By Scott Sullivan
Editor
The City of Saugatuck has appointed Grayson Moore new planning and zoning director succeeding Luke Thompson, who left that post effective July 31 to take a similar job nearer his family in South Haven.
Moore will start here in September. City manager Ryan Cummins is serving as interim planning/zoning head.
Moore, who holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Wayne State University, most recently served as a consulting planner and GIS coordinator with the firm Carlisle Wortman Associates.
In that role, he collaborated with Michigan communities to support plan reviews, master plans, zoning ordinance updates, GIS mapping and community engagement efforts.
His experience also includes work in zoning enforcement and economic development with the City of Plymouth.
Here, Moore will lead the city’s zoning and historic district administration, land use planning and code enforcement. He will will work with city consulting planner, David Jirousek of Horizon Planning, and legal counsel at Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes.
“After gaining experience in the consulting world,” Moore said, “I’m excited to transition into public service — especially in a community known for its rich character and commitment to inclusive, people-centered planning.
“Saugatuck’s welcoming spirit and thoughtful approach to growth make it a special place. I look forward to connecting with residents, learning from the community and supporting a planning process that reflects community values.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Grayson to Saugatuck,” said Cummins. “His passion and energy for planning were clear throughout the hiring process, and his references and interview panel offered the highest praise.
“I’m confident he will be an outstanding addition to our team and a thoughtful partner to our community.”
The interview panel included the mayor, city manager, chairs of the planning commission and zoning board of appeals and vice-chair of the historic district commission.
