Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor Michele Hodges for GPP Mayor

your "get stuff done" Mayor

LET'S CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM

My credentials empower me to lead. Click here to see my linkedin profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleyounghodges

your "get stuff done" Mayor

LET'S CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM

My credentials empower me to lead. Click here to see my linkedin profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleyounghodges

Priorities

Long Term Financial Stability

ISSUE:

Long term financial stability is essential and a top priority.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Went from a $1M deficit to a surplus budget in FY 2023, and are on track to permanently resolve the deficit by FY 2024. Fund balance has remained well above best practice range, with a one time dip into reserves necessary due to inherited issues from the previous administration (for Ms. Gallagher to suggest there has been financial negligence by doing so, when this Council has been charged with correcting such inherited issues, and is successfully doing so, does a disservice to those doing the heavy lifting and actually solving the problem).
A portion of the 2023 deficit reduction plan included the sale of city owned properties, which should not be held in perpetuity, and needed to be returned to the tax rolls. Future deficit reduction measures will not include one time insertions of cash, and are therefore permanent.
Engaged in an aggressive deficit reduction and long term financial planning process. (The dashboard referred to by Ms. Gallagher includes categories that are not part of the General Fund, and therefore do not accurately reflect the current status of city finances.)
Capital planning process is in place and continuously evolving.
Fund balance is well above best practice range. Bond rating is strong. Both of these are important benchmarks and reduce the cost of government.
Aggressively pursuing all grant and loan opportunities, despite not meeting the minimum criteria for most. Statements to the contrary made by other campaigns are untrue, and also fail to point out that loan applications, if awarded, are not free money and require a revenue source to meet debt obligations. (Suggestions by Ms. Gallagher that grants and loans have not been leveraged are false. In her campaign literature, she indicates Grosse Pointe City avoided a tax by securing $25M in grants. The City of Grosse Pointe Park was NOT eligible for those grants.).
Built a solid finance team who is addressing legacy issues and ensuring compliance in all areas.
Growing tax base by returning properties to the tax rolls, stabilizing borders and working closely with the business community.
Implementing both revenue enhancing and cost saving measures, as well as management solutions that bring efficiencies to government.
Solving without compromising services.

WHAT'S NEXT:

On track to permanently address the deficit by next FY.

Infrastructure

ISSUE:

An aging infrastructure requires continuous investment in order to protect the lives and property of tax payers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Made substantial investments to optimize, repair and rebuild aging infrastructure to prevent flooding.
Completed first new watermain project in decades. Multiple alleyway separations have occurred.
Secured a millage to fund improvements (This millage was approved by voters, and not a tax increase by Council, as suggested by Ms. Gallagher. The funds are being spent according to plans developed by professional engineers, with a permanent Capital Improvement Plan under development. Ms. Gallagher has suggested additional tax dollars should be directed to other infrastructure, including the marina).
Acquired funding and permits to build an EERV with a strict operating procedure. (our licensed engineers are professionally obligated to ensure the EERV is fully permitted to legally operate, and Ms. Gallagher's claims to the contrary are false. She has indicated a desire to build the EERV entirely without permits).
Substantial work is underway as part of a long term capital improvement plan that is actively addressing lead service lines and other infrastructure needs.
Actively working with government at all levels to secure regional solutions.
Made application to every available grant and loan source.
Partnering with St. Clare of Montefalco to coordinate infrastructure improvements in the area.
Created a downspout disconnection ordinance.
Building a rain garden and green parking lots.
Conducting tree plantings.
Replacing old alleys and city hall parking lot. Kercheval repaving completed on time, and new TIFA parking lot with green infrastructure.
Working with DTE to address outages and storm recovery. See details in section contained below.
Completion and move in of new DPW building.
City wide energy efficient streetlight replacement and associated cost savings. Savings could equal one public safety officer per year.

WHAT'S NEXT:

Continue to implement capital improvement plan, including Cadieux repaving and Jefferson sewer separation.
Pursue additional funding.
Work closely with partner organizations to further regional solutions.

