Welcome to the official Blog for the City of Flint, Michigan

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Happy Holidays

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and his administration wish you the happiest of holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Flint Celebrates Mark Ingram, Jr's. Heisman Trophy Win

Saturday night Flint native Mark Ingram, Jr. claimed college football's most coveted prize: The Heisman Trophy.

The ceremony was held in New York, but back here in Flint Mayor Dayne Walling hosted a viewing party at Luigis Restaurant and Pizzeria on Davison Road. It was a packed house, filled with Ingram supporters, to watch the announcement.

Congratulations Mark Ingram, Jr. You are the Pride of Flint, Michigan.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Mark Ingram Day In Flint

Mayor Dayne Walling proclaims Saturday, December 12th as Mark Ingram Jr. Day in the City Of Flint.
In recognition of Ingram's accomplishments, Mayor Walling is inviting the community to join him Saturday night at Luigi's Restaurant and Pizzeria on Davison Rd. at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per person for the pizza and salad bar and you have to purchase your own beverage. The focus of the night will be the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, where Ingram is one of five finalists. We will gather at Luigi's to watch the ceremony, which will be carried live from New York on ESPN. The ceremony begins at 8:00 p.m. The Heisman Trophy is college's most prestigious athletic award. We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to watch this young Flint native be considered for such an honor.

Mark is a 2008 Graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy, and currently plays for Alabama. He has been a role model on and off the field. Mark has made the Deans list at Alabama, and was also an accomplished high school student.

We are a community of producers here in Flint. We have a rich history of athletic excellence in this community. Mark Ingram Jr. is the latest in a long line of accomplished athletes this community has produced.

The Mayor will present Mark Ingram, Jr. and his family with the proclamation upon Ingram's anticipated return to Flint during the holiday season.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Mayor Walling To Host Jobs Growth and Economic Development Forum

As we continue to work toward transforming Flint into a 21st century sustainable city, we must begin to plan for future job growth and economic development. On Thursday, December 3, President Barack Obama hosted a forum on jobs and economic growth at the White House. The President invited small business owners, CEO’s, labor leaders, economist and everyday Americans to be a part of this discussion.

The President now wants to expand the conversation beyond the nation’s capitol. He has asked mayors from across the country to host a similar forum in their respective cities. The purpose of these forums is to explore every possible avenue for job creation.

Mayor Walling will host a Jobs Growth and Economic Development forum on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor city hall council chambers at 1101 South Saginaw Street.

One Monday, Two Neighborhood Action Sessions

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling is hosting two neighborhood action sessions (today) Monday, December 7, 2009.

The first session was held at Noon today at the Riverfront Residence Hall in downtown Flint. We had about 30 students and college staff who came out to be a part of helping move our great city of Flint forward in a positive direction.

This group identified a number of assets in the community and lots of opportunity as well. The Flint river was identified as both an asset and an opportunity.

This group really had some great ideas about making downtown Flint more appealing to college students. They talked about having more bike and walking trails; a bowling alley; and a movie theatre. Most in the group said they were proud of the city's educational opportunities and the city's student population. It was a small but effective group who showed up and we are grateful for their input.

+++++++++++++++++++++++Neighborhood Action in the 3rd Ward
Tonight at 5:30 Mayor Walling and members of his administration will be in the 3rd ward at Berston Field House for the 8th Neighborhood Action Session. Just one more to go for the first phase. More than 500 residents have come out to share in our discussions about guiding city resources and moving this community forward. The last neighborhood action session for the the year will be in Ward 6 on December 16, 209 at 5:30 at McLaren Regional Medical Center.

New Business In Downtown Flint

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling cuts the ribbon on Garibella's Salon

New businesses are being added to the downtown Flint landscape it seems everyday. This of course is good news for all us. The Mayor often says "Downtown is every body's neighborhood."

Garibella's Salon is located on the South Side of the Wade trim building on Second and Saginaw. It is a full service salon owned by Tammy and Carl Harchick. The couple combined the names of their two children Garrett and Gabrielle to come up with the salon's unique name: Garibella's.

The salon currently employs 5 people and they are looking to hire 7 more stylists.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Magical Night In Downtown Flint

The Holiday Magic was Unleashed tonight in Downtown Flint. I venture to say nearly 3,000 came out for the first ever Flint Holiday Festival. It was a sight to behold. The event sponsored by the City of Flint and the Downtown Development Authority, exceeded expectations.

400 to 500 people gathered at Flint City Hall for the festivities that began at 5:30p.m. There was a pre-glow sponsored by Tim Hortons inside of city hall with coffee, hot cocoa, and donuts. Just before 6:00 p.m. the program began. Katie O'Mara and Sam Merrill from WNEM TV-5 were the emcees. There was wonderful singing by the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir and Pastor Seon Thompson and the Sanctuary Choir from Refuge Temple. Vida Fisher, from the Blue Light Tree Project spoke on the importance of remembering our fallen law enforcement officers during the holiday season. She and her husband donated the blue lights for a tree at city hall. Pastor Robert Wright, from Court Street United Methodist church gave a wonderful prayer and Pastor Jerry Givens from Prayer Garden COGIC did a reading. Just before 6:20 the Mayor was joined by Santa Clause for the official holiday lights.

Following the lighting ceremony the parade began to Kearsley and Saginaw Streets. There was more excitement there with choirs, bands, people, ice carvings and of course Santa.

A special thanks goes out to all of the wonderful sponsors who saw the potential for an event like this and jumped on board early to be a part of the magic. Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Plus of Michigan, The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gazall, Lewis Architects INC, Tim Hortons, Flint Area Visitor and Convention Bureau and so many others.

We also had great participation from the Flint Community Schools and so many community organizations.

I can't wait for Flint Holiday Festival 2010.

Down To The Last Chair


Nearly 100 pack the Brennen Center for Neighborhood Action


Residents of the 7th Ward came out in big numbers for Neighborhood Action Monday night. The residents identified many assets and opportunities in their ward and engaged in lively discussion about how to move their ward and this city forward.


The next Neighborhood Action Session is Thursday, December 3, 2009 in the 9th ward at Insight. It begins at 5:30. We hope to see you there.