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Nick Moroz (Plymouth City Commission At-large, Michigan, candidate 2025)
From Ballotpedia
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Nick Moroz ran for election to the Plymouth City Commission At-large in Michigan. He was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.[source]
Moroz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Nick Moroz provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on June 25, 2025:
- Birth date: October 2, 1983
- Birth place: Chicago, Illinois
- High school: Northville
- Bachelor's: Albion College, 2006
- Graduate: University of Michigan, 2010
- PhD: University of Michigan, 2017
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Agnostic
- Profession: Director
- Prior offices held:
- City Commissioner (2017)
- Mayor (2021-2023)
- Incumbent officeholder: Yes
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Plymouth City Commission At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the primary for Plymouth City Commission At-large on August 5, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Joe Elliott (Nonpartisan)  | |
 | Jennifer Kehoe (Nonpartisan) | |
| Alanna Maguire (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Kristin McHale-Johnson (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Nick Moroz (Nonpartisan) | |
| Jim Mulhern (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Ron Picard (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Scott Silvers (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Karen Sisolak (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Moroz in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nick Moroz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Moroz's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm Nick Moroz, and since 2017 I’ve served as City Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem, and Mayor of Plymouth. I'm running for re-election because I love this city and believe in working hard to help it thrive. My wife Leigh and I have called Plymouth home since 2013, raising our two children here in a walkable, safe, and welcoming community.
Professionally, I serve as Director of Entrepreneurial Practice at the University of Michigan's Center for Entrepreneurship and have co-founded manufacturing businesses right here in Michigan. This blend of public service and private-sector experience has shaped my approach to solving problems and getting results.
During my time on the Commission, I’ve helped secure over $6 million in infrastructure upgrades, passed a $12 million bond for road repairs and pedestrian improvements, modernized city utilities, and supported public safety with new investments. I’ve championed downtown vibrancy, helped adopt our City-Wide and Recreation Master Plans, and led on inclusive planning and economic development—like the redevelopment of Saxton’s property and seasonal patio dining.
I’m proud of our work to make Plymouth more resilient, connected, and forward-looking. I’m running for re-election to keep building vibrant neighborhoods, improve safety and accessibility, and ensure strong fiscal stewardship for the future.- Strengthening Vibrant, Resilient Neighborhoods Plymouth’s neighborhoods thrive because of their character, walkability, and strong sense of place. To support continued growth, I will work to support the success of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Old Village, helping reinvest in infrastructure and small businesses to build on local momentum. I’m also committed to modernizing our zoning policies to support smart, thoughtful development that reflects the unique charm of our community while encouraging housing diversity and economic vitality. By improving city processes and customer service, we can make it easier for residents and businesses to navigate development while preserving what makes Plymouth special.
- Advancing Smart, Proactive Public Safety Public safety is more than emergency response—it’s about designing a city that works for everyone. I’ll continue supporting improvements to pedestrian crossings, street and traffic design, and increased investments in our police and fire services. Just as we’ve introduced EV charging stations and upgraded infrastructure city-wide, I’ll champion modern, data-driven tools to enhance safety and accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities, making Plymouth a safer, more connected place to live.
- Ensuring Strong Finances & Community Connections Maintaining and improving Plymouth’s high quality of life requires disciplined financial management and a focus on long-term value. I’ll continue to pursue strategic investments in transportation, parks, and shared spaces while protecting our fiscal health. I’ll also work to recruit public and private partnerships, tap into state and federal funding opportunities, and actively engage the community in shaping our priorities. By listening to residents and leveraging their energy and input, we can upgrade key assets—from cultural facilities to public infrastructure—while strengthening the civic pride and connection that define Plymouth.
I’m passionate about finding a way forward—on every issue that matters to our community. I believe in progress through thoughtful, strategic action and bring a creative, optimistic mindset to both public service and my professional work. I care deeply about public policy that improves quality of life, plans for a vibrant future, and ensures all people are heard, seen, and represented. I’m especially interested in leveraging my background to find innovative ways to deliver services, use technology to reduce costs, and improve access and efficiency. I’m not interested in extreme positions on any policy—I’m focused on practical solutions that move Plymouth forward. I listen, act with purpose, and put Plymouth at the center of all decisions.