Public Safety

ISSUE:

We will not, and have not, sacrificed Public Safety in Grosse Pointe Park. Response times are excellent and we are competitive, or better, than our peer communities. We will maintain class leading metrics compared to peer communities. We are continuously improving.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Made significant strides in establishing financial stability in order to drive revenue and other resources to Public Safety.
Implemented Medstar to provide advanced life support that did not exist previously, to put more officers on patrol, and to serve as a significant long term cost saving measure. This is a cost effective enhancement to life support services, and does not compromise care in any way. Every Pointe but one has used Medstar for an extensive period of time without issue, making this a long overdue solution. Medstar is also favorably impacting morale on the force.
Reorganized department to become less top heavy in order to put more officers on patrol. The Park spends a greater percentage of budget than any other Grosse Pointe on public safety. The decision to redistribute staff and to not replace certain positions due to attrition (not layoffs, as incorrectly stated by other campaigns), was unanimously approved by the City Council (and not by a majority, as also incorrectly stated by other campaigns).
Staffing is a priority and is good. Safety has NOT been compromised. Claims suggesting the contrary (because we are not fully staffed 11% of the time) are a misguided interpretation of the data. Anytime an officer is on a call, writing a ticket, fighting a fire, taking a vacation, or ill, patrols are reduced. This is normal, planned, and how it has ALWAYS routinely been done.
Officers have not been laid off. Efficiencies were found through attrition, and the budget providing for this was approved unanimously (it is important to be clear that Ms. Gallagher voted NOT to fill these four positions, which is contrary to what her campaign literature indicates), and not simply by a majority.
Overall crime is DOWN (and not UP, as Ms. Gallagher has said; rather, there is a spike in one category, which is explained below) because we have a strong team working on our behalf. The data shows a misleading 61% increase in larceny/motor vehicle theft/burglary which is primarily attributable to the KIA thefts that are sweeping the country, cluster crimes (e.g. multiple car windows broken by BB guns, each of which are recorded as separate crimes in the data), and unlocked vehicles. It can also be explained as a post covid correction, when numbers dropped dramatically. The truth is we remain far better than we were ten years ago, and the patterns since then have remained consistent, with no sharp decrease in safety, as has been suggested. This is not a "Polly Anna" view, or attempt to minimize what should be a concern. Absolutely not. Rather, it is a realistic assessment that allows us to focus on actual solutions that ensure a strong, high performing and well supported public safety team. No one is ignoring this matter. No one is recklessly taking resources away from public safety, and no one is not fully committed to ardently addressing it, as is demonstrated here.
Developing shared service and consolidation initiatives.
Funded all requested capital improvements.
Implemented Cost Recovery Ordinance.
Working in partnership with Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Foundation to improve the department, and provide assets such as safety vests.
Stabilizing borders by working in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions.
Educating the public on crime prevention.
Improved morale.

WHAT'S NEXT:

Partnerships, shared services and consolidation with neighboring jurisdictions.
Continue to grow number of officers on each shift.
Further improving the tax base to fund public safety.
Management solutions that create efficiencies and solve problems. Working in partnership with the Council and administration to get there.

Trombly

ISSUE:

Trombly School was closed by the Grosse Pointe Public School System in 2020. This seriously impacts the neighborhood and the overall health of our community. We don't own the property, but we must ensure that it once again is a vital and contributing asset by working closely with GPPSS .

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Implemented big picture planning solutions through the Master Plan and other appropriate tools at the municipal level. The Zoning Ordinance is being redone, and I have advocated and voted for Civic Zoning that protects the site for a community use. I have never advocated for multi family housing. (Ms. Gallagher has wrongly made this assertion).
Working to make certain it returns as a vital, public facing, community serving hub, and NOT a use that compromises the site or the neighborhood, such as multi family housing.
Serving on a committee created by GPPSS to identify solutions.
Reached out to GPPSS and built relationship with leadership to initiate problem solving process, and to create accountability.
Conducted a listening session to ensure we are working in partnership with the community.
Assigned a liaison from City Council to provide leadership on the issue.

WHAT'S NEXT:

Continue to implement measures that hold GPPSS accountable, and that restore Trombly to a viable community asset.
Convene a joint meeting of the GPPSS BOE and GPP City Council.
Keep the community informed and part of the process.

