By LEAHWILCOX Grand Haven Tribune (Printed with written permission from the GrandHaven Tribune)
May 1, 2021
Ferrysburg Mayor Rebecca Hopp was recently recognized by the Michigan Municipal League as Ottawa County’s only female mayor.
The honor came during the MML’s March as Women’s History Month proceedings.
“This was an honor to be recognized as part of an amazing groupof women serving in municipal leadership roles, both past and present, representing areas from around the state of Michigan,” Hopp said.
For Hopp, the recognition follows years of hard work and advocacy for both women in government and her community as a whole. Serving for several years as the president of Michigan Women in Municipal Government, she helped provide support and resources for women in government positions throughout the state.
“Mayor Hopp has been involved in many organizations associated with the Michigan Municipal League over the years and has attended numerous training seminars sponsored by the MML,” Ferrysburg City Manager Craig Bessinger said.“Mayor Hopp contributes to the city by bringing this training and experience and new ideas to the city.”
Hopp also co-created and co-ran the Smith’s Bayou Chili Cookoff, which raises funds for local nonprofits each year.
In 2009, she began her local government journey, gaining a spot on the Ferrysburg City Council as a write-in candidate. She was first elected mayor in 2017.
Since then, Hopp has made it a priority to take initiative so the voices of residents are heard. This is seen in action as she holds a seat on multiple boards and commissions where Ferrysburg has been under representedor not represented at all, she says.
“As mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure our city, business owners and residents are represented during discussions,” Hopp said, “but more importantly when decisions are made.”
The pandemic created a unique opportunity for Hopp to find creative ways to continue working for her community. Between her full-time teaching position and her mayoral duties, she found time to perform wellness checks on the elderly population of Ferrysburg, even being called the “toilet paper fairy” upon making a delivery to a resident after one such wellness call.
Citing her mother as her major female inspiration, Hopp seesmany opportunities for continued growth for women in local government.
“The 21st century has provided women so many opportunities to seek leadership roles in jobs mainly held by men,” she said. “It has been exciting to see female leadership roles throughout Michigan increased over the years – mayors, supervisors, village presidents and municipal managers.”
Hopp recently announced 2021 will be the end of her tenure as mayor, as she will not run for re-election this year.
“My vision for the city of Ferrysburg is to continue to create a community where people want to live, work and recreate,” she said. “Ferrysburg is a wonderful hidden gem in Northwest Ottawa County. I want to continue to increase opportunities which promote our wonderful city by making Ferrysburg a welcoming, inclusive and accessible community for everyone.”
