Editing Swartz Creek, Michigan

{{about|the city||Swartz Creek (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                     = Swartz Creek, Michigan
|official_name            = City of Swartz Creek
|native_name              = 
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = Where Friendships Last Forever<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rocha |first1=Lania |title=Swartz Creek council selects new city slogan |url= http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2018-06-21/Front_Page/Swartz_Creek_council_selects_new_city_slogan.html |access-date=October 11, 2018 |work=The Swartz Creek View  |publisher=JAMS Media |date=June 21, 2018  }}</ref>
|image_skyline            = 
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = 
|image_flag               = 
|flag_size                = 
|image_seal               = 
|seal_size                = 
|image_shield             = 
|shield_size              = 
|image_blank_emblem       = 
|blank_emblem_size        = 
|pushpin_map            = Michigan
|pushpin_label_position = left<!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
|pushpin_label          = Swartz Creek
|pushpin_map_caption    = Location within the state of Michigan
|pushpin_mapsize        = 
|image_map                = Swartz Creek, MI location.png
|mapsize                  = 250
|map_caption              = Location within [[Genesee County, Michigan|Genesee County]]
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Michigan]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Michigan|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Genesee County, Michigan|Genesee]]
|subdivision_type3        = 
|subdivision_name3        = 
|subdivision_type4        = 
|subdivision_name4        = 
|government_type          = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Nate Henry
|leader_title1            = [[Pro tempore|Mayor Pro-tem]]
|leader_name1             = Rae Lynn Hicks
|leader_title2            = [[City manager]]
|leader_name2             = Adam Zettel
|leader_title3            = [[City Clerk]]
|leader_name3             = Renee Kraft
|established_title        = Settled
|established_date         = 1836
|established_title2       = [[Plat]]ted
|established_date2        = 1877
|established_title3       = Incorporated
|established_date3        = 1959
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_26.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 10.86
|area_total_sq_mi         = 4.19
|area_land_km2            = 10.86
|area_land_sq_mi          = 4.19
|area_water_km2           = 0.01
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|area_water_percent       = 
|area_urban_km2           = 
|area_urban_sq_mi         = 
|area_metro_km2           = 
|area_metro_sq_mi         = 
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 5897
|population_density_km2   = 543.22
|population_density_sq_mi = 1407.06
|population_note          = 
|population_metro         = 
|population_density_metro_km2     = 
|population_density_metro_sq_mi   = 
|population_urban                 = 
|timezone                 = EST
|utc_offset               = -5
|timezone_DST             = EDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -4
|coordinates              = {{coord|42|57|43|N|83|49|35|W|region:US-MI|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_m              = 235
|elevation_ft             = 791
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code|ZIP code(s)]]
|postal_code              = 48473<br>48554 ([[Flint, Michigan|Flint]])
|area_code                = [[Area code 810|810]]
|website                  = {{URL|www.cityofswartzcreek.org}}
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 26-77700<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1614476<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|unit_pref = Imperial
}}
<!-- Infobox ends -->
'''Swartz Creek''' is a city in [[Genesee County, Michigan|Genesee County]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]].  The population was 5,897 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. The city is a [[suburb]] of [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]] and has incorporated land formerly within [[Flint Township, Michigan|Flint Charter Township]], [[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Gaines Township]], and [[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Clayton Township]], but is administratively autonomous from all three.

==History==
[[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] traveled the trail that paralleled the [[Swartz Creek]] to reach the maple trees, on what would later be the 
[[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan#Crapo Farm|Crapo Farm]], to fish, gather fruit, and hunt. This trail terminated in the Lansing area.<ref name=ml>{{cite news|last1=Angus|first1=Laura|title=Miller Road in Genesee County originally American Indian path|url=http://www.mlive.com/swartzcreek/index.ssf/2008/08/miller_road_in_genesee_county.html|access-date=June 2, 2015|work=Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=September 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914161152/http://www.mlive.com/swartzcreek/index.ssf/2008/08/miller_road_in_genesee_county.html |archive-date=September 14, 2016}}</ref>

