Q&A with Bay City Mayor Christopher R. Girard

Christopher R. Girard was elected Mayor of Bay City in November 2024 and began serving in January 2025. Before his election as Mayor, he served nine years as the 6th Ward City Commissioner. Girard previously spent more than two decades at Do-All Inc., a local nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Beyond his professional work, Girard has been an active community volunteer. He currently serves as Board Treasurer for Bay Arenac Behavioral Health and is the Past Chair of Hidden Harvest. He also serves on several regional boards, including Bay Future Inc., United We Go, and the Rotary Club of Bay City, where he is District 6310 Convention Promotion Chair.

Girard calls himself a lifelong advocate for inclusion, economic growth, and civic pride. He says he is passionate about strengthening Bay City through collaboration, transparency, and community engagement. He and his wife, Molly, have been married for more than 26 years and are proud parents of five daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Route Bay City spoke with Girard to learn what’s happening with public safety in the community.

QUESTION: What drew you to run for Mayor?

ANSWER: Public service has always been part of who I am. After serving nine years as a City Commissioner, I wanted to take a larger role in helping Bay City reach its full potential. I have spent much of my career in nonprofit leadership, which taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, and community partnerships. As Mayor, my goal is to bring those same values to City Hall and create an environment where residents, businesses, and local organizations feel heard and valued. I love this city and believe that strong, compassionate leadership can move us forward together.

Q: What’s going well for the City of Bay City?

A: There is a lot of positive momentum right now. Our downtown continues to thrive with new businesses, restaurants, and residential developments taking shape. We are seeing meaningful investments in housing, infrastructure, and recreation, from projects like the Water Street Lofts to improvements in Maplewood Park and the success of our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Bay City wellness initiative. We also have great collaboration among community partners like Bay Future, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and local nonprofits that are focused on solving real challenges such as food insecurity and workforce development. Bay City is growing stronger because people care about this community and work hard every day to make it better.

Q: What challenges do you expect the city to face in 2026?

A: Infrastructure continues to be one of our biggest challenges. Like many Michigan cities, we have aging roads, water lines, and bridges that require major investment. We also face the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled workers while maintaining fiscal responsibility. In 2026, we will need to continue navigating the balance between revitalization and affordability, making sure Bay City remains a great place to live for families, seniors, and young professionals alike.

Q: How will you make the most of the city’s assets? How will you address the challenges?

A: Our greatest asset is our people. We have an incredible community spirit here. We will continue to build on that by encouraging public participation and fostering partnerships between the city, businesses, and nonprofits. Economically, we are focusing on smart redevelopment and leveraging state and federal grant opportunities to fund infrastructure without overburdening taxpayers. We are also embracing innovation, exploring ways to modernize city services, strengthen housing options, and promote our waterfront as both a recreational and economic driver.

Q: What are your goals for the city in 2026?

A: My goals are rooted in sustainability and community connection. We will be expanding neighborhood engagement through town halls and resident-led initiatives. I want to see continued progress on road repairs and infrastructure planning, as well as new housing developments that fit the needs of our workforce. I am also focused on mental and physical health initiatives that bring people together, such as our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Bay City program, and on making sure our parks and public spaces reflect the pride we all have in our city.  In addition I would like to city to work with local youth to create a youth city council to help bring a younger perspective on what young people would like to see in their community.

Q: What is something you wish the community understood about local government and the city?

A: Local government is closest to the people, and it works best when residents are involved. Much of what we do is not flashy, it is maintaining roads, keeping the water clean, supporting public safety, and planning responsibly for the future. Decisions take time because they involve careful budgeting, public input, and compliance with state and federal regulations. I wish more people could see how collaborative and dedicated our city staff and commissioners are behind the scenes. Everyone is working toward the same goal, to make Bay City the best version of itself.

Q: What does the city need from individuals in the community?

A: Engagement. We need residents to stay involved, share ideas, volunteer, and support local businesses. Whether that is attending meetings, joining boards, or simply checking in on neighbors, every act of participation strengthens our city. Bay City’s success depends on everyone doing their part. Government can set the tone, but it is the people who give this city its heart and character.