The City of South Haven provides access to necessary services and information in support of healthy free enterprise in the city. The City desires to work in cooperation with the private sector to leverage the unique assets of our community, fostering progress, and economic success. The City's professional economic development staff utilizes the most up-to-date development programs available through local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that your development in South Haven is as cost-effective as possible. The City Economic Development Liaison may be contacted via the link at left or by calling the office at 269-637-0718.

The City of South Haven is located in southwest Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Black River. Lying between Chicago and Detroit, South Haven is located in the hub of numerous industrial markets in the nation's midwest. South Haven is a community with a history of success and a commitment to a prosperous future.

Recent Success Stories

Spencer Manufacturing - COPYRIGHT 2005. MIBIZ NETWORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Lake Michigan College - COPYRIGHT 2005. MIBIZ NETWORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Elbe & Sohn - -Michigan Economic Development Corporation

History & Government Structure
The City of South Haven was incorporated as a Village in 1869 and as a City in 1902. The City is located in the southwest area of the State of Michigan where the Black River flows into Lake Michigan. The 2000 Census data reports a population of 5,034, however, the City increases to over 20,000 during the summer tourist season. The City encompasses a land area of three square miles and provides electric, water, and wastewater services in an area exceeding 60 square miles.

The City operates under the council-manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in the City Council which consists of a mayor and a six-member council. The City Council is responsible, among other things, for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing committees and hiring the City Manager. The City Manager is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances of the City Council, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City, and for appointing the heads of City departments. The City is divided up into three wards of which two members are elected from each ward to four-year staggered terms. Three Council members are elected every two years on a non-partisan basis. The mayor is elected to a two-year term.