===Predecessor communities===

====Miller's Settlement====
<!-- This section is linked from [[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan]] -->
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|colspan=3 | Miller Settlement Population
|-
! Year !! Pop. !! ±% [[wikt:per annum|p.a.]]

|-
| 1880 || 132 || —
|-
| 1916 || 650 || +4.53%
|-
|colspan=3| <small>source:</small> <ref name="hgc"/>
|}

The Miller Settlement, and future core Swartz Creek community, was founded in June 1836 when it was first settled by Adam Miller, a German, and his family of eleven children<ref name=ml/><ref name="ml0">{{cite news|title=Swartz Creek rich in Genesee County history|url=http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/answerbook/index.ssf/2008/04/swartz-creek.html|access-date=September 1, 2016|work=Flint Journal Answer Book |publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=April 6, 2008}}</ref> in then [[Flint Township, Michigan|Flint Township]] at its original size of 9 township survey areas.<ref name=hgc5>{{cite book| last = Wood| first = Edwin O.| title =History of Genesee County, Michigan, Her People, Industries and Institutions| publisher = Michigan Historical Commission| year = 1916  | url =http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mi/county/lapeer/gen/ch5/pio.html |chapter=Chapter V. Pioneer Days in the Townships }}</ref> On March 11, 1837, just weeks after Michigan became a state, the southern area that would make up the community was placed into Mundy Township.<ref name=hgc/> [[Flushing Township, Michigan|Flushing Township]] was formed on March 6, 1838, split off from Flint Township,<ref name=hgc/> and included the northern part of the settlement. Two settlers were buried on the Miller property before that acre was deeded to Flushing township by Adam Miller.<ref name=hgc1879>{{cite book|last1=Ellis|first1=Franklin|title=History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers.|date=1879|publisher=Everts & Abbott |location=Philadelphia|pages=269, 355, 359 |url= https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/micounty/BAD0919.0001.001 |access-date= November 14, 2017}}</ref>

In 1848, Miller Road was designed as a state road.<ref name=ml/> in 1842, a post office was set up in the community called Swartz Creek after [[Swartz Creek|the stream]]. Soon, the community assumed that name. The Village of Swartz Creek subdivision was platted in 1877.<ref name="ml0"/>

In 1881, Swartz Creek had a rail station called Hamilton. Serving the station was the Goodyear and Miller elevator and Western Union Telegraph. The locality also had a hotel run by William Brown, a Methodist church and a district school. The creek powered a saw mill and a [[Gristmill|flour mill]] at the time. Sommers & Brewer business was a manufacturer of [[potash]].<ref>{{cite book|title=H.g. Osborne's Flint City & Genesee Co. Directory 1881-82|date=1881|publisher=W. I. beardsley's Steam Job Print|location=Flint, Michigan|page=202|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIHiAAAAMAAJ&q=Swartz+Creek&pg=PA202|access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref>

The first Masonic Temple in the community was built in 1906 on Miller Road.<ref name=ml/> By the 1910s, the unincorporated village's major industry was sugar beet farming with three beet weighing stations. An elevator and two churches were located there by 1916. A private bank, which was managed by Ira T. Sayre as part of a chain, was also open at that time.<ref name="hgc">{{cite book|last1=Wood|first1=Edwin O.|title=History of Genesee county, Michigan, her people, industries and institutions|date=1916|publisher=FEDERAL PUBLISHING COMPANY|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|pages=722–723|url=http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mi/county/lapeer/gen/ch26/pt2.html|access-date=September 8, 2016|chapter=The Villages of Genesee County, Part II}}</ref>

In 1927, the community's downtown roads were paved with gravel supplied by the Crapo Gravel Company, which created the now Winchester Lake. Electrical power was brought to the area that same year.<ref name=scv2>{{cite news|last1=Blythe|first1=Natalie|title=Moments in history: Swartz Creek celebrates 175th anniversary of Miller settlement|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2011-01-27/Living/Moments_in_history.html|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=Swartz Creek View|publisher=View Newspaper Group (JAMS Media)|date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>

