City of Benton Harbor, MI Government

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City of Benton Harbor, MI Government The official page of the City of Benton Harbor, Michigan government.

Energizing the City’s FutureBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleBenton Harbor has worked closely with AEP (Indiana Michigan Po...
10/22/2026

Energizing the City’s Future

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

Benton Harbor has worked closely with AEP (Indiana Michigan Power) in recent years to improve the city’s electric infrastructure, including a new downtown substation and the power line connections needed to support it. In 2025, the City Commission approved a resolution directing the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize an agreement with AEP for easements across three City-owned parcels near West Market Street and 11th Street.

In 2025, the City Commission approved a resolution directing the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize an agreement with AEP for easements across three City-owned parcels near West Market Street and 11th Street. These easements are essential to completing the Hickory Creek–Main Transmission Line, which will carry power from the downtown substation through 11th Street and Broadway to the substation at the end of Broadway.
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A Healthier Future for Ox CreekBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleBenton Harbor has worked for several years to restore the O...
10/22/2026

A Healthier Future for Ox Creek

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

Benton Harbor has worked for several years to restore the Ox Creek Corridor, improving the creek and surrounding neighborhoods from the city through Benton Township to the Home Depot area. Partnering with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC), the City is focused on restoring habitat so fish, wildlife, and plants can return while also enhancing environmental quality and neighborhood conditions.

SWMPC secured a NOAA Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience grant for underserved communities and hired GEI Consultants to develop and implement restoration plans from Highland Avenue to Britain Avenue.

In 2025, the City Commission approved the Habitat Restoration Plan, allowing work to begin with City Manager oversight to ensure progress stays on track.
The Ox Creek Restoration Project reflects Benton Harbor’s commitment to improving public spaces, protecting the environment, and creating healthier, safer spaces for residents and wildlife. For more information visit www.sustainoxcreek.com.
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Read the full Year in Review at bhcity.us/yearinreview

Hall Park Improvements Are Moving ForwardBy Nicholas GunnInvesting in public spaces remained a key priority for Benton H...
10/20/2026

Hall Park Improvements Are Moving Forward

By Nicholas Gunn

Investing in public spaces remained a key priority for Benton Harbor this year, with the City Commission approving a major step forward in the restoration of Hall Park. Commissioners authorized a $576,281.30 contract with BG Construction and Engineering to carry out Phase 1 of the Hall Park Restoration Project. The work is designed to improve accessibility, enhance recreation opportunities, and create a more welcoming space for residents of all ages.

Planned improvements include the removal of the park’s existing basketball court and the construction of two new full-size courts built on a concrete pad. The upgraded courts will feature lighting and ADA-compliant grading to ensure accessibility for all community members.

In addition to the courts, the project includes replacing aging retaining walls with new modular block walls that will incorporate stepped seating. An ADA-accessible trail system will also be added, along with new sidewalks, designated spaces for benches, and trash receptacles to improve the park’s functionality and usability.
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Strengthening Regional Partnership on the RiverBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleIn 2025, the City of Benton Harbor approved...
10/19/2026

Strengthening Regional Partnership on the River

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

In 2025, the City of Benton Harbor approved a resolution to join the Harbor Authority, a regional partnership formed to maintain a key stretch of the St. Joseph River from the Main Street Bridge south past Pier 1000 through St. Joseph Charter Township.

The federally maintained channel between the Paw Paw River and Lake Michigan remains under the care of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Shared with St. Joseph and neighboring townships, this stretch supports boating, fishing, and access to marinas including Pier 1000, the St. Joseph Marina, and the Benton Harbor Boat Launch. Over time, sediment buildup reduces depth, requiring periodic dredging for safe navigation.
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Upgrading First Responder CommunicationBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleAging radios used by first responders were replaced...
10/18/2026

Upgrading First Responder Communication

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

Aging radios used by first responders were replaced to improve communication for police, fire, and emergency teams, helping them respond faster and more effectively.

The Michigan Department of Treasury awarded up to $189,220 through the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships (FDCVT) grant to reimburse the cost of replacing radios that had reached the end of their service life.

