The charming City of Belding, Michigan, has a great opportunity for a new city manager. Located in northwest Ionia County, Belding has a small-town feel while being in the larger Grand Rapids metropolitan area in west-central Michigan.

Belding’s five-member city council, excellent department heads, and city employees are committed to providing and supporting a great career opportunity for a community-minded city manager who wishes to join this tight-knit community. The city had a city manager retire from Belding at the end of 2024 after a three-year stay and will end a respected municipal management career of more than 40 years.

The City of Belding is a progressive, full-service city of 5,980 residents living within a 4.91 square mile area. The FY 25 general fund balance is $3.3 million, with a general fund balance of $2.6 million.

The city has over $60 million in capital improvement projects underway, and the new city manager will be expected to become familiar with them quickly.

The new city manager will develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, department heads, and city employees and will respect and
value city residents and city businesses. Important and desirable qualities include proven communication, interpersonal, and human relations skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of citizens and business owners. City residents expect a transparent city government and open communication between the city manager, mayor, mayor pro tem, council members, and citizens.

The City of Belding will offer a competitive compensation and benefits package Including, a defined contribution plan in which the city contributes 10 percent and the employee 6 percent. Salary depending on qualifications and experience.

DEADLINE Open Until Filled

Community Brochure

Reference Check Consent Form 

The City of Belding will consider applicants who value the small-town way of life, have a history of community involvement, and possess an innate drive to involve partners and residents in fashioning the next steps for a successful and prosperous community. To be considered a qualified applicant, respondents should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study such as business, finance, accounting, or public administration (an MBA or master’s degree in a related field is preferred)
• Minimum of three years experience as a city, village manager, or assistant manager
• An understanding of Michigan’s local government and economic tools available to the city, such as the Brownfield Authority, tax exemptions, etc.
• Residency is preferred

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Defined contribution, 10 percent employer contribution, 6 percent employee match.