On Wednesday April 7, 1954 at about 7:40 PM, a small tornado hit the community. The tornado destroyed the fire hall, knocking down power lines and taking roofs off homes while only injuring two.<ref>{{cite news|title=Small Tornado Strikes Swartz Creek Near Flint|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19540408&id=X6YIAAAAIBAJ&pg=6693,4118751&hl=en|access-date=March 20, 2015|work=Ludington Daily News|agency=AP|date=April 8, 1954}}</ref>

====Otterburn====
'''Otterburn''' as the rest of Flint Township was in Grand Blanc Township at its organized on March 9, 1833, then split off into Flint Township on March 2, 1836, then with the west half of the survey area was place in Flushing Township. The first land purchase in section 31, the general area of Otterburn, was on May 30, 1836, by John W. McNair.<ref name=hgc1879/>

'''Otterburn''' was in Flint Township, had about 150 residents and had its own train depot that opened in 1882.<ref name="Romig">{{cite book | last = Romig | first = Walter  | year = 1986 | title = Michigan Place Names |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y-FPXEGRo-YC&q=Otterburn | orig-year=1973 | publisher = Wayne State University Press | location = Detroit, Michigan | isbn = 0-8143-1838-X |page=423}}</ref>  The location was known as Otterburn as otters were generally seen there on the Swartz Creek, a [[wikt:burn#Etymology 2|burn]]. On August 27, 1887, Charles F. Shumway assumed the position of postmaster for the post office upon its opening. The post office closed on October 31, 1913.<ref name="Romig"/> In 1957, a Chevrolet plant, which was also referred to as Otterburn, was built in this area<ref>{{cite news | first = Laura | last = Angus  | title = Closing or bankruptcy for GM would devastate retirees, tax base in Swartz Creek  | url = http://www.mlive.com/swartzcreek/index.ssf/2009/01/closing_or_bankruptcy_for_gm_w.html   | work = Swartz Creek News | publisher = [[Booth Newspapers]]  | location = Flint, Michigan | date = January 9, 2009  | access-date = 2009-03-20 | quote = The plant, also known as Otterburn, opened in 1957. }}</ref> for its service and parts operations moved from the west Flint [[Chevy in the Hole]] complex.<ref name="dmp">{{cite book|last1=Highsmith|first1=Andrew R.|title=Demolition Means Progress: Flint, Michigan, and the Fate of the American|date=July 6, 2015|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226050058|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJXICQAAQBAJ&q=%22New+Flint%22&pg=PA138|page=122,123,139|access-date=July 13, 2016}}</ref>

====Winchester developments====

[[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan#Crapo Farm|Crapo Farm]] was sold in 1955 after parts were donated for St. Mary's Cemetery and Mary Crapo School.<ref>{{cite news|title=A look back: Crapo Farm Depot in Swartz Creek was once the only private farm depot in North America|url=http://www.mlive.com/swartzcreek/index.ssf/2011/02/crapo_farm_depot_once_the_only.html|access-date=September 1, 2016|work=The Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> The Winchester Village subdivision was built on the former farm.<ref name="ml0"/> Which was followed by another, Winchester Woods. All of the village and most of the woods<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chiu|first1=Eric|title=Swartz Creek subdivisions plan annual garage sale for May 11|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/04/swartz_creek_subdivisions_to_h.html|access-date=October 11, 2017|work=Flint Journal|publisher=MLive Media Group|date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> were incorporated into the City of Swartz Creek in 1959 at its founding.

===City===
In the 1950s, GM executive started a "New Flint" regional/metropolitan government plan to incorporate the metropolitan area into Flint. The proposal was released in 1957 and petition began circulating the next year. Area residents were fearful that New Flint would bring the Otterburn plant into its borders. While New Flint proponents indicated this would not be the case, area residents campaigned against New Flint while moving to incorporate the area.<ref name="dmp"/> The city was incorporated on December 1, 1959. The city included parts of Gaines (Winchester Village), Clayton and Flint Townships (Otterburn).<ref>{{cite news |title=Swartz Creek To Be City Dec. 1 |url=https://scontent.fdet1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47198466_10215567126964428_5071174092338495488_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet1-2.fna&oh=6192d3e8adc8abe807b6cae79623d4bd&oe=5D0B040C |access-date=March 8, 2019 |work=The Flint Journal |date=September 23, 1959}}</ref>

