Kalamazoo, MI

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will vote to appoint a member to a working group focused on a data center and BESS moratorium. The meeting also includes updates on city recycling, leaf pickup, and various environmental reports.

• Vote to appoint a committee member to the Data Center and BESS Moratorium Working Group
• EPS Drop Off Event at Mayor's Riverfront Park on 10/31
• Solarize event on November 10th
• Joint ECC and Planning Commission Training on 11/4/26
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board and Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors will meet to consider the 2027 budget. The board is also deciding on a grant agreement and a service agreement with the City of Kalamazoo.

• Approval of the 2027 FFE Budget
• Approval of the 2027 Aspirational Grant Agreement with the City of Kalamazoo
• Approval of the renewal of the Annual Service Agreement with the City of Kalamazoo

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Planning Commission

City Commission

City Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Downtown Development Authority Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

City Commission

City Commission

Historic District Commission

Environmental Concerns Committee

Economic Development Corporation Board

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Civil Rights Board

Planning Commission

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

City Commission

City Commission

Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

Historic Preservation Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

City Commission

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Historic District Commission

Environmental Concerns Committee

Economic Development Corporation Board

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

City Commission

City Commission

Downtown Development Authority Board

Planning Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review applications for alterations and new construction within city historic districts. The body will decide on requests for porch rebuilding, new home construction, and window installations.

• 704 Oak: Porch rebuild damaged by falling tree
• 1417 Academy: New small house construction in rear of lot
• 613 Douglas: Retroactive review for rear building window installation
• 206 Woodward: Window replacement, framing, and glass block installation

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will meet to review financial reports and discuss the 2027 budget. The board is also scheduled to approve minutes from two September 2026 meetings.

• Approval of the 2027 Downtown Economic Growth Authority Budget
• Acceptance of the August 2026 financial statement

City Commission

The City Commission is considering the adoption of a long-term strategic vision and a resolution opposing a City Charter Amendment regarding healthcare. The body is also reviewing several 2027 water and wastewater treatment contracts.

• Contract with Elhorn Company for liquid Phosphate for water treatment: $1,965,785
• Grant agreement with United Way of South Central Michigan for winter shelter services: $450,000
• MDOT contract for safety improvements on Cork Street between Westnedge Avenue and Portage Street: $403,065
• Contract with Rowell Chemical for sodium hypochlorite for wastewater treatment: $645,525
• Oracle Cloud Migration Services purchase not to exceed $220,000

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting. The session includes a work session focused on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Update.

• Work session: Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Update

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review financial statements. No specific discussion or action items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of September 21, 2026 meeting minutes
• Acceptance of July and August 2026 financial statements

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will meet to consider the revised FY 2027 budget for Fund 243. The board will also discuss a resolution regarding the Former Wayside Redevelopment Project.

• Approval of FY 2027 Budget for Fund 243 (Revised)
• Resolution approving assignments of the Brownfield Plan Development Agreement for the Former Wayside Redevelopment Project

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Economic Development Corporation Board will meet to discuss budget approvals and a retail permit renewal. The board will also review a marketing campaign update and a social equity program plan for 2027.

• Recommendation for a 1-year renewal of the Adult Use Retailer permit for Great Lakes Holistics Kalamazoo, Inc. dba GLH
• Budget approval and additional budget recommendations
• Social Equity Policy Update and 2027 Program Plan
• September update on marketing campaign

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Board of Directors will meet to approve the 2027 meeting dates and discuss planned activities for 2027. The agenda also includes a review of the 2027 budget as unfinished business.

• Approval of 2027 meeting dates
• Discussion of 2027 activities
• Review of 2027 budget

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review the 2026 budget. The body will also consider a motion to change its quorum requirement from five members to four.

• 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Budget Review
• Motion to change quorum from 5 to 4

Zoning Board of Appeals

City Commission

The City Election Commission is meeting to prepare for the November 3, 2026, election. The body will consider the appointment of election inspectors and conduct a public accuracy test of voting equipment.

