adult programs that are centered around local families, we strive to provide a safe, healthy and fun environment.  NORA is able to provide year round recreation and sport for all ages and abilities by partnering with our local schools,  parks departments and businesses to provide a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Parks & Recreation Board

The Parks & Recreation Board functions in an advisory capacity. They hear from those wishing to utilize our park facilities and make recommendations to City Council on the merits of the request. The Board also helps the City Administration set goals and priorities for improvements of recreational opportunities in the community.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing and rendering decisions on the majority of non-residential facility site plans. In addition, the Planning Commission is also charged with drafting and adopting the Community Strategic Land Use Master Plan.

Sustainability & Energy Commission

Through education, communication, and planning, the City of Grand Haven Sustainability and Energy Commission shall endeavor to assist the City of Grand Haven-as well as its business community, local institutions, residents, and visitors-with the conservation and restoration of natural resources and sensitive habitats, reduction of waste, and support for community driven clean energy solutions while fostering responsible growth.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets, listens, and rules on variances to the Zoning Ordinance and interpretations brought to the board by residents, business owners and staff, and works with the Planning Commission to make sure the uses of districts established in the Master Plan are adhered to.