Erin Lyon

Executive Director of Kenzie's Be Cafe a non-profit coffee shop that employs people with disabilities

I graduated with a BS in Finance from GVSU in 2006. I entered law school at MSU that fall where I fell in love with Tax Law (I know!). At this same time, I pursued a master's degree in business administration at GVSU. With degrees in Finance, Business Administration, and Law, I bring a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and policy development, skills that are essential for meeting current community needs and guiding Grand Haven forward. I have been blessed to be nominated for a few awards in our community. In 2021, I was nominated for, and was presented with, the Dr. Elizabeth Curtis Young Professional Award from the Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, I was nominated for both the Disability Network Lakeshore Ability Award and the Lakeshore Athena Award. I am thankful for all the work that goes on behind the scenes for these awards, and just to be included amongst the other nominees was a huge honor. After law school I searched for a friend group. I was able to find that in the Grand Haven Young Professionals. I joined the board within six months of attending meetings and kept volunteering after that. With that group I helped start the Salmon Run 5K that turned into a fundraiser for Momentum Center before covid shut the race down. I have served on the Winterfest planning committee, the Imagination Station Fundraising Committee, was a Chamber Ambassador, sat as a board member of Walk The Beat, the President of the East End Association, and recently served as the Treasurer for Gracious Grounds before terming out. Currently I am a member of the Grand Haven Rotary, and a member of Sunset Retirement Community Foundation Board. These are just a few of the organizations I have served with while I support many more.

Taxes / Budget Balancing the budget responsibly is at the core of making smart decisions for our future. We must explore unique avenues to bring in revenue, ways that strengthen our economy, and preserve the charm that makes Grand Haven so special. I believe we need to share more information about the City finances with our community so they understand the hard decisions that are made with our tax dollars. Economy Support for local businesses, workforce and economic development. Growth should not be confined to one part of town. The vitality of Grand Haven depends on both sides of the highway. Downtown, Washington Square, East Town and Center town in between— all deserve attention, investment, and smart development that enhances our community without losing the identities we cherish. . Housing Housing: finding strategic ways to bring lower cost housing options to our community. We must recognize the importance of making our town attainable once again for young families. Too many are forced to look elsewhere, simply because housing remains out of reach. Grand Haven should be a place where young families are excited to settle down and where longtime residents continue to feel secure calling this place home.