Economic Development

ISSUE:

Our future depends on the multiplier effect that results from smart economic development initiatives. We must always be looking ahead, and implementing strategies that improve tax base, ensure prosperity for all, and a quality of life that makes Grosse Pointe Park a community of choice.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Master Plan and Parking Studies are in place.
Zoning Ordinance is being completely updated.to ensure a better experience and outcome for residents and businesses alike.
Demolition policies and procedures have been updated.
City Hall Campus Planning process is nearing completion.
Code enforcement and blight reduction efforts have been bolstered.
TIFA has undertaken a district planning process.
Continuous professionalization of all city departments and processes is ongoing.
Established City Council liaison to business community.
Serving on Planning Commission, DDA, Personnel Committee, and Community Engagement Committee.
City owned properties are being returned to tax rolls.
Saved Pointe Hardware.
Border stabilization is underway to improve tax base, reduce crime and coordinate public safety efforts, address water sewer infrastructure, further ensure the success of the Arts Center and Kercheval developments, improve code enforcement and blight removal, coordinate planning efforts, improve Wayburn and Barrington alleys, and to be good neighbors. Reopening streets is NOT (and will NOT) proposed. Changing Windmill Pointe Drive or Whittier Roads is NOT (and will NOT) proposed. Reports to the contrary are ill informed, and lack context or understanding of what is actually underway. (We are on the cusp of opportunity that has the potential to significantly impact our economic future, and for Ms. Gallagher to suggest otherwise should be concerning to all. The report she refers to was not co-authored by me. This process has involved getting all voices to the table, and the report's author was one of them. What is underway is true problem solving, and true healing. It is unwise to get in the way of that, or to try and turn this into something it isn't. The vision is a grand one, with great benefit intended for each and every stakeholder, and I look forward to leading to that end. It would be unfortunate for politics to derail this important opportunity, so please reach out if you have questions.),
Helped secure $1M for multi jurisdictional planning on Mack Avenue.
Guiding actions and budgets in alignment with a capital improvement plan.
Elevating the profile and standing of GPP with elected officials and partners at al levels.

WHAT'S NEXT:

A community moving forward in a manner we can all be proud of.

Additional Priorities

DTE - Power Outages and Storm Recovery

We have been strategic with our advocacy, and are making solid progress with DTE in addressing these matters. They have acknowledged the problem, and are working proactively to implement short and long term solutions. Other tangibles include their visit to GPP during the last storm, attendance at a City Council meeting, and a well attended Town Hall on September 13th. They've also committed to joining the Infrastructure Committee. We expect a follow up report soon, and will continue to work closely with them. Other levels of government and oversight bodies have also been engaged, with a site visit to GPP planned for October. I'd like to thank those members of the community who have worked with us to document the problems, thereby making for a very strong case.

PARKS AND RECREATION:

Our parks are one of our most prized assets, and will NOT be opened to non residents. PERIOD.

MARINA:

A consultant is evaluating options for keeping the marina viable. A user survey has been circulated to support next steps. (Ms. Gallagher has expressed an interest in directing millage proceeds to the marina).

SUSTAINABILITY:

Sustainability is a consideration with each and every undertaking. We've been awarded by the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, built green parking lots, secured funding for a rain garden, convened town halls on timely topics, approved the Monarch Pollinator Pledge, engaged in tree planting efforts, applied the highest standard to EERV standard operating procedure, and we are aggressively addressing infrastructure needs.

WELCOMING COMMUNITY:

Much like sustainability, this too is an important priority underpinning each and every undertaking. We have made diverse hires, and celebrated important holidays by resolution and with robust programming. We are working closely with our neighbors in a substantial and tangible way, and programs like After 6 serve as a regional draw.

OUR SENIORS:

I have created a City Council liaison to the senior community to be intentional about working in partnership to ensure good quality programming, housing availability, and to meet other needs as identified. With the addition of Medstar, we now have advanced life support capabilities, which was not the case before. We have also added electronic payment capability, making it easier for snow birds. And, I am working with The Helm to ensure its long term sustainability.

TRANSPARENCY:

Created a Community Engagement Committee to ensure residents have a voice. Encouraging quality public comment. Adhering to all processes. Convened Town Halls on important topics. Always available and accessible. Furthering truthful narratives and rebuilding trust. We are the only Grosse Pointe streaming City Council meetings live, and comments were read during the lockdown, documents and budgets are posted online, all public hearings and process requirements are strictly adhered to, and an Ethics Review Board has been created.

DONOR COMMUNITY:

Working in partnership to improve quality of life and reduce impacts on the General Fund. We have been able to finance projects through the Grosse Pointe Park Foundation, the Public Safety Foundation and private donors.

ETHICS REVIEW COMMITTEE:

Created the committee to further a culture of character and integrity, and to provide a tool to deal with issues, if and when they arise.

ADMINISTRATION

Goals and objectives for the City Manager are in place and closely managed to ensure accountability and a solid performance.