In 1986, [[Sports Creek Raceway]] opened. The raceway was a harness racing track.<ref name="ml1">{{cite news|last1=Dresden|first1=Eric|title=Sports Creek Raceway for sale as doors close on longtime horse track|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/01/sports_creek_raceway_up_for_sa.html|access-date=September 1, 2016|work=The Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=January 6, 2015}}</ref>  The city received about $425,000 a year from wager dollars until 1993 when [[John Engler]] became Michigan governor. Engler reduced cash flow from the casinos for two years until a new distribution formula allowed the state to contribute less: from $126,000 to $118,000 by the mid-2000s.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bohn|first1=Dean|title=Horse racing industry undergoes changes, Sports Creek Raceway attendance declines|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/10/horse_racing_industry_undergoe.html|access-date=January 20, 2017|work=Flint Journal|publisher=MLive Media Group|date=October 16, 2009}}</ref>

In the 2000s, Gaines and Mundy Townships ceased contributions to cover building costs for the Swartz Creek Perkins Library, while Clayton Township ceased funding in 2011.<ref name="ml2" /> In April 2011, the Flint Flames, a semi-professional Women's Blue Chip Basketball League team, changed ownership and its name to [[Flint Monarchs]]. The Monarchs then moved its games to the Cage Field House in Swartz Creek from its previous location at Flint Northern High School.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woodyard |first1=Eric |title=The Flint Flames are no more, the Flint Monarchs are alive and well |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2011/04/the_flint_flames_are_no_more_t.html |access-date=February 25, 2019 |work=Flint Journal |publisher=MLive Media Group |date=April 22, 2011}}</ref> In 2014, the Monarchs moved their games back to Flint.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woodyard |first1=Eric |title=Flint Monarchs bring first women's pro basketball team to city, old pros say their work has just begun |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2014/06/flint_monarchs_bring_first_wom.html |access-date=February 25, 2019 |work=Flint Journal |publisher=Mlive Media Group |date=June 1, 2014}}</ref>

In 2004, the city formed a downtown development authority.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Journal |first1=Jim Larkin Flint |title=City mourns loss of two public servants |url=http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/08/city_mourns_loss_of_two_public.html |access-date=March 6, 2019 |work=Flint Journal |publisher=MLive Media Group |date=August 29, 2007}}</ref> In 2006, Meijer announced plans to build a location in Swartz Creek. Construction started in September 2012, and on May 16, 2013, the store opened on Morrish Road north of I-69.<ref name=scv1>{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=Take 5|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2013-12-26/Living/Take_5.html|access-date=December 27, 2013|work=The Swartz Creek View|publisher=JAMS Media|date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>

In December 2013, the city council voted 4 to 3 to adopt a 4.9-mil public safety special assessment district consisting of the whole city. While a referendum petition could take the assessment to the ballot, some city residents threatened to recall members of city council who supported the millage.<ref name=scv1/> In January and February 2014, the city and Gaines Township were contacted by Mundy Township Supervisor David L. Guigear with the intent of  regionalizing their building departments, code enforcement activities, janitorial services and police departments.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joining forces?|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2014-02-13/News/Joining_forces.html|access-date=December 2, 2016|work=The Swartz Creek View|date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>

Also in December 2013, City Manager Paul Bueche, who was preparing for medical and disability leave, recommended the promotion of Adam Zettel, the current city zoning administrator and DDA Director, as interim City Manager. Zettel was also assistant city manager for the city of [[Owosso, Michigan|Owosso]] and former assistant city manager for the city from 2006 to 2010. The city council accepted Bueche's recommendation and hired Zettel effective January 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Aldridge|first1=Chris|title=Swartz Creek Zoning Administrator Adam Zettel taking reins as city manager|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/12/swartz_creek_zoning_administra.html|access-date=June 9, 2015|work=Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=December 4, 2013}}</ref> Bueche died on May 15, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dresden|first1=Eric|title=Swartz Creek remembers former city manager, police chief: 'This community and the world lost a really good person'|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/05/this_community_and_the_world_l.html|access-date=June 9, 2015|work=The Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=May 16, 2014}}</ref>

