Meet Mayor Nolen

Byron H. Nolen, a seasoned litigation attorney with 27 years of legal expertise, embarked on a journey of civic engagement that would help define his career. Raised in the heart of Inkster, Nolen's roots run deep in the community where he spent his formative years engaging in local sports and participating in community service organizations like the Top Teens of America Inkster Chapter. His dedication to his hometown and its residents was evident from an early age, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in public service. He is now serving for the second time as Inkster’s mayor, with an overwhelming vote in November 2023.

For Nolen, civic engagement and service to the community have always been a priority.

Throughout his life, Byron H. Nolen has exemplified a steadfast commitment to serving his community. From his early involvement in local sports and community service organizations to his leadership roles in civic and political spheres, Nolen's dedication to the betterment of Inkster has remained unwavering. As a staunch advocate for civic engagement, he has consistently volunteered his time and expertise to uplift the residents of Inkster, particularly the most vulnerable populations. Whether assisting senior citizens, engaging with youth groups, or collaborating with civic organizations and health experts, Nolen has demonstrated a deep-seated belief in the power of community-driven initiatives to effect positive change. His service-oriented approach underscores his genuine concern for the well-being of his fellow citizens and reinforces his commitment to ensuring a brighter future for Inkster.

During Nolen’s first term as mayor, Nolen made good on his promises:

In 2015, Nolen first took the helm as Mayor of the City of Inkster, ushering in a period of progress. With a focus on revitalizing the city and improving the lives of residents, Nolen wasted no time in fulfilling his campaign promises. His leadership was marked by significant achievements, including successfully negotiating Inkster out of the consent agreement with the State of Michigan, which had been in effect since June of 2016. By the end of his term in 2019, the city boasted a general fund surplus of $3.3 million.

Throughout his tenure, Nolen remained deeply connected to the pulse of the community, championing initiatives to support seniors, empower youth, and address pressing socio-economic challenges. Under his leadership, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program was created, reclaiming Wayne County tax-foreclosed residential homes and renovating over 300 homes in the city of Inkster within the first three years of the program.

Furthermore, Nolen's administration cleared the former Inkster Public School System of over $8 million in debt in December 2018. Grant funding, totaling more than $500,000, was secured between 2016 and 2019 and dedicated to improving the police and fire departments, including acquisitions such as an ambulance, street lighting improvements, and police emergency vehicle replacements.

In addition to financial and administrative accomplishments, Nolen's administration focused on improving city services. Nolen led the new contract with GFL Environmental for residential disposal, offering residents the option to request recycling bins. Services were streamlined in the building and planning departments to make operations more efficient for residents. Plans were initiated to address infrastructure issues, including residential and city streets, water, and sewer pipes. And the city’s safety was prioritized with the increase of police officers and firefighters throughout his tenure.

Nolen's dedication to enhancing community spaces was evident in the improvements made to Inkster Parks, including the rehabilitation of facilities at Westwood Park and Dozier Recreation Center, the refinishing of the basketball court and expansion of the parking lot at LeMonye Park, and the installation of a new playscape and benches at Middle Manor Park.

In this term as mayor, Nolen has plans to transform the city from his experience of being innovative and implementing effective financial strategies in his prior term:

As Nolen embarks on his second term as Mayor of Inkster, his vision for the city is bolder than ever. With strategic plans in place to leverage his innovative spirit and track record of effective financial management, Nolen aims to implement policies that will advance Inkster into a new era of growth and opportunity. Nolen's leadership is dedicated to ushering in a transformation for Inkster and its residents. In the first State of the City since 2019, Nolen laid out initial plans for moving the city forward.

Despite the city’s debt commitment, Nolen is committed to taking decisive action. Acknowledging the need for a strategic approach to both budget cuts and revenue increases, he emphasizes the necessity of sacrifices and innovation to overcome obstacles.

Nolen unveiled a series of ambitious developments and initiatives for Inkster's economic growth and community revitalization. These include plans to update the city's Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances to attract desired businesses, as well as initiatives to address the housing shortage, the renovation of housing complexes, and reducing neighborhood blight.

Nolen stressed the importance of commercial development along key corridors such as Inkster Road, Middlebelt Road, Harrison, and Michigan Avenue. He urges property owners to take action, whether renovating existing buildings or constructing new ones, to prevent the decay that tarnishes the community's image. By enforcing building codes and ordinances, Nolen emphasizes the city's commitment to revitalizing commercial areas and attracting a diverse range of businesses, from personal services and restaurants to retail and industrial enterprises.

Projects such as the Senior Wellness Center, the transformation of the former City Library into a Cultural Center, and the completion of the Inkster amphitheater are all aimed at enhancing community spaces and fostering a sense of pride and history among residents.

Nolen aims to foster a vibrant and prosperous community for residents. His unwavering dedication to Inkster paints a picture of a city poised for transformation and resilience under his leadership.

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