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HARBOR SPRINGS

We Love Harbor Springs

21 hours ago

A second category...

Administrative Leadership and Customer Service

Harbor Springs is hiring its next City Manager.

What questions should residents be asking?

As Harbor Springs City Council considers candidates for this position — or if they choose to wait for additional candidates — the discussion should focus on the skills and experience most important for managing the City’s unique responsibilities.

As Council prepares to review 4 candidates this Saturday, one of the most important steps is making sure the right questions are being asked about experience, leadership, and priorities.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer of the city, overseeing municipal staff, implementing policies established by the City Council, managing budgets, and ensuring that city departments operate effectively and efficiently.

The City Manager’s office plays a central role in coordinating the work of city departments such as the Department of Public Works, supporting staff, and helping translate council priorities into practical action. Maintaining public trust through transparent and respectful communication with residents is also fundamental to the position.

Municipal governments across the country are also experiencing challenges with staff recruitment and retention, making strong administrative leadership increasingly important.

QUESTIONS

• What leadership approach would you take when working with the City Council, municipal staff, and members of the community?
• How do you define a successful working relationship between a City Manager and the City Council, particularly when council members may have differing priorities or expectations?
• Communication and customer service play an important role in building public trust. How would you approach communication with residents and staff, particularly when addressing difficult issues or concerns?
• Tell us about a decision you made as a municipal leader that did not work out as intended. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it change the way you lead or make decisions today?

What questions could you ask someone applying to be Harbor Springs’ next City Manager? For more on how you can ask or frame your questions, read this newsletter ⁠ wlhs.substack.com/p/12-questions-we-would-ask-the-candidates ... See MoreSee Less

We Love Harbor Springs

22 hours ago

This story is in addition to John's good news, a story by Interlochen IPR www.interlochenpublicradio.org/2026-02-27/ahead-of-anniversary-northern-michigan-recounts-ice-sto... that will give you insights why Northern Michigan needs more funding, planning and due to the folks up here , the story is banded by this statement: “Because when a storm comes, buffaloes don't run away from it," he said. "They run into it, they face it head on together and they get through it faster.” We are buffaloes.

“Our hope is that the government officials in attendance take these stories back with them and have a renewed charge to advocate for the assistance the community needs to not only better prepare for future storms, but also to advocate for policies that will address climate change,” she said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Michigan’s appeal for more disaster aid related to the ice storm in October, and Farvard hoped that stories from impacted residents would show the long-term effects of the decision.

Despite all the devastation, Beach, the operations leader from Treetops Resort, compared the community’s strength during and after the ice storm to buffaloes.

“Because when a storm comes, buffaloes don't run away from it," he said. "They run into it, they face it head on together and they get through it faster.” Thank you everyone for getting the ice storm relief monies flowing.Thank you to President Trump, Governor Whitmer and everyone involved in ice storm relief…

Lansing - News out of Washington yesterday bodes well for northern Michigan. Nearly a year after the unimaginable ice storm, and after being turned down for federal aid several times, we received word that the President and Governor met yesterday afternoon and he has committed to sending more federal funds to help, especially with the electric co-ops.

This was a team effort where so many different parties in Michigan joined hands to help, including the Governor, Congressman Jack Bergman, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, the entire delegation of Northern Michigan Senators and Representatives, State Police, and so many more. But, none of those efforts even came close to the hard work of our local governments, business leaders, volunteers, law enforcement, line workers, tribal leaders, and so many more who provided real relief during and in the aftermath of the storm. May we never see something like that devastation again!

This is great news - I know all of us have seen significant increases in the cost of electricity as a result of damages from last year’s storm. The estimates for Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric and Gas were more than $300 million in damages, which obviously get passed on to consumers. While we do not know the amount of federal aid yet - and I have no doubt we could use more help than we will receive - we are very grateful and hopeful it will help address these and other expenses our residents have experienced.

Thank you to everyone involved for working together on this matter. More details to follow. ... See MoreSee Less

We Love Harbor Springs

2 days ago

Harbor Springs is hiring its next City Manager.
What questions should residents be asking?

As Harbor Springs City Council considers candidates for this position — or if they choose to wait for additional candidates — the discussion should focus on the skills and experience most important for managing the City’s unique responsibilities.

As Council prepares to review 4 candidates this Saturday, one of the most important steps is making sure the right questions are being asked about experience, leadership, and priorities.

When communities look for qualities such as strong communication skills or sound judgment, a good hiring process asks candidates to describe demonstrated experience — how they have handled similar situations in the past.

Here is one area the residents may want to consider asking the candidates. This subject is so important.

MANAGING A SEASONAL COMMUNITY

Harbor Springs operates within the unique dynamics of a seasonal community. Second-home ownership significantly increases the population during parts of the year, placing additional demands on infrastructure, public services, housing, and city operations. Tourism that is growing adds another layer to these pressures.

Balancing these demands while preserving Harbor Springs’ historic character and small-town identity requires thoughtful planning and steady communication. Successful leadership in a community like ours often depends on maintaining strong relationships among year-round residents, seasonal property owners, local businesses, and city staff. Also the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Understanding these dynamics can help guide decisions that support both the vitality of the community and the long-term well-being of the people who live and work here.

QUESTIONS

• What strategies would you use to manage the challenges that come with leading a seasonal resort community like Harbor Springs?

• In order to understand the community’s needs, it is often important to spend time listening and learning before making major decisions. During your first six months, how would you plan to familiarize yourself with Harbor Springs’ character, priorities, and long-standing community values?

• Harbor Springs faces ongoing infrastructure needs, including roads, sidewalks, and electrical system upgrades. How do you approach long-term capital planning so the city can address these needs for our residents first and tourists without creating unsustainable financial pressure?

• How would you ensure that community members feel heard and respected throughout the decision-making process, particularly when there are differing viewpoints within the community?

• Seasonal communities often experience large swings in service demand throughout the year. How would you plan staffing, budgeting, and municipal services to meet peak seasonal needs while remaining responsible to year-round taxpayers?

What questions would you ask someone applying to be Harbor Springs’ next City Manager? ... See MoreSee Less