James Freed

James Freed is the village manager for Lakeview, Michigan.  James has experience in both the public and private sectors.  Previously, he worked as the assistant to the city manager in Walled Lake.  He was also senior public policy advisor for a U.S. congressional campaign, and an executive for a Michigan publishing company.  He attended Indiana Wesleyan University where he majored in Political Science.  In his free time, James enjoys biking the many trails located throughout mid-Michigan and visiting downtown Grand Rapids.  He is also a huge Detroit Tigers Fan.  James is the youngest city/village manger currently serving in the United States!

Monday

August 18, 2008

Michigan’s Rural Renaissance

Nothing captures the essence of the Michigan experience better than the small towns, villages, and cities that blanket rural Michigan.  It is in these communities that Michigan is finding its renaissance.

The Village of Lakeview, located in the northern portion of Montcalm County, sits directly on the beautiful Tamarack Lake.  With more then 300 acres of pristine waters, perfect for boating, fishing, and capturing an unforgettable sunset, Lakeview has become a unique destination for the many Michigan “daycationers.”  Nowhere else can you visit a one-of-a-kind Amish cheese factory, dine on the porch of the Tamarack Inn, kayak out to an uninhabited island, and still make it back in time to have a nightcap at McKenna’s Family Pub.

Lakeview may be unique, but the stories of adventure and family fun are not.  Many rural Michigan communities such as Howard City, the Village of Edmore, and the City of Greenville offer many opportunities for Michigan families who are looking to make a great weekend escape.  With bustling downtowns, one of a kind restaurants, greenways, and beautiful waters, rural Michigan has become our state’s calling card to the world.  It is our rural communities that give Michigan the upper hand.  It is here in rural Michigan where tourists come to get away, families play, and commerce is conducted.  It is here in rural Michigan where the renaissance has started.

Tuesday

August 19, 2008

Candor

Taking the position of village manager in Lakeview was an exciting time for me.  I was confident in my skills, experience, and abilities.  I felt I was prepared to meet and fulfill every demand of my job description.  However, I was completely unprepared for the personal aspect of this leadership position.

Like a majority of Michigan communities, Lakeview and Montcalm County have experienced an economically trying decade.  Factories closing, population shifts, and an overall sense of recession has taken a heavy toll on many members of our community.  Many of our residents are in the process of retooling, reeducating, and trying to adapt to the job market of the 21st century.  Our community is taking great measures to ensure a better and more prosperous future for our families.

It takes a lot of courage to embark on challenges like retooling and reeducating.  I am proud of our citizens’ efforts to succeed.  It shows a depth of character not often discussed in public policy.  The more I observe the endurance of Michigan’s citizens, the more I am deeply humbled at the opportunity to lead a community.  I may have been prepared for the job description, but I don’t think I was fully prepared for how deep and personal this job has been for me.  I feel that if our community is willing to strive for change in their personal lives, I should be prepared to put just as much heart, passion, and dedication in managing our community.

I am confident, and hopeful that individual efforts for change, combined with well-planned municipal efforts will soon find a nexus.  When community development, and economic development, meets personal development, I believe prosperity and growth will occur.  Municipal management is personal to me.  With every decision I make, I can now put a face and name with someone that policy will affect, which is possibly the most humbling aspect of my job.

I believe that as long as we never forget the people our policies affect, and their personal contribution to the change we seek, we will find authenticity in our leadership and desire for public good.

Wednesday

August 20, 2008

What’s The Plan?

One of the first things I ask for when working for a city is: what’s the plan?  I am sometimes impressed with the updated master plan, parks and recreation plan, and economic development plans handed to me.  More often than not, I am mortified by the blank stares given to me.

Communities that plan ahead, succeed.  When a municipality has an updated plan, they find themselves with the guide post needed to make the tough choices ahead.  In Lakeview, we are currently in the process of updating all three plans.  It’s my belief that by updating these plans at the same time, we are taking a more holistic approach to planning and vision casting.

Our team wants our plans to work together, to cite each other, and to show a strategy that spans every aspect of our community.  Hopefully, when all of our numerous committees, community groups, and council meet to plan for future projects, developments, and redevelopments, we will all be on the same page. We want to show the “big picture.”

Lastly, updated plans become a great tool for facilitating grant funding for projects like parks, roads, tree programs, etc.  A well-planned community makes great points throughout grant applications because of the synergy.

Thursday

August 21, 2008

Youthful Leadership

One of the most exciting things taking place throughout our state is the vast amount of young professionals taking the next step into leadership.  Young men and women who recognize that the future is ours to shape, and the world is what we make it.  With every passing day, I meet more and more young leaders in our state.  Young leaders who understand that our actions today, decide what kind of world our children will grow up in tomorrow.  It’s exciting to sit down with a young planner and design streetscape, a park, or greenway…the whole time discussing how fun it’s going to be to take our families to that same park, and walk that same greenway.

The people of Michigan should take comfort in knowing that so many young people are dedicating their lives to the future of our state.  We understand that life is not about creating reputations, but rather about building a legacy.  We want to be a part of something greater then ourselves.