Ask most people to picture a building official, and they will describe someone with a clipboard, walking a job site, looking for something to write up. John Tovey has heard that one. Four years into his career with the City of Norton Shores, he would tell you the job looks a lot more like a...Read More

When most people picture police work, they picture the response. A 911 call, lights in the rearview mirror, a report getting written up. Scott VanWylen has done plenty of that in his 12 and a half years with the Norton Shores Police Department. Ask him about the moment that reminds him why the work matters,...Read More

Ask most residents what the Parks and Recreation Department does, and you will probably hear about softball leagues and mowed grass. Ask Brian Clarke, and he will tell you that is only a small piece of it. As Norton Shores’ Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Clarke and his team maintain nine parks, the grounds at City...Read More

Norton Shores now has an online store where residents can pick up city-branded apparel and accessories. The store is open now and ships anywhere, with local pickup also available.Read More

For more than 16 years, Gary Nelund has started his week the same way: showing up at City Hall. Not because he has to. The mayor of Norton Shores is a part-time position, and Nelund runs his own business on top of it. But three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he keeps open...Read More

When a new neighborhood takes shape, a business opens its doors, or a vacant property finds new life, there is often a thoughtful planning process behind the scenes. In Norton Shores, much of that work is guided by Ted Woodcock, the City’s Planner and Zoning Administrator. While the title may sound technical, the impact is...Read More

When a call comes in, residents of Norton Shores know someone will be there to help. It might be a medical emergency, a fire, or simply a moment when someone needs reassurance and care. For years, Mark Konecny has been one of the people answering that call. As he retires from the Norton Shores Fire...Read More

For more than 50 years, Soils & Structures has quietly played a critical role in shaping the buildings, roads, and infrastructure people rely on every day across West Michigan. Now, the locally owned engineering firm is making a significant new investment in its Norton Shores headquarters, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the community it has...Read More

When residents pay a tax or water bill, or trust the City to manage public dollars responsibly, much of that work flows through the City Treasurer’s Office. While the role often works behind the scenes, the impact touches nearly every service the City provides. For City Treasurer Julie Davis Long, the job is about more...Read More

If your property tax bill looks different from what it did a few years ago, it’s worth stepping back to look at the bigger picture. In Norton Shores, changes in tax bills aren’t being driven by soaring tax rates. They’re being driven by something far more positive: a community whose value has grown significantly over...Read More