Berkley Appoints Crystal VanVleck as New City Manager, Sparking Community Excitement

Berkley Welcomes New City Manager Crystal VanVleck

BERKLEY — Exciting news is swirling around the city as Berkley has officially chosen its next city manager! After a thorough search that took much of the year, the Berkley City Council made a unanimous decision to appoint Crystal VanVleck during a special meeting on October 7. It’s a significant moment for the city, and residents are buzzing about what this means for their community.

In a heartfelt statement following her selection, VanVleck expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm about stepping into her new role. “I’m honored to have been selected to serve the City of Berkley as the next City Manager and am excited to join the Berkley team to help continue the city’s forward momentum,” she remarked in a press release.

Coming from her role as the Deputy City Manager of Community Services in nearby Oak Park, VanVleck holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University. Her experience in a city that faces similar challenges as Berkley gives her a unique perspective that she is eager to bring to the table.

A Collaborative Vision

While interviewing on October 1, VanVleck shared her insights on the shared challenges between the two cities. “Working in a neighboring city has given me a perspective on Berkley,” she said. She’s keen to dive into understanding the community better, listening to staff ideas, and figuring out how her own plans align with the needs of Berkley.

“Berkley is already a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” she noted. “I know there have been a few bumps in the road, but nothing we cannot overcome. The passion the residents have for this place is inspiring, and I would be honored to lead us forward by revisiting the strategic plan.”

VanVleck is particularly interested in ensuring that the city is known for its incredible services and strong community feel. Moving ahead, she is focused on keeping everyone on the same page and working towards common goals, which she believes will enhance Berkley’s exceptional quality of life.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Every city faces its unique set of challenges, and VanVleck doesn’t shy away from discussing those that Berkley may encounter. According to her, one of the primary issues is infrastructure. She acknowledged, “I wish we all had a magic wand that we could wave to solve these long-term maintenance issues, but unfortunately, we don’t.” This sentiment echoes the experiences of many in the metro Detroit area.

One specific concern she highlighted was the matter of lead service lines and the need for adequate funding to address this problem. She sees the path forward not just in overcoming obstacles but also as an opportunity to rebuild trust within the community. “There’s an opportunity to engage with community members and find out what everyone truly desires for the future,” she said.

A Positive Selection Process

The decision-making process was not taken lightly. After considering three impressive finalists, the Berkley City Council deliberated for a week before unanimously recommending VanVleck for the role. Council member Dennis Hennen praised her strong communication skills and collaborative experience, suggesting that she is truly ready to hit the ground running.

While it wasn’t an easy choice for council member Clarence Black, he felt confident in his recommendation of VanVleck, emphasizing two key qualities: leadership and management. “We need someone who can work with us, lead us, and manage our team effectively,” he shared.

As VanVleck prepares to take on her new role, her hiring remains contingent on a background check and contract approval with the city—a final step in welcoming her to Berkley. There’s a palpable sense of excitement among residents, and everyone is looking forward to seeing what this new chapter holds for their beloved city.