Sarah Kallio
Grand Haven City Council
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About the Office
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Other
Occupation
Marketing
Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I co-authored The Stocked Kitchen, a cookbook published by Simon & Schuster that celebrates resourcefulness in the kitchen. Writing the book was a rewarding challenge that combined my love for good food with my dedication to smart solutions and clear communication. It taught me a lot about turning ideas into reality—and yes, it means I’m pretty good at improvising delicious meals with whatever’s on hand!
Past Experience
I’m running for City Council because I believe Grand Haven has its best opportunities for success when every voice is heard and our decisions reflect both our shared values and our future needs. After 25 years of calling this community home, I’m ready to bring fresh perspectives, practical skills, and a collaborative spirit to protect what makes Grand Haven special while guiding it toward thoughtful, sustainable progress. With an engineering education and experience in negotiations, contracts, continuous-improvement, marketing, and creative problem-solving, I will lead with vision, find common ground, and always work toward the best outcomes for our community. At the end of the day, we’re all neighbors, and I’m committed to listening, working together, and making the choices that position Grand Haven for its strongest future.
My Top Issues
Attracting and retaining businesses
I believe in attracting and retaining diverse businesses across Grand Haven to strengthen our economy and create lasting opportunities. By focusing not only on industry as a whole but also on tailored strategies for our different neighborhoods like downtown, Centertown, and Easttown, we can support vibrant commercial districts that reflect each area’s unique character and meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.
Enhancing air and water quality
I’m committed to protecting our water resources by supporting practical policies that safeguard Lake Michigan—our great and treasured natural resource—and ensure clean, safe water for all. Protecting our waterways is essential to the health of our community and the long-term sustainability of Grand Haven.
Collaborating with community organizations for inclusivity
I believe in collaborating closely with community organizations to foster inclusivity and ensure that all voices are heard—including those of our more vulnerable populations—because the well-being and quality of life for all residents is a fundamental tenet of good government. By working together, we can create programs and policies that support everyone’s needs and build a stronger, more welcoming Grand Haven for all.
Economy
Supporting local businesses, creating year-round opportunities, and attracting and keeping new businesses helps make Grand Haven a place where people and companies want to invest. Housing programs and neighborhood revitalization will keep our communities vibrant, resilient, and inclusive.
Government Reform
As a City Council member, I’ll find common ground, work with other leaders, and inspire residents to engage through committees, events, and local initiatives—so together we can build a stronger, more connected Grand Haven.
Environment / Energy
Protecting our natural resources is something we all rely on. Lake Michigan, our coastline, and our green spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re vital to our health, our economy, and our community identity. By caring for our ecosystems and preserving what makes Grand Haven so special, we can keep our city healthy and resilient for today and for generations to come.
Who I'm Running Against
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