The Benton Harbor City Commission approved participation and authorized the purchase of new radios from AMK Services for $150,871.15, strengthening emergency response and ensuring public safety teams have reliable communication tools.
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Healthier Neighborhoods with Safer TreesBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleThe City of Benton Harbor invested in removing dea...
10/18/2026

Healthier Neighborhoods with Safer Trees

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

The City of Benton Harbor invested in removing dead trees, limbs, and debris to strengthen neighborhoods using federal HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to reduce blight, improve safety, and enhance residential areas. After receiving four bids, the City Commission approved an $11,400 contract with Dudiak Tree Service to complete work at 17 locations, including Hall Park 1 and 3, Summit St, Lavette Avenue, McAlister Avenue, Pavone Street, and Broadway.

Removing hazardous trees improves curb appeal, reduces safety risks, and supports healthier environments. Funded entirely through the CDBG program, the initiative reflects Benton Harbor’s focus on maintaining public spaces and creating safer, stronger neighborhoods.
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Expanding Accessibility Through InfrastructureBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleBenton Harbor is taking action to restore on...
10/16/2026

Expanding Accessibility Through Infrastructure

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

Benton Harbor is taking action to restore one of the city’s important waterways. The City has approved a $300,000 contract with Davey Resource Group for the Ox Creek Marine Debris Removal Project. Funding comes from a $1,032,500 NOAA grant, supporting efforts to improve the health and safety of Ox Creek.

The project focuses on removing man-made surface debris from targeted areas along the Ox Creek corridor within city limits. Clearing this debris will improve water quality, protect wildlife habitats, and create safer, cleaner surroundings for residents and visitors.
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Two cities. One brighter future together.Benton Harbor community members, including Mayor Marcus Muhammad and City Manag...
10/16/2026

Two cities. One brighter future together.

Benton Harbor community members, including Mayor Marcus Muhammad and City Manager Alex Little, joined our twin city of St. Joseph for Mayor Brook Thomas’s State of the City address.

Mayor Thomas spoke about the many developments underway in St. Joseph and the partnerships helping move them forward. Mayor Muhammad also reflected on the bond between our communities. Though we have faced challenges and differences, we are connected by the work we’ve done and continue to do together.

Mayor Thomas shared that the partnership between our two cities is reflected in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monuments unveiled in both cities two years ago: A Seat at the Table in Benton Harbor and The Mountaintop in St. Joseph. The Unified Civic Monuments Project brought community members from both sides of the river together to make them possible.

We’re proud of the progress our communities can make when we listen, build connections, and work together for a brighter future.

Connecting Neighborhoods Through Safer WalkwaysBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleThe City of Benton Harbor took action to ma...
10/15/2026

Connecting Neighborhoods Through Safer Walkways

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

The City of Benton Harbor took action to make its streets more welcoming and accessible for everyone. The City approved a contract with B&Z Company to complete the 2025 CDBG Sidewalk Project and the Empire Avenue Sidewalk Project, totaling $307,467.50. Funding for these projects includes $98,895 from City CDBG funds and $208,572.50 from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces Grant.

The Empire Avenue project will remove existing sidewalks and widen them to six feet between Lavette Avenue and Superior Street. The 2025 CDBG Sidewalk Project will replace sidewalks in key neighborhoods, including Buss Avenue, E. May Street, Bishop Avenue, and Union Park. These improvements will create safer, smoother, and more convenient walking paths for all residents.
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Turning Vacant Spaces into Future OpportunityBy Nicholas Gunn & Alex LittleOne of the quiet but meaningful steps in Bent...
10/14/2026

Turning Vacant Spaces into Future Opportunity

By Nicholas Gunn & Alex Little

One of the quiet but meaningful steps in Benton Harbor’s rebuilding journey of 2025 came through the City Commission’s approval of a demolition contract funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. City leaders authorized an agreement with Melching Inc. of Norton Shores to carry out the demolition of up to 15 condemned structures across the community. The move is part of Benton Harbor’s broader effort to eliminate long-standing blight and create safer, more livable neighborhoods.

Just a few years ago, the City’s CDBG program was frozen, unable to fund projects or move forward with redevelopment initiatives. Since then, Benton Harbor has successfully met federal HUD requirements and restored the program’s ability to invest directly into the community. Today, those funds are supporting housing rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income residents and seniors, community nutrition programs, sidewalk construction, and neighborhood tree removal.
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Read the full Year in Review at bhcity.us/yearinreview

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200 E Wall Street
Benton Harbor, MI
49022

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