Kalamazoo County Board - February 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole

Updated about 15 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole met on February 17th, with a portion of the meeting focused on discussing the potential early childhood development millage. The board reviews previous presentations and engages in dialogue with partners, including the Michigan Transformation Collective. They explore funding recommendations and potential partnerships to support the childcare development millage if passed by voters. The discussion highlights the challenges of childcare deserts, economic impacts of inadequate childcare, and the low wages of childcare workers. The board also considers a state wage pilot for childcare workers and the importance of making the millage proposal appealing to voters. Additionally, they discuss the estimated annual budget and potential revenue from the millage. The meeting concludes with a focus on ensuring the proposal addresses both provider and family needs.

Chapters

Early Childhood Development Millage Update (00:07:46)
An update was provided on the potential early childhood development millage, discussing funding recommendations and partnerships. The millage aims to address childcare deserts and economic impacts.

An extensive update was provided on the potential early childhood development millage. The board discussed previous presentation materials and engaged in additional dialogue with partners from the Michigan Transformation Collective. The discussion focused on potential funding recommendations, partnerships to steer funding, and the burden on families in childcare deserts. The update also highlighted the low wages of childcare workers, predominantly female, and the economic impact of inadequate childcare supply. The proposal aims to put the decision before voters, considering wage subsidies and other measures to improve the situation for families and childcare workers. Questions were raised about logistics, budget estimates, and the impact of funding on families not qualifying for assistance.
Housing Corridor Study (00:24:29)
Ryan Kilpatrick from Flywheel Community Development Services presented findings from the housing corridor study, focusing on high leverage opportunities for housing development in Kalamazoo County.

Ryan Kilpatrick from Flywheel Community Development Services presented findings from the housing corridor study. The study aims to identify high leverage opportunities for housing development across Kalamazoo County, considering the need for a variety of housing options. The presentation highlighted the demographic shifts, the need for housing at all price points, and the importance of creating options for different household types. Kilpatrick emphasized the significance of developing within existing infrastructure to preserve rural areas and reduce infrastructure costs. Several examples of potential development typologies, such as town centers, village centers, and small lot single-family homes, were discussed. The study aims to guide local governments in planning and zoning to meet housing needs efficiently.
Taxable Value Comparison (00:41:30)
Discussion on taxable value comparison and its implications for county and city taxes. Infrastructure costs are analyzed in relation to land use patterns and tax revenue.

The agenda item covers a detailed analysis of the difference between taxable value and how much goes to the county and city taxes. The presentation explains the infrastructure costs and how they remain the same while discussing the transition from a land use pattern of tax revenue necessary to pay for infrastructure to a pattern based on taxable value.
Redevelopment Opportunities (00:42:00)
Exploration of redevelopment opportunities at the old pavilion mall and other areas, focusing on increasing taxable value and providing local jobs and housing.

This agenda item discusses the redevelopment opportunities at the old pavilion mall next to Target and other areas. The focus is on increasing the taxable value while providing the same or more retail space, creating local jobs, and additional housing units. The presentation highlights the potential for significant increases in taxable value and phased development plans.
Single Family Residential Development (00:43:02)
Proposal for single-family residential lots development with cottage courtyard concept to increase tax revenue and community value.

The item outlines a proposal for developing two single-family residential lots in Portage into a cottage courtyard with green space and parking off to the side. The aim is to increase tax revenue compared to traditional single-family homes while enhancing community value.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure (00:44:02)
Discussion on creating walkable environments and addressing transportation and childcare costs to enhance economic mobility.

This agenda item focuses on creating urban environments that are walkable and attractive, reducing reliance on cars, and addressing the costs of transportation and childcare, which are major household expenses. The presentation advocates for designing places that accommodate people rather than just vehicles, enhancing economic mobility.
Questions and Discussion (00:45:02)
Commissioners ask questions about presentations, slides availability, and specific development projects.

During this time, commissioners engage with the presenter, asking questions about the availability of presentation slides, details on specific development projects, and other clarifications related to the discussion on taxable values and redevelopment opportunities.
Housing Demand and Development (00:49:00)
Discussion on housing demand, population growth, and strategies to meet housing needs in the county.

