Muskegon will soon have a new City Manager, as Frank Peterson announced Thursday evening, he is stepping down from the position by the end of March.
So far, no confirmed reason as to why the decision to resign, however, a city hall source told WGVU, all indicators point to Peterson simply moving on in his career.
But the decision comes somewhat as a surprise, as Peterson has held the position since 2013 before stints as the city manager in both Springfield, Michigan and Grant, Michigan.
On Friday, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson praised Peterson for his service.
“I’m grateful for his many contributions, which have incredibly enhanced our city. I will reflect fondly on our time working together in accomplishing so much, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors," said Mayor Johnson.
And while Peterson has faced criticism during his career for decisions such as renaming the LC Walker Arena to Mercy Health, as well as selling off an old sand dune adjacent to the Bluffton neighborhood, there is no question that the city of Muskegon has undergone a dramatic transformation during his tenure, specifically in the downtown corridor.
Meanwhile, the Muskegon City Commission plans to appoint Deputy City Manager LeighAnn Mikesell as Interim City Manager before starting the search for Peterson’s replacement.