Site Content

Other Things You Should Know

A hallmark of my career has been a commitment to non partisan leadership. It gets results. Politics divide, I don't want that for us . My commitment is to true leadership, and bringing us together so we can function as a community. It's all about the mission, and stewardship. Nothing else.

Supporting the non profit community, and the many admirable causes it represents, is a priority for me. Kevin's Song, Full Circle, Michael B's, the Therapy Ranch, Grosse Pointe Theatre, Finn it Forward, SET, Phoemale, Junior League of Detroit, Lakefront Swim Association, Grosse Pointe Park Little League, GPWM, Grosse Pointe Public Library, Grosse Pointe Park Foundation, Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Foundation, STEAAM Foundation, Mothers Club, PTO, Motor City Makeover, The Helm, Pewabic, and any other number of wonderful causes all have ties to GPP and are a joy to support.

Efficient, professional and well managed meetings and processes are key. A management mindset that values good structure oriented toward results, with high expectations and accountability, are all necessities. A strong organizational culture and a team with a champion mindset gets you to the finish line. Transformation takes time, and we are well on our way.

The power of relationships is indisputable. I have them at every level of government, in the non profit community, with our school district, our fellow Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, throughout the City of Detroit, the foundations and corporations, the faith community, and many others. This network has built my capacity to lead, and to navigate almost any issue on behalf of Grosse Pointe Park.

I grew up in a large family with five brothers, and parents who were both community servants. That environment created a resiliency, and a commitment to professionalism, civility, and hard work that is absent of politics, and simply focused on Getting Stuff Done.

I've been a builder of Community and Communities my entire career, and the planks are in place to ensure we are successful on both fronts. I can imagine no greater honor than working with you to get there.

My Credentials

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: Urban Planning degree, MSU. Institute for Organizational Management. Michigan Political Leadership Program. Economic Developers Institute. Institute for Public Administration. Lilly Fundraising School at Indiana University. Non Profit Executive. Former Chamber of Commerce professional, DDA Executive Director, and local government professional. Gubernatorial and Detroit Mayoral appointee. Notable Skills: organizational management, finance, TIFA, DDA, economic and community development, bond issues, community engagement, volunteer management, cultural institutions, political complexity, change management, donor partnerships, trust building, diverse stakeholder management, programming, advocacy, DEI, sustainability, great lakes stewardship, and acumen at all levels of government. Have held leadership roles at DAC, DSO, JEI, ECN, and others.

Presently serving as the founding President and CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy.

RECOGNITION HIGHLIGHTS: WJR Women Who Lead Class of 2021. Crain's Detroit Business 2019 Notable Women in Non Profits. 2018 Michigan Business and Professional Association Distinguished Leadership Award and Honoree. Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40. WDIV Everyday Hero. Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan One Tough Cookie. Outstanding Public Service Partnership. Inforum Inner Circle 2018. Transit Champion. Michigan Chamber Professional of the Year. Great Lakes IT Report Leader and Innovator. Deloitte and Inforum Most Influential Woman. Leadership Oakland Distinguished Leader. Habitat for Humanity Community Builder. Oakland Business Review Executive to Watch. Congressman Joe Knollenberg Featured Innovator. Leadership Troy Outstanding Business of the Year.

RECENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICE: Jefferson East Inc. Board Member, Eastside Community Network Liaison, Detroit Parks Coalition, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Trustee, Detroit Athletic Club Marketing and Communications and Community Outreach Committees, Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Chairperson, CORP! Business Advisory Board, Manistique Treehouse Committee, Michael B's Committee.

PAST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE: Crimestoppers of Michigan Past Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Advisory Council, Automation Alley, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board, SEMCOG, Michigan Planning Association, Michigan Development and Finance Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS: Grosse Pointe Park resident since 2001 (following 7 years in Grosse Pointe Woods). Married to Matt for 33 years (we met at MSU). Beautiful daughters Sylvia, a recent graduate of MSU (with a perfect 4.0!), and Effie, a Lyman Briggs sophomore and member of the MSU Women's Hockey team. A history of community involvement that includes PTOs, Friday Night Feast, Mutant Swim Team, Block Party Planning, Hockey, Dance, St. Ambrose Lector, Soccer, GPP Foundation, and GPP City Council.

This intersection of education, credentials, experience and recognition makes me well suited to lead for the community I love. I have a record of service that clearly demonstrates commitment and dedication to our GPP.