Kalamazoo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kalamazoo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Capital Improvement Plan review
About $134 million in 2027 projects include two-way conversions on West Main and Douglas, 32+ paving projects over five years, and stormwater relief in the Northside. City Engineer James Baker explained 65% of local streets are in poor condition due to years of deferred maintenance and flat gas-tax funding while construction costs climbed to about $5 million per mile.
Winter shelter services funding
The city is putting $450,000 into winter shelter at Gospel Mission and Ministry with Community, with more beds than last year and pets allowed. Residents pushed for details on bed counts, transportation, and wraparound services.
Historic building rehab activity rising in Edison neighborhood
Federal HUD/CDBG-funded projects in potentially historic areas triggered 23 Section 106 reviews this year — nearly triple last year. Most activity is in Edison, a neighborhood with lots of potentially historic homes that isn't a local historic district.