Sport Creek Raceway was closed by the [[Michigan Gaming Control Board]] on January 1, 2015, as the raceway could not agree to terms with the [[Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association]].<ref name="ml1" /> As of 2023, despite being under new ownership, there continue to be no plans to reopen the track.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fonger|first1=Ron|title=No plans to open Sports Creek in 2019, city says|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2019/01/no-plans-to-open-sports-creek-in-2019-city-says.html|access-date=July 5, 2019|work=Flint Journal|publisher=MLive Media Group|date=January 18, 2019}}</ref>

A 5.7-mil property-tax levy for streets was placed on the May 5, 2015 ballot. The city proposal failed 729 to 831.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=Voters reject city street tax|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2015-05-07/Front_Page/Voters_reject_city_street_tax.html|access-date=September 1, 2016|work=Swartz Creek View|publisher=View Newspaper Group|date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> On May 3, 2016, a smaller, 4.22-mil property-tax levy for street improvements was finally approved by city residents.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=Swartz Creek street repair millage passes |url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2016-05-05/Front_Page/Swartz_Creek_street_repair_millage_passes.html |access-date=July 13, 2016|work=Swartz Creek View|publisher=JAMS Media|date=May 5, 2016}}</ref>

Fourth-precinct council member Michael Shumaker died on March 2, 2016, with his appointed temporary replacement being Jim Florence. A council member considered the city charter to have conflicting provisions thus bring into question an interim election in November.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=Florence appointed to council vacancy|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2016-03-17/Front_Page/Florence_appointed_to_council_vacancy.html|access-date=July 13, 2016|work=Swartz Creek View|publisher=JAMS Media|date=March 17, 2016}}</ref> After 34 years of council service, Richard B. Abrams, last serving as mayor pro tem and prior mayor, did not seek reelection in November 2016.<ref name="scv0">{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=Creek Council selects leaders |url= http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2016-11-17/PDF/Page_001.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203060817/http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2016-11-17/PDF/Page_001.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-03 |url-status=live |access-date=December 2, 2016 |issue=17|work=Swartz Creek View|publisher=JAMS Media|date=November 17, 2016|volume=7}}</ref>

On January 9, 2016, the Swartz Creek City Council voted to disband its police department by merging the department with Mundy Township's into the [[Mundy Township, Michigan#Metro Police Authority|Metro Police Authority of Genesee County]] effective February 1, 2017.<ref name="wjrt">{{cite news|last1=Pierret|first1=Ann|title=UPDATE: Swartz Creek council gives final OK to police merger with Mundy Twp|url=http://www.abc12.com/content/news/Swartz-Creek-Council-to-vote-on-police-merger--410173885.html|access-date=January 10, 2017|work=ABC12.com|publisher=WJRT|date=January 9, 2017}}</ref> On October 1, 2019, the city turned over the operation of the city's parking violations bureau to the Metro Police Authority.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rocha |first1=Lania |title=City, Metro to step up parking code enforcement |url=https://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/articles/city-metro-to-step-up-parking-code-enforcement/ |access-date=January 23, 2019 |work=Swartz Creek View |publisher=View Newspaper Group |date=September 6, 2018}}</ref> Swartz Creek began receiving [[Karegnondi Water Authority]] water treated by Genesee County Drain Commission Water and Waste Division on December 15, 2017.<ref name=abc12>{{cite news |title= KWA pipeline, Genesee County Water Treatment Plant hit full operation |url= http://www.abc12.com/content/news/KWA-pipeline-Genesee-County-Water-Treatment-Plant-hit-full-operation-464448583.html |access-date= December 18, 2017 |work= ABC12 |publisher=WJRT |date=December 15, 2017 }}</ref>

By January 2022, Swartz Creek Community Schools completed a series of renovations on both schools within the city limits, in addition to the satellite elementary schools. A new, updated football field was completed in 2019, four years after the completion of the Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center. A new STEM wing was constructed at the high school, while the middle school continues to undergo construction to allow for STEM classrooms and performing arts facilities.

