Kalamazoo County, MI

Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees

Historic District Commission

Planning Commission

City Commission

City Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

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

City Commission

City Commission

Downtown Development Authority Board

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Planning Commission

City Commission

City Commission

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Civil Rights Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Historic Preservation Commission

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Economic Development Corporation Board

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

City Commission

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

City Commission

Downtown Development Authority Board

Historic District Commission

Environmental Concerns Committee

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Planning Commission

City Commission

City Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

City Commission

City Commission

Downtown Development Authority Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

Historic District Commission

Environmental Concerns Committee

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

Economic Development Corporation Board

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Civil Rights Board

Planning Commission

City Commission

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors

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

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

Economic Development Corporation Board

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Natural Features Protection Review Board

City Commission

City Commission

Downtown Development Authority Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

Planning Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Natural Features Protection Review Board

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board will hold a public hearing and consider approving an Act 381 Brownfield Plan for the 116 W Cedar project, along with related agreements and a reimbursement request. The board will also vote on a reimbursement agreement for the Plazacorp Development project and approve FY 2027 budgets for two brownfield funds.

• Public hearing for Act 381 Brownfield Plan for 116 W Cedar Project (116 W Cedar and 427, 431, 433 S Rose Street)
• Resolution to approve implementation of the Brownfield Plan and recommend City Commission adoption
• Authorize negotiation of Development and Reimbursement Agreement for 116 W Cedar project
• Reimbursement request of $340,954.40 for 116 W Cedar project
• Reimbursement agreement for Plazacorp Development Project (261 E. Kalamazoo Ave, 227 W. Michigan Ave, 619 Porter St, 314/316 E. North Street)

Economic Development Corporation Board

The Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation Board is meeting to approve minutes, discuss the 2027 draft budget, and consider a recommendation for a 1-year renewal of the Adult Use Retailer permit for Nirvana Kalamazoo, LLC, contingent on fixing zoning deficiencies. The board will also address a deed issue for 1701 E. Vine Street and receive updates on marketing, EIF, and social equity programs.

• 2027 Economic Development Corporation Draft Budget
• 1-year Adult Use Retailer permit renewal for Nirvana Kalamazoo, LLC dba Nirvana Center Kalamazoo, contingent on planting missing trees/shrubs by Aug 31, 2026, else 90-day probation
• 1701 E. Vine Street Deed Issue
• PR/Marketing Campaign Dashboard Results for First 30 Days (South End of Kalamazoo)
• Social Equity Chamber Program Impact Summary: March - August 2026

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee is meeting to discuss environmental issues, including green zoning, urban deer complaints, and a potential data center moratorium. They will also hear reports from various boards and working groups, and review results from recycling and invasive species programs.

• Discuss green zoning
• Discuss urban deer complaints
• Data center moratorium discussion
• Textile Recycling Pilot Results
• EGLE Organics Infrastructure Grant Submitted

Historic District Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission will consider two applications for alterations to properties in the South Street-Vine Historic District: replacing four windows at 510 Minor and demolishing an attached garage at 901 Walwood. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, public comments, and a coordinator's report. No other substantive actions are listed.

• 510 Minor - Alteration (Replacement of 4 windows) PHDC26-008, built 1905, Vernacular style
• 901 Walwood - Alteration (Demolition of Attached Garage) PHDC26-011, built 1910, Queen Anne style
• Approval of minutes from July 21, 2026 meeting
• Public comments and coordinator's report

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will consider several major financial and policy items, including issuing up to $20.44 million in water supply system revenue bonds and $9.4 million in general obligation limited tax bonds for capital projects. They will also vote on a resolution to establish a moratorium on data centers, battery energy storage, cryptocurrency mining, and AI data centers, and adopt an amended Marihuana Social Equity Policy. The consent agenda includes contracts for odor monitoring, an aerial bucket truck, school resource officers, public safety radios, and a fireworks display permit.

• Water Supply System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 up to $20,440,000
• General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds up to $9,400,000 for FY2026 capital projects
• Moratorium on data centers, battery energy storage, cryptocurrency mining, and AI data centers
• Contract with L.D. Docsa Associates for filter media replacement at Central Treatment Plant, $3,225,300
• Acceptance of $1,107,210 Radio Readiness Funds from Kalamazoo Consolidated Dispatch Authority

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission is meeting as a Committee of the Whole for a work session. The only substantive item is an update on the All Things Diverse organizational assessment. The rest of the agenda is procedural (call to order, public comments, adjournment).

