Faces of the City: Isabela Gonzalez – July 2025

June 30, 2025

Faces of the City

A monthly feature that highlights the dedicated employees who help keep our city running. Get to know who they are, what they do, and the paths that brought them here—putting a face to the city you live, work, and play in.

July 2025 — Isabela Gonzalez

This month, we’re spotlighting Isabela Gonzalez, a Development Analyst in the Economic Development Department!

Isabela plays a key role in supporting local businesses across Muskegon, with a focus on corridor areas like Getty and Henry Streets. She meets regularly with business owners to understand their needs, connect them with helpful resources, and build strong relationships that support long-term growth. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Lakeside Business Improvement District (BID) and Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). In addition, Isabela manages the City’s tax incentive programs and keeps track of trends in Muskegon’s economic landscape.

Her work directly supports a thriving local economy, helping businesses expand and stay rooted in our community.

Isabela’s journey to her full-time role began while she was a student at Grand Valley State University. During that time, she applied for an internship with the City of Muskegon, partly inspired by her boyfriend who lived in the area. That internship gave her the chance to explore multiple departments, including Community Engagement, the Clerk’s Office, and Economic Development. She found a calling in local government and, after graduation, happily stepped into a full-time position where she now continues to serve a city she loves.

Outside of work, Isabela enjoys caring for her two cats, Mr. Man and Luna, who she proudly spoils. She also spends weekends thrifting and antique shopping with her boyfriend, Meadow, and nurtures a growing collection of houseplants, including variegated pothos and monsteras, as part of her indoor gardening hobby.