The item covers a detailed discussion on the anticipated housing demand in the next few years, addressing population growth, the need for diverse housing options, and strategies to encourage local government participation in development. The conversation includes challenges related to zoning, incentives, and infrastructure development.
Road Commission and Infrastructure Design (01:03:01)
Dialogues about road design and infrastructure to support urbanized townships and reduce drive-through traffic.

This agenda item involves discussions about the role of the Road Commission in designing infrastructure that supports urbanized townships. It explores the need for roads that encourage local traffic and support community development rather than just serving as thoroughfares for fast-moving traffic.
Other Items: ARPA Award Update (01:07:00)
Update on ARPA project balances, reallocations, and technology improvement initiatives for the county.

The final agenda item provides an update on the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) project balances and the reallocation of uncommitted funds. The funds are being redirected to support technology improvements within the county administration, addressing ongoing needs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Technology Enhancement Initiative (01:09:32)
Proposal to reallocate funds for county boardroom and conference room technology upgrades to establish an IT standard and improve communication capabilities.

The board discussed reallocating funds from completed projects to a coordinated technology enhancement initiative. The aim is to replace and standardize equipment within county boardrooms and conference rooms. This would improve audio and visual systems, support ADA accommodations, and ensure the equipment is modular and portable for future use in a new administration building.
Gun Violence Data Collaboration (01:11:23)
Discussion on partnering with the city of Kalamazoo and Upjohn Institute to support a crime analyst position using ARPA funds to address gun violence data transparency.

The board considered supporting a crime analyst position to collate gun violence data in partnership with the city of Kalamazoo and Upjohn Institute. This initiative would use ARPA funds to enhance open data transparency and manage the blueprint for peace. The discussion also touched on the potential costs and collaboration needed to sustain the initiative.
Reallocation of ARPA Funds (01:15:18)
Evaluating the reallocation of remaining ARPA funds to support ongoing projects or new initiatives. Ensuring funds are spent within the federal deadline.

The board discussed the status of various projects funded by ARPA and the potential reallocation of unspent funds. Concerns were raised about ensuring funds are spent before the federal deadline, with suggestions to reallocate funds to technology upgrades and other approved initiatives. The conversation included verifying project adherence to original grant purposes and potential adjustments.
Legislative Conference Attendance (01:39:02)
Planning for attendance at the upcoming legislative conference in Lansing, encouraging commissioner participation for policy discussions.

Administration sought commissioner interest in attending the upcoming legislative conference in Lansing. The conference is noted for its policy-driven sessions, and commissioners who attended in the past shared positive feedback about its informative nature. Arrangements for accommodations and registration were discussed to ensure participation.
Resolution on Public Art Ad Hoc Committee (01:40:04)
First reading of the resolution to establish a Public Art Ad Hoc Committee for a parking garage project. Details to be finalized in subsequent meetings.

The board conducted a first reading of a resolution to establish a Public Art Ad Hoc Committee for overseeing a public art project at a parking garage. The resolution's details, including committee composition and responsibilities, will be finalized at future board meetings. The item was introduced to prepare for a formal vote in an upcoming session.
Discussion on Community and Commissioner Participation (01:40:33)
Discussion on identifying commissioners and community representatives interested in participating in an upcoming vote.

The meeting discusses preparation for an upcoming vote, focusing on identifying the number of commissioners and community representatives who want to participate. Commissioner Morales inquires if a list of community partners interested in engaging has been obtained.
Community Engagement and Arts Commission Involvement (01:41:00)
Importance of involving the Public Arts Commission and local artists in community projects, and the role of the Arts Council.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of involving the Kalamazoo County Public Arts Commission and local artists in community projects. It is noted that the Arts Council and Public Arts Commission are involved in the initial stages, including crafting a request for proposal and evaluating initial respondents.
Public Arts Commission's Role in Art Selection (01:42:21)
Public Arts Commission's role in narrowing art designs to finalists for committee selection.

The Public Arts Commission, along with the Arts Council, helps narrow down art designs to three to five finalists. These designs will be presented to an ad hoc committee for final selection. Commissioner Wheeler, who serves on the Public Arts, is acknowledged for his involvement.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (01:43:20)
Motion to enter closed session for discussion on the lease of Asylum Lake Preserve site is made and passed.

A motion is made by Commissioner Wheeler to enter a closed session for an update and discussion related to the lease of the Asylum Lake Preserve site. The motion is supported by Vice Chair Taylor. The vote is called, and the motion carries with unanimous consent.