Rec Sports
Keven Krieger returns to city offices as manager of Belding
M. Alan Scott | Special to The Sentinel-Standard In his first job out of high school, Keven Krieger worked for the city of Belding. Two decades later, he’s returned to the community as city manager. From the time Krieger started as a part-time seasonal worker in the Belding Department of Public Works, he’s had an […]
In his first job out of high school, Keven Krieger worked for the city of Belding. Two decades later, he’s returned to the community as city manager.
From the time Krieger started as a part-time seasonal worker in the Belding Department of Public Works, he’s had an interest in working in city government for his hometown. He previously served as Director of Transportation at Belding Dial-A-Ride. He also served as deputy treasurer, where he handled accounts payable, payroll and some human resources duties while maintaining his responsibilities with Belding Dial-A-Ride.
Following a stint in the private sector as a senior buyer at Flat River Group in Belding, Krieger replaced the retiring Jon Stoppels in March. Krieger recently provided insights into his new role and his key priorities with The Sentinel Standard. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
What made you interested in returning to city offices?
Krieger: I’ve always been passionate about helping my community. I started in my early 20s, volunteering to coach youth football, helped design and create our disc golf course in Belding, and have donated time to supporting my kids’ sports and extracurricular activities. This community is special, and it appeared to me like it needed someone to help. I’ve never backed down from an opportunity to help this community.
How did your time working in the private sector prepare you for this opportunity?
Krieger: I was able to gain a lot of industry knowledge from working in several different departments. Not only was I able to see the daily nuts and bolts of the job, but I was able to learn under some of our legacy employees who had been around to see decades of change and progress within our community. That gave me a headstart, allowing me to hit the ground running.
What are some of the city’s biggest challenges and greatest needs?
Krieger: We have a large need for affordable housing. Multi-family housing is a priority of mine. There are apartments in Belding that have multi-year waiting lists. Finding the developers and land required can be a challenge, but that’s one big need I’ve started to address. The other would be the need for industry and commercial business within city limits. We have a unique situation with our downtown sitting off a major highway. I believe the uniqueness of our community could be one of its greatest assets. We have some very interesting and promising leads on some development and revitalization to our downtown that would progress Belding in a great direction.
Are there any infrastructure projects you’re prioritizing?
Krieger: We have quite a few that we’re working on currently. The largest and longest would be our city’s wastewater treatment plant. That should be fully operational this fall, and we’re very excited to get that going. We have two major street projects happening after Labor Day. Furthermore, we have a contract with C&L Trucking to replace water lines that may contain lead parts. They’ve completely changed out over 200 water services and will continue to work through this fall. We also have plans for some water main replacements in the future.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has awarded us a grant to construct a new pavilion at East Riverside Park, as well as update some amenities there. Finally, we have a Michigan State Housing Development Authority Grant to construct a dog park, and we hope to have the ribbon cutting for that this fall.
Do you feel it’s important for Belding to attract more businesses? What sectors are most important?
Krieger: Absolutely, it’s important for Belding to have more businesses. Right now, we’re trying to focus on what needs Belding has and what we can realistically support. The uniqueness of our community and our downtown make this question complex and rather difficult to definitively answer. For years, we’ve been referred to as a “bedroom community,” somewhere you lay your head at night, but leave in the morning for work or leisure. I would like to find more businesses to support working in Belding during the week and recreation for them to stay on the weekend.
What’s your working relationship like with members of Belding City Council?
Krieger: I feel like I have a great working relationship with Belding City Council. One thing that keeps us strong is our level of communication. I am very transparent with them and try to communicate regularly. (We aren’t) afraid to tell each other “no” or give an opposing opinion. We listen to each other and are willing to have respectful conversations. This council is very motivated to see Belding move forward in a positive direction.
— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Sentinel-Standard. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@sentinel-standard.com.