Alan Albarran was seated formally Wednesday as a member of Sturgis City Commission.
Albarran joins the board alongside fellow 2nd precinct commissioner Emmanuel Nieves.
He fills the position vacated by Brandon Kinsey, who announced his resignation in September, effective Oct. 31.
The term extends through November 2026, but will appear on the election ballot in November 2024.
Albarran, of 260 John St. Ste. 6B, is employed at KLS Underground in Constantine. He has served in various positions for St. Joseph County GOP.
In an email conversation this week, Albarran outlined his anticipation for the role, goals and his interest in politics.
“I’m excited most about having part in the direction forward of the Sturgis City Commission, as well as of course the city of Sturgis,” he said. “I’m excited to be on the forefront of decision-making for the people of the city.”
Albarran mentioned immediate priorities regarding attracting business to the city and residential initiatives.
“I believe one of the biggest priorities is continuing to be business-friendly when new businesses are coming to the area, as well as focusing to open up availability when it comes to housing for working class families,” Albarran said. “Additionally, I am excited to be a part of the beginning stages of State Line Business Park.”
He became interested in politics at a young age.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather Richard Ware and I always remember that, when he was able, he went to a lot of city commission meetings,” Albarran said. “He instilled in me at a young age the importance of being involved in local politics and being a leader. In high school, I was involved in Youth in Government and after high school I got heavily involved in the County Republican Party. I felt as though this was a natural step forward when the position became available.”
Also on Wednesday, city commissioners approved a resolution supporting pursuit of a land bank at the county level. County commissioners recently explored establishing a land bank, which is a public entity with unique governmental power, created pursuant to state-enabling legislation to help address vacant, blighted or tax-delinquent properties.
Land banks have the ability to purchase property and most are able to access unique funding sources and grants through the state.
The goal of a land bank is to return such properties to productive use in the community and address blight.
The city commission’s support for the proposal is not a commitment of any kind for the city nor does it guarantee of project funding if the bank is established. The county is gauging interest from the cities of Sturgis and Three Rivers, as well as the county’s six villages and 12 townships.
In a separate matter, city commissioners approved appointment of Buddy Denman to the planning commission, for a term continuing through May 2026. An additional vacancy remains on that board.