Bob has a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of Washington. Bob has previously volunteered and fundraised for SAVE Inc., which provides housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. He is married to his wife, Heather. They have two kids together, Ben and Cate, and have lived in Muskegon for 17 years.

Bob is a financial planner and business owner. He previously served in the US Navy for six years and worked for the budget, IT, and human resources departments of Johnson County, Kansas.

Plans to grow Muskegon’s economy by attracting talent, supporting local businesses, and facilitating new investments.

- Plans to grow Muskegon’s economy by attracting talent, supporting local businesses, and facilitating new investments.

Economy

Tax Incentives - City of Muskegon

Plans to continue the city’s Infill Housing program and ensure it meets the needs of home buyers.

Plans to work with city staff and community partners to address the shortage of quality, affordable housing.

Advocates for diverse housing solutions that serve seniors, working families, veterans, and those facing housing insecurity.

Supports maximizing Brownfield tax incentives for smart redevelopment projects like Muskegon Central Park.

Supports maximizing Brownfield tax incentives for redevelopment projects like Muskegon Central Park. Brownfield tax credits encourage redevelopment in areas where contamination or decay make development harder.

- Plans to continue the city’s Infill Housing program and ensure it meets the needs of home buyers.
- Plans to work with city staff and community partners to address the shortage of quality, affordable housing.
- Advocates for diverse housing solutions that serve seniors, working families, veterans, and those facing housing insecurity.
- Supports maximizing Brownfield tax incentives for redevelopment projects like Muskegon Central Park. Brownfield tax credits encourage redevelopment in areas where contamination or decay make development harder.

Housing & Urban Development

As of August 15, 2025, Bob Garretson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Healthcare

Supports improving public access to waterfronts, enhancing parks, and growing the arts scene.

Supports improving public access to waterfronts, bettering parks, and growing the arts scene.

- Supports improving public access to waterfronts, bettering parks, and growing the arts scene.

Public Services

Supports partnerships that protect the lake's future and plans to connect downtown to the waterfront, ensure public access, and encourage new housing and recreation along Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

- Supports partnerships that protect the lake's future and plans to connect downtown to the waterfront, ensure public access, and encourage new housing and recreation along Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

Energy & the Environment

Plans to work with the State of Michigan to improve Seaway Drive, the "front door" to downtown, to better welcome visitors and reflect the city's "pride, promise, and progress."

- Plans to work with the State of Michigan to improve Seaway Drive, the "front door" to downtown, to better welcome visitors and reflect the city's "pride, promise, and progress."

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Bob Garretson

- A mayor’s job can be different in each city, but they usually make sure city laws are followed, help create and manage the city’s budget, appoint people to boards and committees, and oversee city services like police, fire departments, parks, and public transportation.
- The mayor works with the city council and sometimes helps make decisions by voting.
- They may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. 
- They are elected to a two- or four-year term, depending on the city.