• Appointment of election inspectors for 20 precincts, 2 vote centers, the absent voting counting board, and the receiving board
• Public Accuracy Test for the November 3, 2026, election

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission approved the roster of election workers for the November 3, 2026 election. The commission also conducted and certified public accuracy tests for tabulators and voter assist terminals.

• Approved July 9, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Roster of Election Workers for November 3, 2026 election (voice vote)
• Certified accuracy test results for tabulators and voter assist terminals

Civil Rights Board

The Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM in City Commission Chambers, 241 West South Street. The board will vote on minutes from its August 5 and September 2, 2026 meetings, take up a nomination of a new board member, and announce an open board position. Members will hear subcommittee updates on education and ordinance review, plus updates on proposed Chapter 18 and 18A edits, email communication, and a civil rights complaint. Public comments are scheduled before adjournment.

• Nomination of a new Civil Rights Board member
• Announcement of an open board position
• Update on proposed Chapter 18 and 18A edits
• Ordinance Review Subcommittee update
• Civil Rights Complaint update

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission's Committee of the Whole meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the City Commission Chambers at 241 West South Street. The only substantive agenda item is a work session featuring a legislative update from MHSA (Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates). The rest of the agenda is procedural: call to order, communications, public comments, commissioner comments, and adjournment.

• Work session: legislative update from MHSA (Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates)
• Public comments accepted during the meeting
• Meeting held at City Commission Chambers, 241 West South Street
• Committee of the Whole meets first and third Mondays at 5:00 PM; business meeting follows at 7:00 PM

The Kalamazoo City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole to receive a presentation from Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates regarding legislative issues. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during this meeting.

• Received presentation on legislative priorities (no vote)
• Discussed legislative issues and Public Safety Trust Fund (no vote)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Kalamazoo City Hall, 241 West South Street. The main substantive item is a recommendation to approve the 2027 FFE budget. The committee will also approve the agenda, approve minutes from its September 14, 2026 meeting, and take public comments. No dollar figures or budget details are included in the agenda text.

• Recommend approval of the 2027 FFE Budget
• Approve meeting minutes of September 14, 2026
• Public comments accepted, with speakers allowed up to four minutes each
• Roll call for members Balkema, Bostrom, Drumm, Hankins, Vazquez-Alatorre, and Vicenzi

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission meets Monday, October 5, 2026, with a public hearing on an ordinance amending the zoning code to impose a moratorium on data centers and similar uses. The consent agenda bundles eight items, including contracts for road sealing, truck rental, cloud migration, and water plant work, plus committee appointments. Most other agenda sections — regular agenda, unfinished business, policy items, and new business — list no specific items.

• Public hearing on an ordinance amending Chapter 50, Article 4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance for a moratorium on data centers and similar uses
• Contract change order with Pavement Maintenance Systems, LLC for East Michigan Avenue Fog Sealing: $28,500, bringing the contract total to $134,922
• Contract supplemental with Big Truck Rental for packer truck rental: $168,600
• 12-month Oracle Cloud Migration purchase through MiDEAL: not to exceed $220,000
• Professional services agreement with Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. for wells 5-8 replacement at Water Treatment Plant No. 25: $385,500

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Executive Committee meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Kalamazoo City Hall, 241 West South Street. The agenda is largely procedural: roll call, approval of the agenda, approval of the September 15, 2026 meeting minutes, and approval of the October 26, 2026 Board agenda. No substantive policy items, contracts, or dollar amounts appear on this agenda. Public comments are scheduled, with speakers allowed up to four minutes each.

• Approval of meeting minutes from September 15, 2026
• Approval of the October 26, 2026 Board agenda
• Roll call for members Balkema, Bogan, Bostrom, Hess, and Vazquez-Alatorre
• Public comment period with a four-minute limit per speaker

Planning Commission

The Kalamazoo Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two special use permit requests: one for a rooming/boarding house at 613 Pearl Street and another for a transitional residence at 1500 Fraternity Village Drive. The commission will also approve minutes from the September 3 meeting and receive reports from the City Planner, Strategic Vision update, and Site Plan update.

