Muskegon County Municipalities At Work

Muskegon County Municipalities At Work Muskegon County Municipalities At Work is a video podcast featuring people in Muskegon County doing what it takes to keep our communities growing and thriving.

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with newly elected City of North Mus...
12/15/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with newly elected City of North Muskegon, Mayor Chris Nance to explore his remarkable career in public service—from international PR and White House advance work to senior roles under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger—and how those experiences shape his vision for North Muskegon’s future. Nance reflects on returning to his hometown, the community’s deep civic roots, and his priorities as mayor, including strengthening partnerships with the school district, enhancing communication and branding, improving local ordinances, and pursuing federal funding opportunities tied to the city’s master plan. With a strong focus on collaboration across Muskegon County, Nance emphasizes community pride, accessibility, and forward-thinking leadership that supports residents, local businesses, and regional prosperity.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring newly elected North Muskegon Mayor Chris Nance.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/EdHWMwJS9cs?si=5nCIZgjBRBrDaLDr
BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/18319718

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with newly elected North Muskegon Mayor Chris Nance to explore his remark...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Renee Gavin of Muskegon County ...
12/14/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Renee Gavin of Muskegon County Emergency Management. With over 20 years of experience in public safety, including law enforcement, EMS, and emergency planning, she effectively shapes her vital leadership role in community preparedness and disaster response. Gavin explains how Emergency Management identifies local hazards, coordinates resources during major events like the June storms, and collaborates with regional partners, state agencies, and federal programs to ensure Muskegon County is prepared for a range of potential disasters, from severe weather to flooding linked to upstream dam systems. She also emphasizes the importance of personal and family preparedness, local training partnerships, and the behind-the-scenes work that ensures residents' safety.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Muskegon County Emergency Manager Renee Gavin.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/jHXl1wXUG-M
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In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews county Emergency Manager Renee Gavin, whose 20+ years of public safety e...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Keith Townsend, a lifelong Musk...
12/13/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Keith Townsend, a lifelong Muskegon resident and second-generation transit worker with the MATS - Muskegon Area Transit System. Townsend shares how MATS connects residents to jobs, schools, and essential services through fixed routes, ADA-compliant vehicles, and new on-demand “Go-2” ride services. He discusses modern tech upgrades, such as bus-tracking apps and QR-coded stops, explains fare options, and reflects on the vital role public transit plays in keeping Muskegon’s economy and community moving. The conversation highlights both civic pride and the importance of investing in reliable, accessible local transportation for all.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Keith Townsend, a lifelong Muskegon County resident and second-generation transit worker with the MATS - Muskegon Area Transit System.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/IpXB4XOH174
BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/18099796

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Keith Townsend, a lifelong Muskegon resident and second-generation t...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Roosevelt Park Police Chief Sha...
12/12/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Roosevelt Park Police Chief Shawn Bride to explore his remarkable 30-year law enforcement career, from his early days with the City of Muskegon to leading a small but highly engaged department. Chief Bride discusses the transformative power of community policing, the unique collaborative spirit among Muskegon County agencies, the challenges and rewards of working in a smaller jurisdiction, and why service-driven individuals should consider a career in law enforcement. His insights highlight Muskegon County’s deeply interconnected public safety network, where agencies of all sizes collaborate to ensure a safe and thriving place to live, work, and play.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Roosevelt Park Police Chief Shawn Bride.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/sa2keOQG9WM?si=iarDJ0uG5c0VCpqd
BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/18236204

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Roosevelt Park Police Chief Shawn Bride to explore his remarkable 30...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern, Community Co...
12/10/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern, Community Coordinator for the Muskegon Police Department, to explore how community engagement is transforming local public safety. A lifelong Muskegon native, Emily shares her journey from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce to public service, explaining how her role bridges the gap between residents and law enforcement. From the Citizens Police Workshop to youth “pop-up” events and National Night Out, she highlights programs that build trust, foster understanding, and inspire future officers. The conversation also dives into the importance of grants, recruitment challenges, and how honest dialogue continues to strengthen police–community relations across Muskegon.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Emily Morgenstern, Community Coordinator for the City of Muskegon Police Department.

YouTube💻 https://youtu.be/cXtniaVa5vA
BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/18072534

In this episode of Muskegon County at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern, Community Coordinator for the Muskegon Police Department, to exp...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Kathy Moore, Muskegon County’s ...
12/10/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Kathy Moore, Muskegon County’s longtime Public Health Director and its most senior employee, to share her 35 years of experience serving in Muskegon County wastewater, Airport operations, county administration, and Public Health leadership. She outlines the wide range of services provided by the health department, including restaurant and pool inspections, immunizations, communicable disease management, maternal and child health programs, and community outreach initiatives. Moore reflects on navigating COVID-19 with transparency and collaboration, emphasizes partnerships with local municipalities and Trinity Health, and highlights the growing need for new public health professionals skilled in science, clinical care, education, and digital communication. Her message emphasizes that public service is a meaningful and long-term career with a profound impact on the community.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Kathy Moore, Public Health Director for Muskegon County.

