City of Mt. Pleasant Free Tree Planting Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential property owners within the city limits, are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right-of-way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or extended periods without rainfall.

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets.
Applications are due by March 13, 2026.

Residents who wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from DPW. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few tree species that are prohibited by city ordinance. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

$125,000 Available for Mt. Pleasant Homeowners Through CHILL Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for round two of the CHILL (Housing Improving Local Livability) Program, which helps eligible homeowners make essential home repairs to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and affordable.

The City was awarded $423,500 through the CDBG Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), with an additional $50,000 contribution from the City, resulting in a total of $473,500 available for home improvement projects. So far, the program has assisted 24 homes with a total of $247,055 in completed projects.

Who Can Apply:
To qualify for the program, the following requirements must be met:

Homes must be located within Mt. Pleasant city limits.
The home must be at least five years old.
Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (currently $52,4000 for a household of two).
Project costs must be at least $1,000, maximum funding for a project is $40,000.
Projects costing more than $10,000 shall be a zero interest, zero payment loan, forgivable after five years. Loans shall be secured by a second mortgage, forgiven in full at the end of five years.
The city’s project priority is to work with homeowners to repair or replace furnaces and water heaters.

How to Apply:
Applications are available online at www.mt-pleasant.org/CHILL or in person at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. Applications will be accepted through February 27 or until the remaining funds are fully expended.

Need Help with Your Application?
Residents can schedule one-on-one assistance with Lauren Baker, who will walk homeowners through the process and answer questions before submission. Email lbaker@mt-pleasant.org or call (989)779-5379 to set up an appointment.

The CHILL program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to safe, livable, and affordable housing. Homeowners are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the remaining funds.

City Commissioner Open Seat Appointment and Election Information

At the December 8, 2025, Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Commissioner Elizabeth Busch announced she will resign, effective December 31, 2025. This creates one open seat on the City Commission.

Due to election rules and timelines, the City Commission will appoint an individual to fill this seat temporarily. The appointment will last from the date of appointment until the election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

How to apply for the appointment:

Applications for the appointed position are being accepted now through Monday, December 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

The Appointments Committee will review applications and recommend a candidate to the full City Commission at the January 12, 2026 meeting.

Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office, 320 W. Broadway Street, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org/boardapplication.

Running for the seat in the August 2026 election:

Nominating petitions for the full term (August 4, 2026 – December 31, 2028) are available at City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Petitions must have 50 – 80 certified signatures and be filed with the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The election to fill the seat for the full term will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.

The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.

The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.

Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Christmas Celebration Events in Downtown Mt. Pleasant on December 6, 2025

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 6, 2025 during the annual Christmas Celebration.

Festivities begin with The Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, along with the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Participants must register online before race day. Start times are 8:00, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m.

Jingle All-The-Way Run Registration

A pancake breakfast with Santa will take place from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children under ten, and free for children under four. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association, and tickets will be available at the door.

At Veteran’s Memorial Library, browse the Children’s Book Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Annex Meeting Room. All books will cost 25¢, and proceeds from the sale will support the library. From 9:00 to 5:00, visit the Gingerbread House Photo Booth to take some festive photos. A tripod will be available, but bring your own phone or camera for this self-serve opportunity. The photo booth is also open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/5, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, 12/7.

Enjoy holiday music from local performers in front of Max & Emily’s from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Make and Take Crafts at Art Reach and Cookie Decorating at Max & Emily’s will also take place at this time.

The Winter Market and Candy Cane Lane will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., featuring specialty crafts, food vendors and children’s games and activities. At Town Center, take a ride on the Christmas Train or watch live ice sculpting demonstrations by Ice Gurus. Winter Market vendor applications are due November 19.

Winter Market Vendor Application

The celebration continues at 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony at Town center, followed by the Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., traveling down Main and Broadway St. CMU President, Neil MacKinnon, will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal. Parade entry applications are due November 19. For everyone’s safety, please remain on the sidewalks during the parade.

Parade Entry Application Link

For more information and event details, visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The 24^th Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 14 – 31, 2025, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free, fun, and interactive program offers youth going into grades 6-8, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion, and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.

In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.

Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

Free Tree Planting Program (UPDATE 2/28/23: There are a few trees still available.)

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right of way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To receive a free tree and have it planted in the Spring, fill out a Tree Application and return it to the Division of Public Works at 320 W. Broadway Street, by March 1, 2023. View the Tree Brochure below.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Vacancy

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission has one vacancy due to Vice Mayor Olivia Cyman relocating to East Lansing. Applications for this open position are being accepted now through September 14, 2022. The Appointments Committee will consider applications and make a recommendation to the full City Commission at the September 26, 2022 meeting. This appointed term would expire on May 2, 2023. Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office as well as http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/.

Nominating petitions to run for this open seat, which term runs from May 3, 2023 – December 31, 2023, are available at City Hall, office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday will be available in mid-November. Completed nominating petitions which require a minimum of 50, and a maximum of 80 certified signatures may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, December 19, 2022. The deadline to file is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. For nominating petition information visit: https://bit.ly/2YLFvzs

The City election will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.