• All Things Diverse Organizational Assessment Update

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board is meeting to approve the formal agenda and minutes from the July 13, 2026 meeting, and to accept the June 2026 financial statement. No other substantive action items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from July 13, 2026 meeting
• Acceptance of June 2026 Downtown Economic Growth Authority financial statement

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will consider approving a contract with Corbin Design for a pedestrian wayfinding and signage master plan, and authorizing a host site application for the CED Corps program. The board will also accept the June 2026 financial report and hear the 2025 financial audit and downtown report.

• Approve agreement with Corbin Design for wayfinding master plan, not to exceed $62,990
• Authorize CED Corps host site application and $13,000 host contribution
• Accept June 2026 financial statement
• Review 2025 financial audit
• Approve minutes from July 13, 2026 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from IMR Realty for a property at 4423 W. KL Avenue. The variance would allow a drive-up window in the front yard along W. Michigan Avenue, which is not permitted in the CC-2 District where drive-throughs are only allowed in side and rear yards. The board will also consider approving minutes from previous meetings.

• Public hearing for variance ZBA #26-08-12 at 4423 W. KL Avenue
• Request to authorize drive-up window in front yard on W. Michigan Avenue frontage
• Variance from Chapter 50-4.5 D (3)(a)[3] of zoning code
• Approval of minutes from May 14, 2026 and July 9, 2026 meetings

Historic Preservation Commission

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear reports, and review a draft budget. The agenda is largely routine, with the budget review being the main action item.

• Approval of minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting
• Financial report
• Historic tours report
• O'Connor Fund report
• Draft budget review

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a $605,000 buy/sell agreement for 1517 South Park Street and a resolution to place a charter amendment on the November ballot creating a Citizens’ Healthcare Action Committee. The consent agenda includes 16 items, such as a $123,500 water main replacement contract on Burdick Street, a $483,596 paving contract, and $20,000 for an anti-gun violence carnival.

• Buy/Sell Agreement with Parktowne, LLC for 1517 South Park Street for $605,000
• Resolution to set ballot language for a Charter Amendment establishing a Citizens’ Healthcare Action Committee
• Professional service agreement with Hurley & Stewart, LLC for Burdick Street Water Main Replacement ($123,500)
• Contract with Michigan Paving & Materials for 2026 Local Streets Paving Project ($483,596)
• Use of City Commission Initiative budget to support Northside Ministerial Alliance Anti-Gun Violence Community Carnival ($20,000)

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss two items: an update on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 plan and a presentation on moratoriums. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session.

• Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Update
• Presentation on Moratoriums

Planning Commission

Civil Rights Board

The Kalamazoo County Civil Rights Board will meet to approve minutes, hear subcommittee updates, discuss board nominations, and review a proposed ordinance change. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from June 3, 2026 meeting
• Update from Education Subcommittee
• Update from Ordinance Review Subcommittee
• Nominations Committee results and discussion for board position
• Proposed change to Chapter 18 Ordinance

The Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board voted unanimously to relocate all future meetings to the Crosstown Parkway facility. The board also approved the agenda and minutes from April 1, 2026. Subcommittees reported ongoing work on education outreach and ordinance review, including receiving data on 63 housing discrimination complaints from the Fair Housing Center. Discussion focused on the board's limited enforcement authority and the need for clearer processes.

• Approved agenda by unanimous vote
• Approved minutes from April 1, 2026 by unanimous vote
• Approved relocation of all future board meetings to Crosstown Parkway facility by unanimous vote

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board is meeting for a strategic planning retreat, including exercises and discussion of next steps. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda is primarily procedural and planning-focused.

• Strategic planning exercises led by Peter Dams
• Next steps discussion with Downtown Coordinator Meghan Behymer

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DDA/DEGA) Board held a strategic planning retreat to establish long-term direction for Downtown Kalamazoo. No formal decisions were made; the board discussed mission and vision, reviewed accomplishments, and identified next steps for refining strategic pillars and implementation strategies. The only actions taken were adopting the agenda and adjourning.

• Adopted the August 5, 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 1:57 p.m. (unanimous)

Natural Features Protection Review Board

City Commission

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the June 16 meeting, and consider public comments. It will review three alteration applications: window replacements at 510 Minor and 1002 W North, and a deck conversion at 715 Wheaton. The commission will also elect officers and hear the coordinator's report.

• Review of 510 Minor – replacement of 4 windows (PHDC26-008) in South Street – Vine Area
• Review of 715 Wheaton – conversion of rear deck into a 4‑season room (PHDC26-009) in South Street – Vine Area
• Review of 1002 W North – replacement of 7 windows (PHDC26-010) in Stuart historic district
• Election of commission officers
• Adoption of the formal agenda

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacements at 510 Minor, with all commissioners voting no. It approved a sunroom conversion at 715 Wheaton (3-1) and tabled a window replacement request at 1002 W North due to a tie vote. The commission also postponed officer elections to the August meeting.

• Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement at 510 Minor (unanimous no)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for sunroom conversion at 715 Wheaton (3-1, Nave dissenting)
• Tabled window replacement at 1002 W North (2-2 tie, motion failed)
• Postponed officer elections to August Historic District meeting

City Commission

The Kalamazoo City Commission will vote on a series of contracts and extensions, including a $11,227,000 agreement for the Treatment Plant No. 25 Electrical Reliability Project. Other items include water infrastructure contracts, a buy/sell agreement for 1517 South Park Street, and a reappointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. New business will discuss a moratorium on data centers, and a policy item will address call‑in public comments.

• Approve $11,227,000 contract with LD Docsa Associates, Inc. for Treatment Plant No. 25 Electrical Reliability Project
• Approve $3,038,791 contract with Utility Metering Solutions, LLC for the 2026 Water Meter Replacement Project
• Approve $2,577,774 contract with SWT Excavating, Inc. for the Burdick Street (Emerson to Stockbridge) Water Main Replacement Project
• Approve $1,500,000 professional service agreement with Tetra Tech Inc. for design engineering of secondary clarifier rehabilitation at the Water Reclamation Plant
• First reading of a $605,000 Buy/Sell Agreement with Parktowne, LLC for the purchase of 1517 South Park Street

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved several contracts, including an $11,227,000 contract for the Treatment Plant No. 25 Electrical Reliability Project, a $3,038,791 water meter replacement contract, and a $2,577,774 water main replacement contract. It also approved a $125,000 settlement in the case Dirk Adam v City of Kalamazoo and directed staff to prepare amendments to public comment rules, including options for call-in participation. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved $11,227,000 contract with LD Docsa Associates for Treatment Plant No. 25 Electrical Reliability Project (7-0)
• Approved $3,038,791 contract with Utility Metering Solutions for 2026 Water Meter Replacement Project (7-0)
• Approved $2,577,774 contract with SWT Excavating for Burdick Street Water Main Replacement (7-0)
• Approved $1,500,000 professional service agreement with Tetra Tech for secondary clarifier rehabilitation design (7-0)
• Approved $125,000 settlement in Dirk Adam v City of Kalamazoo (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including contracts for actuarial services, water reclamation plant assessment, manhole rehabilitation, custodial services, catwalk rehabilitation, and electrical reliability construction engineering (7-0)
• Directed City Attorney and City Manager to prepare alternative amendments to public comment rules, including call-in options (7-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold its regular Committee of the Whole meeting with standard items such as call to order, communications, public comments, and commissioner comments. A special agenda item calls for a closed session to discuss pending litigation, with a motion to go into closed session. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Closed session to discuss pending litigation (motion to go into closed session)

The City Commission heard a presentation on proposed amendments to City Commission Policy 30.9, the Marihuana Social Equity Policy, and discussed related questions. No formal action was taken on the policy. The Commission voted 7-0 to enter closed session to discuss pending litigation and did not return to open session.

• Moved to closed session to discuss pending litigation (7-0)

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee will discuss several operational updates including the July 18 scrap tire event at 322 Stockbridge and the July 25 EPS drop-off at Mayor's Riverfront Park. Under unfinished business, members will discuss green zoning and stadium lights near Asylum Lake. The city was recently awarded Gold Status by the MI Green Communities Challenge.

• July 18, 2026 Scrap Tire Event at 322 Stockbridge
• July 25, 2026 EPS Drop Off Event at Mayor's Riverfront Park
• Textile Recycling Pilot Results
• Gold Status awarded by MI Green Communities Challenge
• Discussion on green zoning and stadium lights near Asylum Lake

Northside Cultural Business District Authority Board

Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority Board will approve the minutes from June 15, 2026 and accept the May 2026 financial report. It will review the 2027 DEGA draft budget and consider hiring Dams & Associates, Inc. for a strategic retreat at a cost up to $4,200. The board will also vote on two grant acceptances: $15,000 for the Downtown Ambassador Program and $25,000 for the Farmer's Alley fencing project, both from the Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation.

• Review of the 2027 DEGA draft budget
• Approval of Dams & Associates, Inc. as strategic retreat facilitator (up to $4,200)
• Acceptance of $15,000 grant from the Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation for the Downtown Ambassador Program
• Acceptance of $25,000 grant from the Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation for Farmer's Alley fencing
• Approval of minutes from the June 15, 2026 board meeting

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority approved an interlocal agreement to allow the Brownfield Authority to capture tax increment financing for the Rose Phase III development, a 71-unit mixed-use project at 116 W. Cedar Street. The board also approved switching legal counsel from Dickinson Wright PLLC to Bloom Slugget, PC, and accepted two grants from the Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation totaling $40,000 for the Ambassador Program and Farmer's Alley fencing. The 2027 budget was discussed but not voted on.