YouTube💻 https://youtu.be/WFBG05EBwys?si=BcDKFoUxL8CpySIf

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/18154248

Kathy Moore, Muskegon County’s longtime Public Health Director and its most senior employee, joins DJ Hilson on Muskegon County Municipalities at Work to sha...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Sarah Wilson, Treasurer for the...
10/24/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Sarah Wilson, Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, to demystify how local government handles money—from property taxes to water bills—and how every dollar collected supports essential community services. Wilson shares her journey from private-sector accounting to public service, explaining the unique satisfaction of working for the public good rather than profit. She discusses the challenges of forecasting revenue amid new growth and tax abatements, the importance of empathy when working with residents, and the collaborative spirit among local and statewide treasurers. The conversation highlights the professionalism, transparency, and human touch that keep Muskegon running smoothly.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Sarah Wilson, Treasurer for the City of Muskegon.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/I_gtYiLfQeM

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17969989

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Sarah Wilson, Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, to demystify how l...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Dawson Romanosky, a lifelong Muskeg...
10/22/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Dawson Romanosky, a lifelong Muskegon resident and automotive professional who now manages the City of Muskegon’s fleet of over 550 vehicles and pieces of equipment. From the Muskegon Police Department cars and plow trucks to bulldozers and utility vehicles, Dawson oversees maintenance, replacement, and budgeting to keep city operations running smoothly. With his background as a master mechanic and automotive manager, he bridges the gap between technical expertise and city planning, ensuring reliable service for residents—from plowing streets in the winter to clearing bike paths in the summer. His story highlights the value of staying local, career growth in municipal service, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Muskegon safe, efficient, and thriving.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Dawson Romanosky, Fleet Manager at the City of Muskegon.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/OBuT2rQOrV0?si=p_kdAwMpuDYKivFc

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17892325

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Dawson Romanosky, a lifelong Muskegon resident and automotive profession...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community E...
10/20/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community Engagement and Communications Specialist for the City of Muskegon Government.

Deborah shares her passion for public service, rooted in a family legacy of community involvement, and highlights her unique role in building collaboration across city departments. She explains how initiatives like the SeeClickFix app are transforming local government by making it easier for residents to report issues, strengthening trust, and improving communication between citizens and City Hall. The conversation emphasizes the importance of neighborhood associations, cross-department teamwork, and innovative communication strategies that ensure Muskegon remains a connected, thriving community.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities at Work episode featuring Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community Engagement and Communications Specialist for the City of Muskegon.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/IOvWVi7igwo?si=sZCBHwaVGB1OLoB0

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17854169

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community Engagement and Communications Speciali...

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen o...
10/20/2025

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen of the Michigan State Police to explore his journey from Allendale native to leader of the Muskegon Major Case Team. Vander Molen shares insights into the intensive state police recruit school, his early assignments, and the collaborative formation of Muskegon’s Major Case Initiative—an interagency team uniting state, local, and federal partners to tackle violent crime and homicide investigations. Highlighting their 100% clearance rate in recent years, Vander Molen emphasizes the importance of teamwork, advanced technology, community trust-building, and grassroots intelligence in keeping Muskegon residents safe. The conversation also encourages young people to consider careers in law enforcement, underscoring both the challenges and rewards of serving the community.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities at Work episode featuring Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen of the Michigan State Police.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/muHUd_cR7b0

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17780990

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen of the Michigan State Police to explor...

On this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews City of Muskegon Government Directo...
10/17/2025

On this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews City of Muskegon Government Director of Development Services Jake Eckholm about how vision-driven public service is fueling local progress—linking housing as economic development, diversified job growth, and small-business support across the city’s commercial corridors. Eckholm explains the city’s infill and mixed-income housing push (including LIHTC projects), zoning reforms that unlock duplexes and ADUs, and the incubation of entrepreneurs through programs like Western Market—all alongside lakefront redevelopment that expands public access while attracting private investment. From major industrial expansions to neighborhood revitalization, the conversation highlights practical strategies that create stable homes, quality jobs, and inclusive places for residents to live, work, and play in Muskegon.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring the City of Muskegon Director of Development Services Jake Eckholm.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/dxRFoIbktgo

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17769733

On this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews City of Muskegon Director of Development Services Jake Eckholm about how...

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Debbie Hillebrand, a Pennsylvania n...
10/17/2025

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Debbie Hillebrand, a Pennsylvania native who now runs the Lewis House Bed & Breakfast in the City of Whitehall. Join us as she shares her journey from business owner to city council member after falling in love with the community’s walkability, natural beauty, and vibrant arts scene, she decided to run for council as a way to give back. Debbie discusses the learning curve of being an elected official, the importance of respectful collaboration on council, and the recent hiring of a new city manager through an extensive search process. She highlights accomplishments like maintaining city parks, the renovation of the White Lake Playhouse, and the development of Tannery Bay. Emphasizing transparency, she encourages citizens to attend meetings and stay informed through city resources.

Check out this Muskegon County Municipalities At Work episode featuring Debbie Hillebrand, a Pennsylvania native who now runs the Lewis House Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall. Join us as she shares her journey from business owner to city council member.

YouTube 💻 https://youtu.be/A5qna6_y_Go

BuzzSprout 💻 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438800/episodes/17704992

Debbie Hillebrand, a Pennsylvania native who now runs the Lewis House Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall, shares her journey from business owner to city council me...

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