The role of City Commissioner is unique in our local government—and within the broader framework of state and legal systems—because it serves as a direct, community-rooted link between residents and their government. While it's essentially a volunteer position, it carries real leadership responsibility. As a City Commissioner, I’ve had the honor of helping shape Plymouth’s long-term strategic outlook—determining how we marshal public resources, whether through funding, partnerships, or in-kind services, to achieve shared goals. This office is not only about policy; it’s about representing the voice of the people, fostering trust, and making decisions that directly impact quality of life. It’s a vital civic role that grounds state and local governance in everyday action.
I really look up to people who have demonstrated bold, principled leadership—especially in the face of adversity—and who’ve made a lasting impact in both public service and private enterprise. Ernest Shackleton stands out for his extraordinary leadership under extreme conditions, saving his crew through tough, calculated decisions. I admire Al Gore for transforming political defeat into global leadership on climate change, and Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris for their courage in breaking barriers and expanding what leadership can look like. Barack Obama’s achievements, like the Affordable Care Act and the Cash for Clunkers program, showed how policy can drive real, tangible improvements in people’s lives. I also look to Jonas Salk, whose development of the polio vaccine—and decision not to patent it—reflected a deep commitment to the common good. Outside of politics, I admire Michael Jordan for his relentless competitiveness and drive to excel, and authors like Heather McGhee and Michael Lewis, who use storytelling to reveal how systems and policies shape people’s lives.
Some of the books that have helped shape my political philosophy reflect a blend of optimism, practicality, and a deep belief in community. *Abundance* by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson reinforced my belief that with the right ideas and policies, we can build a future of shared prosperity. *The Sum of Us* by Heather McGhee highlighted how inclusive policymaking benefits everyone, and *The Negotiator* by Senator George Mitchell offered powerful lessons on diplomacy, patience, and consensus-building. But the most influential book for me has been *13 Ways to Kill Your Community* by Doug Griffiths—a clear, often humorous guide that reveals how seemingly small decisions and attitudes can erode or strengthen a community. It’s a reminder that local leadership matters, and that building a thriving place requires action, collaboration, and care.
Integrity – Acting with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to the public good.
Strategic Decision-Making – Weighing long-term impact and making thoughtful, forward-looking choices.
Bias Toward Action – Moving beyond talk to deliver real, tangible results for the community.
Empathy – Listening with compassion and understanding diverse perspectives and needs.
Diplomacy & Coalition Building – Bringing people together, even across differences, to get things done.
Optimistic Outlook – Believing in our community’s potential and inspiring others to work toward a better future.
I believe several qualities make me a strong and successful officeholder. I have a deep love for Plymouth and a genuine commitment to helping our community thrive. Strong communication is central to how I lead—listening closely, engaging openly, and making complex issues understandable and actionable. My entrepreneurial experience fuels a problem-solving mindset and a bias toward action, helping me turn good ideas into real progress. I bring a collaborative leadership style rooted in trust and long-term vision, along with the creativity and perseverance needed to navigate challenges. Above all, I believe in inclusive, responsive governance that reflects the voices and values of our city.
Fiscal Stewardship – Serve as a strong fiduciary of the city’s finances by overseeing budgets, approving expenditures, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability through responsible planning and investment.
Policy & Ordinance Development – Help shape, debate, and enact policies and ordinances that reflect the needs and values of Plymouth residents.
Community Engagement – Actively listen to residents, attend public meetings, and maintain open lines of communication to ensure the community's voices are represented in decision-making.
Strategic Planning – Collaborate with fellow commissioners and city staff to guide long-term planning efforts around land use, infrastructure, housing, mobility, public safety, and economic development.
Oversight & Accountability – Provide oversight of city operations, ensuring transparency, ethical conduct, and the effective delivery of services.
Regional Collaboration – Represent Plymouth in intergovernmental and regional partnerships that benefit the city and its residents.
I’d like my legacy to be one of thoughtful, lasting impact—someone who used the office of City Commissioner to make Plymouth better in every way possible. Whether through infrastructure improvements, smarter planning, stronger community connections, or more inclusive public engagement, I want to be remembered as a leader who helped move the city forward with creativity, care, and purpose. My goal is to leave Plymouth more resilient, more connected, and more vibrant for future generations—because I believe in the power of local government to shape a stronger, more inclusive community.
