Gary Elrod (Berkley City Council At-large, Michigan, candidate 2025)

Gary Elrod

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Berkley City Council At-large

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

Berkley High School

Bachelor's

Michigan State University, 1997

Personal

Birthplace

Royal Oak, Mich.

Profession

Marketing Executive

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Gary Elrod is running for election to the Berkley City Council At-large in Michigan. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.

Elrod completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Gary Elrod provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 2, 2025:

• Birth date: November 11, 1974
• Birth place: Royal Oak, Michigan
• High school: Berkley High School
• Bachelor's: Michigan State University, 1997
• Gender: Male
• Profession: Marketing Executive
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Berkley City Council At-large (3 seats)

Steve Baker, Gary Elrod, Dennis Hennen, Josh Stapp, and Catherine Wade are running in the general election for Berkley City Council At-large on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Steve Baker (Nonpartisan)
		Gary Elrod (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Dennis Hennen (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Josh Stapp (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Catherine Wade (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
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Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Gary Elrod completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elrod's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Gary Elrod, a longtime Berkley resident and community volunteer, running for Berkley City Council because I believe strong cities are built on listening, collaboration, and thoughtful planning. Over the years I’ve served on the Berkley Beautification Advisory Committee and the Tree Board, working to protect our tree canopy and enhance neighborhood character. I’ve also been engaged in recreation and community center discussions, advocating for spaces that serve all generations.

Professionally, I lead marketing and strategy for a workforce management company, partnering with small businesses and nonprofits to solve complex challenges with practical solutions. That work has taught me the value of balancing budgets, embracing innovation, and always keeping people at the center of decision-making.

Berkley is at a crossroads: we face aging infrastructure, limited green space, and the need for a community center that truly reflects our residents’ needs. My approach is pragmatic and people-first—prioritizing fiscal responsibility while ensuring that Berkley remains welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable.

I am not running to push partisan politics. I’m running to ensure our local government is transparent, accessible, and responsive to every resident. With your support, I will work to strengthen our neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, and keep Berkley a place we’re proud to call home—for our families today and the generations that follow.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• A People-First Approach to Governing I believe Berkley’s strength comes from its people. Neighbors, families, and small businesses who give our city its character. My campaign is about ensuring every decision starts with listening to residents and keeping government transparent and accessible. From neighborhood improvements to recreation, I want Berkley to be a place where residents feel their voices are heard and where collaboration drives results.
• Investing in Infrastructure & Community Spaces Berkley faces challenges with aging infrastructure, stormwater management, and the long-standing need for a modern community center. I will prioritize responsible planning that balances budgets while addressing these needs. By collaborating with the school district and exploring funding options, we can create multi-generational spaces and infrastructure that serve us today and prepare Berkley for the future.
• Fiscal Responsibility with Long-Term Vision Good governance means balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability. My professional experience in workforce management has taught me how to make tough decisions, maximize resources, and think strategically. On Council, I will focus on financial stewardship, ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely while keeping Berkley vibrant, green, and welcoming for current residents and generations to come.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about policies that strengthen Berkley’s quality of life—especially infrastructure, parks and green space, and community facilities. Our stormwater and road systems need long-term planning to prevent costly crises, and I believe in solutions that are both sustainable and fiscally responsible. I also care deeply about recreation and multi-generational spaces, including the opportunity for a modern community center that brings residents together. Finally, I am committed to environmental stewardship: protecting Berkley’s tree canopy, improving walkability, and ensuring our city grows in a way that balances progress with preservation.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

3 years banging groceries at Kroger formerly located at 13 and Woodward. We had to wear a tie under of smocks back then,

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The core responsibility of a City Council member is to serve as a steward of the community’s trust. Listening to residents, making informed decisions, and ensuring local government remains transparent and accountable. Council members set policy, approve budgets, and oversee city services with the goal of balancing today’s needs with long-term sustainability. It’s about fiscal responsibility, maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure, and fostering spaces where families, seniors, and businesses can thrive. Above all, the role requires collaboration, with fellow council members, city staff, and residents, to keep Berkley vibrant, inclusive, and prepared for the future.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Berkley City Council At-large

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