Grand Blanc's City Manager Left for Alaska. Christina Irwin Took the Oath on Aug. 12.

By Carrie Thompson, Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent, eXp Realty, Grand Blanc, MI

Christina Irwin is the new city manager of the City of Grand Blanc. City Clerk Mary Hopkins gave her the oath of office at the Aug. 12, 2026 council meeting. The City Council had voted on June 10 to appoint her to replace Wendy Jean-Buhrer, who resigned to become finance director in Wasilla, Alaska (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, August 12, 2026; ABC12, April 1, 2026).

The resignation came at a special meeting on April 1

The council met in a special session on April 1, 2026, and, on a motion by Council Member Chris Carr supported by Council Member Andy Nyquist, voted to accept Jean-Buhrer's resignation letter and honor two requests she made (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, April 1, 2026). ABC12 reported the council approved the resignation unanimously, effective June 1 (ABC12, April 1, 2026).

Accounts of her tenure differ. ABC12 reported she served "nearly 11 years as the city's top administrator," after eight years as assistant city manager and finance director before she was hired as interim city manager in 2015 (ABC12, April 1, 2026). WNEM described her as city manager for the past 18 years (WNEM, April 1, 2026).

Citing the city website, ABC12 reported that Jean-Buhrer helped start the Grand Blanc Fire Department, created new park amenities, and "fronted grants for special projects" (ABC12, April 2, 2026). "We actually did something great for this community," she said. Mayor John Creasey put it simply: "We're losing a fantastic city manager" (ABC12, April 2, 2026).

The assistant city manager stepped in as interim

At the same April 1 meeting, on a motion by Nyquist supported by Council Member Norm Williams, the council appointed Christina Irwin "as the Interim City Manager until the permanent City Manager is hired." A separate motion by Carr, supported by Council Member Chris Douglas, approved "a $1500 monthly stipend starting June 1, 2026." Both carried (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, April 1, 2026). ABC12 identified Irwin as the city's assistant city manager and reported the stipend was in addition to her current salary (ABC12, April 1, 2026).

The council also voted 4-1 to start the process of replacing the city manager, on a motion by Carr supported by Nyquist (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, April 1, 2026). The minutes do not name the no vote. According to ABC12, applications would open April 2 and close April 30, with interviews from May 11 to June 1, second-round interviews by July 1, and a hire expected by Aug. 1 (ABC12, April 1, 2026). The posting required a master's degree in public or business administration and five years of relevant management experience (ABC12, April 2, 2026).

In June the council dropped its two-candidate rule and picked Irwin

The council's original plan was to see at least two candidates at its July meeting (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, April 1, 2026). It moved faster. On June 10, 2026, on a motion by Douglas supported by Council Member Jamie Weasel, the council amended its April 1 hiring motion "by removing the two-candidate requirement and directing the hiring committee to present City Council its recommendation". The same pair then moved "to appoint Christina Irwin as the City Manager subject to a successfully negotiated contract." Both motions carried, with Council Member Julie Nielsen absent (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, June 10, 2026).

On July 8, on a motion by Douglas supported by Nielsen, the council voted "to accept the City Manager contract as negotiated by the Attorney and Mayor." The motion carried (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, July 8, 2026).

The night she was sworn in, the council approved an assistant city manager position

After Irwin took the oath on Aug. 12, the council, on a motion by Weasel supported by Carr, approved "the Assistant City Manager/DDA Director position as presented." The minutes do not say who will fill it (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, August 12, 2026). The same meeting included approval of a Comcast franchise renewal and a proposal of up to $19,500 from Fleis & Vandenbrink for the Kings Pointe drain, and City Attorney Walt Griffin gave an update on water tower negotiations (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, August 12, 2026).

Irwin takes over a city whose council approved a new Master Plan on June 10 (City of Grand Blanc council minutes, June 10, 2026). The city's Master Plan page also posts a fee schedule document dated July 8, 2026 (City of Grand Blanc, Master Plan page). City Hall is at 203 E. Grand Blanc Road and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Fridays (City of Grand Blanc).

What buyers and sellers in the City of Grand Blanc should check

The City of Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township are separate governments with separate offices, rules, and fees, and a Grand Blanc mailing address can fall in either one. If you are buying, confirm which one the home is in before you call about permits, water, or trash. If you are selling in the city and planning repairs or a fence, deck, or addition before listing, check the city's current fee schedule and permit requirements first, and remember City Hall is closed on Fridays.

Every listing I take gets professional photos and video, room sizes, targeted digital ads, and targeted buyer avatars. Call or text Carrie Thompson at (810) 893-3269.

About Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson, "Your Favorite Property Girl," is a Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent (REALTOR®) with eXp Realty serving Grand Blanc, Genesee County and nearby Michigan communities, including the City of Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc Township, Burton, Davison, and Fenton. Michigan license 6501338662. Call or text (810) 893-3269.