==Government==
{| class="wikitable" align="right"
|-
! At-Large/Precinct<br/>office<ref name="scv0"/>
! Councillor<ref>{{cite news | title =Pinkston wins city race   | url =  http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2014-11-06/News/Pinkston_wins_city_race.html  | work = [[Swartz Creek View]] | publisher = View Newspaper Group | location = [[Davison, Michigan]]  | page = 1  | date = November 6, 2014  | access-date = April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Rocha|first1=Lania|title=The votes are in|url=http://swartzcreekview.mihomepaper.com/news/2016-11-10/Front_Page/The_votes_are_in.html|access-date=December 2, 2016|work=The Swartz Creek View|publisher=The View Newspapers| pages =1, 12|date=November 10, 2016}}</ref>
|-
| At-Large
| David A. Krueger
|-
| At-Large
| John A. Gilbert 
|-
| At-Large
| Walter Melen
|- 
| Ward 1
| John Knickerbocker 
|-
| Ward 2<br/>Mayor Pro-tem   
| Rae Lynn Hicks
|-
| Ward 3<br/>Mayor
| Nate Henry
|-
| Ward 4
| David Spillane
|}
The city has three parks, Elms Road Park, Abrams Park and Bicentennial Park, with Bicentennial being a limited park with a pavilion and a few benches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/answerbook/index.ssf/2011/04/genesee_county_parks_directory.html|title=Genesee County parks directory|work=MLive.com|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref> The city provides a building that is shared by the senior center and the library branch.<ref name=ml2/>

The city is served by the following other governmental agencies:
*Swartz Creek Area Fire Department, a joint fire department with Clayton Township
*Perkins Library, which also serves Clayton, Gaines and Mundy Townships,<ref name=ml2>{{cite news|last1=Habermehl|first1=Kayla|title=Swartz Creek alone in covering building, utility costs for Perkins Library this year|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/09/swartz_creek_alone_in_covering.html|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> is a branch of the Genesee District Library.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thorne|first1=Blake|title=Voters support new tax for Genesee District Library|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/05/voters_support_new_tax_for_gen.html|access-date=September 7, 2016|work=Flint Journal|publisher=Mlive Media Group|date=May 4, 2011}}</ref>  
*[[Mundy Township, Michigan#Metro Police Authority|Metro Police Authority of Genesee County]], an authority which provides its members, the City of Swartz Creek and Mundy Township, Police service<ref name="wjrt"/>
* [[Genesee County, Michigan#Government and politics|Flint Area Narcotics Group]] (FANG)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schuch |first1=Sarah |title=What is the future of the Flint Area Narcotics Group? At least one community is concerned about affordability, others say it's a high priority |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2011/12/what_is_the_future_of_the_flin.html |access-date=March 7, 2019 |work=Flint Journal |publisher=Mlive Media Group |date=December 1, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Genesee County, Michigan#Government and politics|Genesee Auto Theft Investigation Network]] (GAIN)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bohn |first1=Dean |title=Genesee County auto theft unit reorganized, gaining members - again |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2009/12/genesee_county_auto_theft_unit.html |access-date=February 27, 2019 |work=Flint Journal |publisher=MLive Media Group |date=December 25, 2009}}</ref>
*Genesee County Drain Commission provides treated water to the city<ref>{{cite news|last1=Adams|first1=Dominic|title=Flint monthly water and sewer bills highest in Genesee County by $35|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/06/post_386.html |access-date=April 2, 2015 |work=The Flint Journal |publisher=Mlive Media Group |date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> from the [[Karegnondi Water Authority]] water pipeline.<ref name=abc12/> 
*[[Swartz Creek Community Schools]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! District
! Number<ref>{{cite map |title       =Genesee County Political District Map Book |year        = 2017 |url         =http://www.gc4me.com/departments/gis/docs/Political_District_Mapbookv2017.pdf |publisher   =Genesee County GIS Department |pages       =1, 11, 12 |format      =PDF |access-date =October 10, 2017  }}</ref>
! Officeholder
|-
| U.S. Representative
| [[Michigan's 5th congressional district|5th]]
| [[Dan Kildee]]
|-
| State Senate
| 27
| [[Jim Ananich]]
|-
| State Representative
| 49
| Phil Phelps
|-
| County Commissioner
| 8
| Ted Henry
|-
| District Court
| 67th 4th Division A - Fenton
| Mark McCabe, Chief Judge
|-
| Community College
| [[Mott Community College|C.S. Mott]]
| Multiple; see article
|-
| Polling Location
| SC United Methodist Church
| all precincts
|}

