Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad is looking forward to a busy 2018. He delivered a State of the City address in front of a packed house at the public library Tuesday night. Muhammad said the past year was one that saw the return of local control to Benton Harbor so the city can determine its own destiny.
“We’ve been through a lot and we have a long way to go, and we know that this great change will not happen overnight, but I’m here for the long haul, and tonight, we’re here to turn the page,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad cited top accomplishments of 2017. They started with the new city income tax. He pledged every dime will be used to fix the city’s roads. Other accomplishments were a balanced budget, the addition of more than $180,000 to the city’s fund balance, and blight elimination efforts.
“The shadow of crisis has passed, and the state of the city is strong,” Muhammad said.
Looking ahead to 2018, Muhammad pledged the city will help homeowners, enforce a summer youth curfew, and expand neighborhood block clubs. He asked one and all to stand united, adding that as the mayor, he has “the privilege and the duty to work with all.”