• Special use permit #20206.07 for rooming/boarding house at 613 Pearl Street
• Special use permit #2026.08 for transitional residence at 1500 Fraternity Village Drive
• Approval of minutes from September 3, 2026 meeting

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors will meet to approve minutes, receive the 2025 Form 990, appoint investment subcommittee members, and set the 2027 meeting schedule. They will also review the draft 2027 budget and a progress report on the 2026 Aspirational Project, both for discussion only.

• Receive 2025 Form 990
• Approve appointment of Investment Subcommittee members
• Approve 2027 Schedule of Meetings
• Review draft 2027 budget (no action)
• 2026 Aspirational Project progress report (no action)

City Commission

The Committee of the Whole meeting includes a work session regarding an update on the Blueprint for Peace. The agenda consists of standard procedural items and a single special agenda item.

• Blueprint for Peace Update

The Kalamazoo City Commission met as a Committee of the Whole on September 21, 2026. Commissioners excused the absence of Commissioner Slaby by voice vote. The body received a presentation titled "Blueprint for Peace Kalamazoo: Sustaining Kalamazoo's Community Violence Prevention Ecosystem" from three presenters and discussed it through Commissioner questions. No substantive decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded; the meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

• Excused absence of Commissioner Slaby (voice vote, passed)
• Received presentation on Blueprint for Peace Kalamazoo and the Community Violence Intervention ecosystem (no action taken)

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will meet on September 21, 2026, to conduct routine business. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the August 17, 2026, meeting and the acceptance of the July 2026 financial statement. The board will also discuss NEPA clearance regarding a DDA parcel.

• Approval of August 17, 2026, meeting minutes
• Acceptance of July 2026 Downtown Economic Growth Authority financial statement
• Discussion of NEPA Clearance - DDA Parcel

The Kalamazoo Downtown Development Authority Board approved a letter for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Section 4(f) review process regarding a DDA-owned parcel at 539 E. Michigan Avenue. The board authorized the chair to sign and submit the document, which clarifies the property's historical use as a gateway element rather than a public park. Financial reports for July and August were deferred to the October meeting.

• Adopted September 21, 2026, meeting agenda
• Approved August 17, 2026, meeting minutes
• Approved NEPA/Section 4(f) review letter for 539 E. Michigan Avenue

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The FFE Audit Subcommittee will meet to receive the 2025 Form 990 and recommend its presentation to the Board. The meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at Kalamazoo City Hall.

• Receive the 2025 form 990
• Recommend presenting the 2025 form 990 to the Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will consider several items including grant acceptance for the Water Street Placemaking Project and a budget amendment. The board will also vote on a recommendation for the Kalamazoo City Commission regarding the expansion of the Downtown Kalamazoo Social District.

• Acceptance of $40,000 grant from Peregrine Huff Foundation for Water Street Placemaking Project
• Amendment No. 04 to SmithGroup contract for Water Street Phase 1 design services up to $33,083
• Approval of Request for Proposals for 2027 Beats on Bates Event Production and Talent Management Services
• Request for Information to identify space for the Downtown Ambassador Program
• Recommendation to expand the Downtown Kalamazoo Social District to Westnedge Avenue

The Board accepted a $40,000 grant for the Water Street Placemaking project and approved a contract amendment for conceptual design services. Other actions included approving a Q4 marketing plan and recommending an expansion of the Downtown Social District to Westnedge Avenue.

• Accepted $40,000 Peregrine Huff Foundation grant for Water Street Placemaking project
• Approved SmithGroup contract amendment for Water Street design services up to $33,083
• Approved 2026 budget amendment for Water Street grant revenue and expenditures
• Approved RFP for 2027 Beats on Bates event production and talent management
• Authorized RFI to identify new downtown space for the Ambassador Program
• Recommended City Commission approve expanding Social District western boundary to Westnedge Avenue
• Approved Q4 2026 Downtown Kalamazoo Marketing Plan and associated expenditures
• Approved $13,000 host contribution for an AmeriCorps intern position

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will hold a business meeting with public hearings, consent agenda items, and regular agenda items. Key actions include approving a $138,350 change order for paving Cobb Street, a $955,754 road salt purchase, budget amendments, easement acquisitions for the Arcadia Creek project, and a first reading of a zoning ordinance to impose a moratorium on data centers. The meeting also includes a public hearing on the HUD Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.