The first historical event I clearly remember is the 2000 presidential election. I was around 17 at the time, and I was completely drawn in by the campaigns, the debates, the drama over the Florida recount and “hanging chads,” and ultimately, the Supreme Court’s decision. I learned a tremendous amount from that experience—and honestly, I still am. What has always stood out most to me is Al Gore’s concession speech. His humility, grace, and commitment to putting the country first left a lasting impression. He showed that leadership isn’t just about winning—it’s about principle, service, and continuing to contribute, no matter the outcome.
Like many young people, I had my fair share of odd jobs growing up—landscaping, a paper route (how quaint!), even taking care of a friend’s horses. But my first official hourly job was scooping ice cream at Guernsey’s Dairy in Novi. It may have been sticky work, but it taught me a lot about customer service, teamwork, and showing up with a positive attitude. Since then, I’ve had a wide range of work experiences—from working as a machinist and researcher in physics labs to launching startups in advanced manufacturing, including lithium-ion battery production, steelmaking, and even baseball bat design. Each job shaped how I approach problem-solving, leadership, and service today.
One of my favorite books is *The Structure of Scientific Revolutions* by Thomas Kuhn. His theory of paradigm shifts is incredibly intriguing to me—it shows how major changes often happen not gradually, but through transformative leaps in thinking. I find that idea both intellectually exciting and personally motivating. It reminds me that even when change isn’t immediately visible, our actions today can lay the groundwork for breakthroughs tomorrow. It’s a powerful lens for understanding progress, not just in science, but in public service, policy, and community building as well.
This changes daily, especially on runs, but today it's Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart by the Stone Temple Pilots (how millennial of me)
One of the struggles I’ve faced in life is having ideas and solutions to challenges before others are ready to embrace them. I tend to see opportunities and paths forward quickly, but I’ve learned that lasting change doesn’t come from acting alone—it comes from bringing people along on the journey. Building trust, listening, and creating space for collaboration have been essential lessons for me. It’s something I continue to work on: turning vision into shared momentum so we can make a real difference together.
Yes, there are several important but often little-known responsibilities that come with serving as a City Commissioner. One is the power to appoint residents to key boards and commissions—like the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), and Downtown Development Authority (DDA)—which shape the future of development, land use, and economic growth in our city. Commissioners also oversee and evaluate the City Manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of city government. Additionally, we represent Plymouth in broader regional settings, such as the Conference of Western Wayne, where collaboration with other communities helps us advocate for local interests and secure resources.
Absolutely—yes. I believe it’s highly beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics. Relationships are the key to getting things done and ensuring those efforts are inclusive and collaborative. In Plymouth, many major projects—like infrastructure improvements, park investments, and downtown enhancements—succeed because of strong partnerships with local foundations, regional leaders, and the private sector.
Experience also helps commissioners understand the scope of their role, operate effectively within it, and take a strategic, forward-looking approach. It allows us to focus on long-term vision without slowing day-to-day operations—serving the public well by balancing immediate needs with future goals.
Experience also helps commissioners understand the scope of their role, operate effectively within it, and take a strategic, forward-looking approach. It allows us to focus on long-term vision without slowing day-to-day operations—serving the public well by balancing immediate needs with future goals.
The most helpful skills for someone in this role include a blend of strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to both see the big picture and dive into the details. My experience as a City Commissioner has given me a deep understanding of how our local government functions and how to be effective within it. Relationships across the community are also essential—whether it’s with residents, business owners, staff, or regional partners—and I’ve worked hard to build and maintain those over time. My background in entrepreneurship and innovation has shaped a creative, forward-looking mindset, while my management experience helps me navigate complex projects and lead with purpose. Ultimately, this role demands someone who can engage thoughtfully, act decisively, and stay committed to a shared vision of Plymouth’s future.
This office is a unique and essential part of local government because it serves as the voice of residents and businesses in shaping Plymouth’s future. City Commissioners are responsible for setting the long-term vision of the city while ensuring that everyday operations reflect the values and needs of the community. We appoint members to key boards like the Planning Commission, ZBA, and DDA—giving residents a pathway to participate in decisions that shape growth and development. We also oversee the City Manager and represent Plymouth in regional partnerships. This role is where strategic leadership and public input come together to guide our city forward in a thoughtful, inclusive way.
"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx
State Representative Matt Koleszar
Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub
Mayor pf Plymouth Suzi Deal
Plymouth Democratic Club
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are absolutely central to effective local government and a healthy democracy. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to trust that decisions are made with integrity, responsibility, and long-term value in mind. Transparency builds public confidence, strengthens civic engagement, and ensures that elected officials are always working in the best interest of the community.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
