© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
0000017b-35e5-df5e-a97b-35edaf330000Michigan Radio is covering the major candidates and issues for the upcoming election. Scroll below to find stories and resources that will help inform your vote.And NPR is having an election night party complete with the latest national results. Head on over the NPR Election Party now!

Charter changes pass in Flint, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Voters in Grand Rapids, Flint and Kalamazoo approved changes to their city charters.

Kalamazoo voters approved proposals that will change the way their mayor and city commissioners are elected. The mayor will be elected separately from the rest of the city commission and commissioners will serve longer terms.

Flint voters split on six proposed changes to the way their city runs. Voters rejected proposals to eliminate the city’s ombudsman office, the city’s civil service commission and several departments.   

But they did approve new budget “best practices," reducing the number of mayoral appointments and the creation of a charter commission, which could completely rewrite Flint’s 40-year-old city charter.

“The voters have embraced the most important changes,” says Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. He calls the vote a “step forward for the community.”

And in Grand Rapids, voters said "yes" to a term limits measure that will prevent its mayor from seeking re-election. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content