Kalamazoo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kalamazoo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Hall condition assessment
Two sole source purchases with Michigan Security & Lock — $115,782.72 for access control at eight city sites and $150,000 for Public Services security — were on the consent agenda.
Homeowner tree removal assistance gap
There's no city fund to help homeowners who can't afford to remove a hazardous tree just outside the city's assistance zone — some can't pay the $1,000-$4,000 cost and end up waiting for the tree to fall. The Tree Committee is exploring a budget request or insurance partnerships.
Arcadia Creek Festival Place closure
The closed downtown festival site could get nearly $4.8 million in federal grant money, matched by $4.8 million local, for a major rebuild including a central green, amphitheater, and playground. The City plans cleanup starting this fall and hopes to reopen for the 2027 festival season, with the big construction in 2028.
Cemetery preservation activities and events
Kalamazoo made a strong showing at the statewide municipal cemetery conference — Suzanne Rowland won cemetery of the year. Mountain Home Cemetery is hosting a cleanup Sept. 12 and a $10 living history tour Sept. 19.
Proposed book fundraiser and education project
A subcommittee has met twice to brainstorm a new book as both a fundraiser and educational tool. Ideas are early — no concrete plan or budget confirmed yet.
Farmer's Alley fencing and downtown placemaking projects
A $25,000 foundation grant funds new fencing at Farmer's Alley, where pocket park construction is expected to start in late July; Rose Street Plaza construction is already underway.
Third spaces and youth recreation on the North Side
Speaker after speaker said Kalamazoo has nothing for young people to do — no clubs, skate parks, or gathering spots — leaving them to congregate in parks and streets where they face police attention. Vice Mayor Duncan called on the commission to budget for third spaces in the upcoming cycle.
Milham Park accessibility and tree protection
The city's second-oldest park gets safer, barrier-free parking and a creek overlook, trading 19 mostly ailing trees for 19 new ones along Kilgore Road while reducing impervious surface.
Verberg Park improvements
About half a million dollars is going into Verberg Park — the city's first bike pump track, a new kayak launch, pavilion and playground, arriving alongside new housing across the street.
Board meeting relocation and accessibility
All future meetings move to the Crosstown Parkway Public Safety building. Board members pressed for and got confirmation on ADA compliance, accessible parking, streaming, and a public call-in number before voting.
Virtual Hidden Kalamazoo tour
The commission is turning the old "Hidden Kalamazoo" walking tours into an online virtual tour, preserving a time-capsule record of interior spaces that have since been renovated or occupied.