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.04|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=2012-01-25}}</ref>

The west branch of the [[Swartz Creek]] flows from west to east through the city, generally as the southern border for the east most third, toward the [[Flint River (Michigan)|Flint River]], leaving the southeast corner of Clayton Township separated from the rest of the township. Just south and parallel to the creek is the [[Canadian National Railway]] line, formerly the [[Grand Trunk Western Railroad|Grand Trunk]] line, which runs between [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]] and [[Durand, Michigan|Durand]].

{{Geographic Location (8-way)
 | Centre = Swartz Creek
 | North = [[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Clayton Township]]
 | Northeast = [[Flint Township, Michigan|Flint Township]]
 | East = [[Flint Township, Michigan|Flint Township]]
 | Southeast = [[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Gaines Township]]<br/>[[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Clayton Township]] <br/>[[Flint Township, Michigan|Flint Township]]
 | South = [[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Gaines Township]] 
 | Southwest = [[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Gaines Township]] 
 | West = [[Gaines Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Gaines Township]]<br/>[[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Clayton Township]]
 | Northwest = [[Clayton Township, Genesee County, Michigan|Clayton Township]] 
 | image =
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1960= 3006
|1970= 4928
|1980= 5013
|1990= 4851
|2000= 5102
|2010= 5758
|2020= 5897
|footnote=Source: Census Bureau. Census 1960-[https://archive.today/20200212092055/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/1600000US2677700 2000], [https://archive.today/20200212135831/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US2677700 2010].
}}
{{bar box
|width    = 270px
|float    = right
|title    = City of Swartz Creek<br/>2010 Racial Makeup
|titlebar = #ddd
|bars     =
{{bar percent|'''[[White (U.S. Census)|White]]'''|blue|91.6}}
{{bar percent|[[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]]|black|5.1}}
{{bar percent|two or more|purple|1.8}}
{{bar percent|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]|yellow|0.8}}
{{bar percent|[[Race (United States Census)|other races]]|green|0.5}}
{{bar percent|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]|red|0.2}}
{{bar percent|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]|brown|2.3}}
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-25}}</ref> of 2010, there were 5,758 people, 2,554 households, and 1,632 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1425.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 2,749 housing units at an average density of {{convert|680.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.1% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.5% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 2,554 households, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 41 years. 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 44.8% male and 55.2% female.

===2000 Census===
At the 2000 [[census]], there were 5,102 people, 2,233 households and 1,460 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,269.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  There were 2,355 housing units at an average density of {{convert|586.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  The racial makeup of the city was 95.83% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.22% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.35% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.63% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.43% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.53% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 2,233 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.82.

Age distribution was 22.3% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The [[median household income]] was $42,112, and the median family income was $52,147. Males had a median income of $46,442 versus $29,010 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $22,046.  About 4.4% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Climate<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://therealtasteofmexico.net/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331153224/http://therealtasteofmexico.net/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 31, 2016|access-date=2021-02-22|website=El Potrero Restaurants|language=en-US}}</ref>==
This [[climate|climatic]] region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters.  According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Swartz Creek has a [[humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=726370&cityname=Swartz+Creek%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Swartz Creek, Michigan]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Swartz Creek]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website}}
* {{URL|swartzcreekhistory.com|Swartz Creek Historical Society}}
* {{URL|hometowndays.org|Hometown Days Festival}}
{{Wikivoyage|Swartz Creek}}
 
{{Genesee County, Michigan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Genesee County, Michigan]]
[[Category:1836 establishments in Michigan Territory]]