City of Grant Michigan

Doug La Fave
City Manager

Doug La Fave was appointed as the City Manager of the City of Grant in July 2007.  Mr. La Fave oversees all City operations and works closely with the City Commission to carry out goals and policy directives. 

Mr. La Fave is a Board Member of the Newaygo County Economic Development Office as well as Executive Committee Member, Agriculture Committee Member and Treasurer for the organization.  Mr. La Fave also serves on the Michigan Municipal League Economic Development and Land Use Committee, is a member of MLGMA, WMLGMA and ICMA.

In addition to his duties and responsibilities to the City of Grant, Mr. La Fave has served as an Officer in the Navy Reserve.

The Michigan Rural Water Association has named Mr. La Fave the City/Village Manager of the year for 2011 in the State of Michigan.  In 2009 the City was awarded the Loss Control Award of the year from the Michigan Municipal League.

Mr. La Fave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Valley State University. 

Mr. La Fave is published as the Lead Author of the Ethnic Atlas of West Michigan, Volume 2: Demographic, Economic, Social and Housing Characteristics of the Hispanic Populations, SPNA-GVSU, 2006.

• Oversee the operations of the City of Grant’s departments and activities.
• Initiating studies and monitoring of operations to ensure quality services are provided in an efficient and timely manner.
• Recommend policies and programs to the Grant City Council.
• Providing information to the Grant City Council to aid in deliberation efforts.
• Implementing policies set forth by the Grant City Council.
• Supervise the development of budget forecasts.
• Assisting the Clerk and Treasurer with preparation of the annual budget.
• Ensuring the proper administration of the budget.
• Promote economic development in the City of Grant through business recruitment and retention, marketing, incentive package development, and negotiations between the City and current/potential businesses.
• Serving as an advisor to the Chamber of Commerce, local downtown development organizations, and other local community and economic development organizations.
• Serving as a permanent board member on the Newaygo County Economic Development Office.
• Represent the City of Grant at meetings and conferences.
• Negotiating contracts and agreements on behalf of the City of Grant.
• Presenting the City of Grant’s official position on issues related to its finances and operations.
• Respond to complaints related to City of Grant policies and services, and recommending remedial actions as required.
• Supervise all City of Grant employees; both directly, and indirectly through department heads.
• Participating in employee selection, evaluation, recognition, discipline, and discharge.
• Recommending organization of the City of Grant’s departments and personnel.
• Developing and enforcing personnel policies.
• Advise and assist administrative staff and department heads in resolving difficult operational problems.
• Coordinate City of Grant operations with other governmental agencies.
• Assist with the development of capital improvement programs.
• Monitoring capital needs
• Determining appropriate financing mechanisms for larger purchases and projects.
• Serve as the City of Grant’s legislative coordinator.
• Staying current on proposed changes in legislation that may impact the City of Grant.
• Communicating the City of Grant’s needs to State and Federal elected officials.
• Perform related work as required by City Council or operational needs.