• Approved interlocal agreement for Rose Phase III Brownfield TIF capture (roll call, Aardema and Steppes abstained)
• Approved engagement of Dams & Associates for strategic retreat facilitation, not to exceed $4,200
• Accepted $15,000 Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation grant for Ambassador Program enhancements
• Accepted $25,000 Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation grant for Farmer's Alley fencing
• Approved termination of Dickinson Wright PLLC and execution of legal services agreement with Bloom Slugget, PC
• Adopted agenda as amended and approved June 15, 2026 minutes

Downtown Development Authority Board

The Downtown Development Authority Board will consider approving minutes from June 15, 2026, and accepting the May 2026 financial statement. No other substantive action items are listed; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from June 15, 2026 DDA Board meeting
• Acceptance of May 2026 Downtown Economic Growth Authority financial statement

The Downtown Development Authority board voted to terminate its legal services agreement with Dickinson Wright PLLC and authorize the board chair to execute a new agreement with Bloom Slugget, PC under the same terms, subject to final legal review. The board also accepted the May 2026 financial report, which showed year-to-date revenue of $4,030 and expenses of $21,521. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m.

• Approved termination of legal services with Dickinson Wright PLLC and authorized new agreement with Bloom Slugget, PC (unanimous)
• Accepted May 2026 financial report (unanimous)
• Adopted July 13, 2026 agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved June 15, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Commission

The City Election Commission will approve the roster of election inspectors for the city's 20 election‑day precincts, the absentee voting counting board, and the receiving board for the August 4, 2026 election. It will also conduct a public accuracy test of the voting equipment to be used in that election. The meeting includes routine approval of minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting.

• Appointment of individuals to boards of election inspectors for 20 precincts, the absentee voting counting board, and the receiving board for the Aug 4, 2026 election
• Public Accuracy Test of voting equipment for the Aug 4, 2026 election
• Approval of minutes from the Election Commission meeting on April 9, 2026

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on five variance requests. Three requests from Statewide Rentals, LLC seek variances to the Natural Features Protection Ordinance for duplex developments at 132, 114 and 112 West Cork Street. Two additional requests seek dimensional variances for wall signs at 151 South Rose Street and at the Youth Sports Center on 1617 North Drake Road. The board will consider whether to approve these variances.

• Variance for duplex at 132 W. Cork Street: encroachment 27.78% (2,683.4 sq ft) of protected slope and 21.20% (655 sq ft) of setback
• Variance for duplex at 114 W. Cork Street: encroachment 6.68% (292 sq ft) of protected slope and 51.6% (316 sq ft) of setback
• Variance for duplex at 112 W. Cork Street: encroachment 2.38% (50 sq ft) of protected slope and 20.2% (240 sq ft) of setback
• Dimensional variance for four wall signs at 151 S. Rose Street exceeding 200 sq ft limit (two signs 385.78 sq ft, two signs 210.69 sq ft)
• Dimensional variance for wall signs at 1617 N. Drake Road Youth Sports Center exceeding 24 sq ft limit (signs from 174.1 sq ft to 1,203.3 sq ft)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider appointing Dan Kastner as a commissioner, review the O'Connor Fund report, and receive the Q1 106 report. The meeting also includes standard procedural items like approval of minutes and public comments.

• Commissioner appointment for Dan Kastner
• O'Connor Fund report review
• 106 Report - 2026 Q1
• MHPN Notes

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended Dan Kastner to fill Nora's seat on the commission. The commission approved a $10,000 grant from the O'Connor Fund 2 to the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan for elevator repairs, and increased the competitive grant program's maximum from $10,000 to $15,000 for 2027 and beyond. It also approved hiring a consultant for pre-review of draft grant applications, with costs not to exceed $2,000, funded from O'Connor Fund 2. The O'Connor Fund has been changed from a non-profit fund to a field of interest fund, allowing the Community Foundation to disperse funds directly to recipients.

• Recommended Dan Kastner for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission (unanimous).
• Approved $10,000 grant from O'Connor Fund 2 to Disability Network of Southwest Michigan for elevator repair (unanimous).
• Increased competitive grant program funding from $10,000 to $15,000 for 2027 and continuing (unanimous).
• Approved hiring a consultant for pre-review of draft applications, not to exceed $2,000, from O'Connor Fund 2 (unanimous).
• Appointed Kyle Hibbard as chair of the competitive grant making subcommittee, with Patrick Vail as temporary interim chair (unanimous).
• Approved minutes as amended (unanimous).

City Commission