• Public hearing on HUD Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (Program Year 2025)
• Contract change order with Michigan Paving & Materials Co. for Cobb Street paving, $138,350
• Cooperative purchase of road salt from Detroit Salt Company LLC, $955,754
• Resolution authorizing acquisition of 8 easements for Arcadia Creek Phase I (West Main to Westnedge), estimated $244,995
• First reading of ordinance for moratorium on data centers and similar uses

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

The Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board is meeting to adopt its agenda, approve minutes from its June 18, 2026 meeting, and hear public comments. The main item of new business is a review of the FY2027 draft budget. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• FY2027 NCBDA Draft Budget review
• Approval of June 18, 2026 meeting minutes
• Adoption of meeting agenda

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will consider approving an access agreement with the City of Kalamazoo for temporary use of BRA-owned property at 333 E. Alcott St. for bridge work over Portage Creek, and authorize a survey for the 910 O'Neil Street project at a cost not to exceed $6,000. The board will also handle annual business, including appointments, officer elections, and establishing a nominating committee.

• Approval of Access Agreement with City for temporary use of 333 E. Alcott St. property
• Authorize survey for 910 O'Neil Street project, cost not-to-exceed $6,000
• Approve new appointments to Projects and Finance Committee and Executive Committee
• Election of officers for upcoming year (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary-Treasurer)
• Establish Nominating Committee for upcoming recruitment process

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board will consider recommending a 2-year renewal of four Adult Use Class C Grower Permits for Sweet Cut Grow, LLC, and will elect officers for the upcoming year. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving minutes, public comments, and a PR campaign update.

• Recommendation to approve 2-year renewal of 4 Adult Use Class C Grower Permits for Sweet Cut Grow, LLC
• Election of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary-Treasurer
• Approval of minutes from August 20, 2026 meeting
• PR Campaign Analytics 3 Month Update

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee is meeting to approve minutes, hear reports, and discuss unfinished business, including a draft communication about stadium lights at WMU's soccer complex. They will also conduct new member interviews. The agenda is largely routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review draft communication regarding stadium lights at WMU's soccer complex
• New member interviews
• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2026 meeting
• Reports from Natural Features Protection Review Board, Air and Water Quality, and other subcommittees

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission is meeting to review an application to rebuild a porch damaged by a falling tree at 704 Oak, a Queen Anne-style house in the South Street-Vine Area historic district. The commission will also approve minutes, hear public comments, and receive a coordinator's report.

• Application PHDC26-014: Alteration (rebuild of porch) at 704 Oak, year built 1898, Queen Anne style, South Street-Vine Area historic district
• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Public comments on non-agenda items and project reviews
• Coordinator's report

The Historic District Commission postponed a decision regarding a porch rebuild at 704 Oak. Commissioners requested more information on the porch gable siding and trim before moving forward.

• Postponed 704 Oak porch rebuild application to October 20, 2026 (All approve)

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

The Foundation for Excellence Finance Committee will meet to recommend a draft 2027 budget for board review, propose an update to the FFE endowment investment allocation, and recommend appointments to the investment subcommittee. The committee will also receive an endowment update and approve prior meeting minutes. Public comments are permitted under the posted rules.

• Recommend draft 2027 budget for board review
• Recommend update to FFE endowment investment allocation
• Recommend appointment of investment subcommittee members
• Approve minutes of March 30, 2026
• Endowment update (no action)

The Finance Committee approved the Draft 2027 Budget for Board review and recommended a 50/50 split of fixed income assets between Jennison Associates and Loomis-Sayles. The committee also recommended two appointments to the Investment Subcommittee.

• Approved Draft 2027 Budget for Board Review (Unanimous)
• Approved reallocation of fixed income assets to 50% Jennison Associates and 50% Loomis-Sayles (Unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Neal Graziano and Michael Horrigan to Investment Subcommittee (Unanimous)
• Approved March 30, 2026 minutes (Unanimous)