Matthew Van Dyk was elected as trustee for Goodland Township in 2020 and was appointed to serve on the Planning Commission. In his time on the two boards, Matthew has dealt with a number of hot topics including Medical Marijuana and an Industrial Solar project. Matthew his roots planted deep in Goodland Township. He grew up working in the fields for his family’s lettuce farm here in the Township. He eventually made his way to Michigan State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management and played basketball for Tom Izzo’s Spartans. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Matthew has returned to the family farm in Goodland Township where he serves the community in a number of ways serving as a deacon in his church, assistant coaching for the high school basketball team, and helping with service projects in the community. Matthew now lives in the community with his wife, Rachel, and new born daughter, Avery. In the past two years on the board, Matthew has helped improve the communication between the township board and the community. The township now sends out notifications to the residence through a texting app to alert of upcoming meetings, last minute changes, or any announcement that needs to be made. The township is also upgrading the sign at the hall to a digital sign to better inform the community. Matthew would like to see increased unity in the community. There has been a great deal of involvement from the community in recent township meetings and this has been a good thing. This involvement along with improving communication from our board will help improve the unity in our community.
