Update on City Charter Amendment: Court Ruling and Term Limits Update

December 22, 2025

The City of Muskegon provides the following update regarding the Charter Amendment approved by voters on November 4, 2025, which establishes a 12-year term limit for City Commissioners. 

On January 1, 2026, Mayor Kenneth D. Johnson will begin his second term as mayor for the City of Muskegon alongside fellow commissioners, as decided by City of Muskegon residents.  

A hearing was held on December 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM before the Honorable Judge Kenneth S. Hoopes regarding a lawsuit filed by the City. The City asked the Court to clarify how the new term limits should be applied (learn more here). The clarification, though technical, is important to ensure the City Commission is properly seated and to affirm the Commission’s decision-making authority. Specifically, the City sought confirmation of: 

  • Whether prior service on the City Commission counts toward the 12-year term limit, not just service after November 2025; 
  • Whether Commissioner German is eligible to complete his current term. 
  • Whether Mayor Johnson is eligible to complete the term for which he was elected in November 2025. 

The City took the position that: 

  • All prior service on the City Commission counts toward the 12-year term limit, not just service after November 2025; 
  • Commissioner German may complete his current term but cannot serve beyond December 31, 2027; and 
  • Mayor Johnson may complete the term for which he was duly elected in November 2025 but cannot serve beyond December 31, 2029. 

The Court declined to rule on the merits of the case presented by the City. The Court dismissed the case as it found no controversy requiring intervention at this time. The City respects the Court’s ruling and will work with the City Commission to address the uncertainty created by the ambiguous ballot language. 

In light of today’s decision, the City expects to approach the recently adopted ballot language in alignment with its stated position.  

At this time, the city does not have further comment to provide.