Faces of the City: Peggy Thorsen Straley – June 2025

May 28, 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.

June 2025 — Peggy Thorsen Straley

This month, we’re spotlighting Peggy Thorsen Straley, Income Tax Administrator in the Income Tax Department of the Finance Division!

Peggy oversees the full administration of the City of Muskegon’s income tax—a system established back in 1993 through an agreement with the State of Michigan. Though Peggy has held this role for three years, she’s been with the city for over a decade, and her work directly supports essential services like police and fire, public infrastructure, and other resources that help keep the city running. She also ensures income tax operations are transparent, efficient, and accessible to everyone in the community.

In her role, Peggy focuses on improving systems and public engagement, always aiming to provide equitable service. She also acts as a liaison for the ‘Read Early, Read Often’ initiative, partnering with the Muskegon Area ISD to promote early literacy by distributing free books to children and families.

Peggy’s journey to this role started right here in Muskegon, though her career path has taken her as far as Florida. Over the years, she’s held many titles—from bank teller to probation officer to Director of Operations for a publishing company—each building her leadership and public service skills. After adopting her daughter and moving back to Michigan, she returned to school, earned her business degree, and began working in the City’s Treasury Department. After eight years there, she stepped into her current leadership role, where she continues her passion for community service.

Outside the office, Peggy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter—whether at home in Muskegon or exploring northern Michigan. She loves adventuring through Manistee National Forest with her family and their two Great Danes, especially in their side-by-side. A true Michigander, Peggy also finds joy in being near the water, rain or shine (but preferably not rain), and always roots for the Detroit Lions!