City of Kalamazoo - October 7, 2024 Committee of the Whole

Updated about 8 hours ago

During the Kalamazoo City Commission Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, the commission reviews a new economic development strategy presented by Jared Perdue, focusing on business environment, community connections, growth conditions, and downtown improvements. The strategy emphasizes leveraging local strengths and addressing public safety perceptions. Additionally, Steve Brown from the Foundation for Excellence outlines the foundation's financial plans, highlighting tax reduction and funding for aspirational projects, with a focus on reducing intergenerational poverty.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:31)
The meeting is officially called to order by the chairperson at five o'clock.

The meeting is called to order at five o'clock. It is the committee of the whole meeting for the Kalamazoo city commission on this beautiful Monday.
Roll Call (00:01:44)
Roll call is conducted to check the attendance of the commissioners.

Roll call is conducted by the clerk. Commissioners Decker, Hoffman, Praedel, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson are present.
Communications (00:02:18)
Manager Isma reports no communications to be addressed at this time.

The manager, Isma, reports that there are no communications to address at this time.
Public Comments (00:02:23)
Opportunity for public comments is provided but no one comes forward to speak.

The floor is opened for public comments. Each person is allowed two minutes. However, no one comes forward. A reminder is given that there is an opportunity for public comments at the business meeting starting at seven.
Work Session Presentation (00:02:56)
A presentation on the final economic development strategy is given.

Manager Ritsema introduces the first topic of the work session. Jared Perdue, the neighborhood business and special projects coordinator, introduces the guests who present the final economic development strategy.
Economic Development Strategy Goals (00:11:00)
Presentation of the four main goals of the economic strategy: business climate, community, growth, and downtown.

The presentation outlines the four main goals of the economic development strategy: improving the business environment, strengthening neighborhoods and community connections, advancing conditions for growth, and improving the downtown experience.
Implementation and Metrics (00:25:42)
Discussion of the roadmap for implementation and performance metrics for the strategy.

The presentation discusses the roadmap for implementation of the strategy, including immediate, short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. Performance metrics for each of the four goal areas are outlined to track progress.
Questions and Answers (00:32:45)
Commissioners ask questions about the strategy and provide feedback.

Commissioners are invited to ask questions and provide feedback on the economic development strategy. Commissioner Cooney asks about incorporating social mobility metrics for youth.
Welcome and Call to Order (00:33:35)
The meeting was called to order with greetings and introductions from the chair.

The meeting began with a welcome from the chair, introducing the purpose of the meeting and the main topics to be discussed.
Public Comments (00:33:50)
Commissioner Praedel raised several items for discussion, quoting a report on equitable economic development.

Commissioner Praedel addressed the committee, referring to a report from the International Economic Development Council, emphasizing the importance of equitable economic development and broadening metrics beyond job numbers.
Discussion on Economic Development (00:34:50)
The committee discussed land use, job creation, and strategies for economic growth in Kalamazoo.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion about the strategies for economic development in the city, including securing strategic land and ensuring jobs with living wages.
Plan and Project Review Process (00:36:29)
Discussion on delays and frustrations in the current plan and project review process, with suggestions for improvement.

The committee reviewed feedback on the current plan and project review process, highlighting delays and increased costs, and discussed potential solutions to streamline the process.
Small Business Anti-Displacement Toolkit (00:38:43)
Introduction to a toolkit aimed at preventing displacement of small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities.

The presenter introduced a small business anti-displacement toolkit designed to provide strategies and resources to prevent displacement of minority-owned businesses.
Neighborhood Business Incubation (00:40:40)
Discussion on leveraging neighborhoods as incubators for homegrown businesses to meet local needs.

The committee explored the potential of neighborhoods to serve as incubators for local businesses, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in land use and zoning to support homegrown entrepreneurship.
Walkability and Economic Growth (00:44:45)
Discussion on the impact of improving walkability and connectivity on economic growth.

Commissioner Decker inquired about the effects of converting streets to two-way traffic and enhancing walkability on economic development, with responses highlighting the benefits for local businesses and neighborhood centers.
Conclusion and Adjournment (01:02:01)
The meeting concluded with final remarks and the chair thanked participants for their contributions.

The chair wrapped up the meeting with closing remarks, thanking all participants for their contributions and summarizing the key points discussed.
Presentation on Climate Resilient Infrastructure (01:03:01)
Discussion on the need to rebuild infrastructure to be climate resilient, focusing on economic development and public safety perception.

The discussion emphasized the importance of rebuilding infrastructure in a climate-resilient manner. It touched on various elements such as parking, street trees, and other aspects of the physical environment that contribute to a welcoming and safe atmosphere. The conversation also highlighted the need to improve the perception of public safety as a foundational element for economic development.
Economic Development and Place Management Organizations (01:04:43)
Exploration of creating an economic development entity focusing on local opportunities, avoiding traditional models, and considering a unique approach for Kalamazoo.

The meeting explored the idea of creating an economic development organization or a place management organization to focus on local economic opportunities. The discussion aimed at forming a business committee to address these issues uniquely for Kalamazoo, rather than adopting existing models from other regions. The conversation suggested a composite organization to leverage the strengths of various types of entities.
Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Grants Presentation (01:08:41)
Presentation on the FFE's role, grant allocations, and its impact on Kalamazoo's community and budget stabilization efforts.

Steve Brown, Executive Director of the Foundation for Excellence, presented an overview of the FFE's role in supporting Kalamazoo. The presentation covered the FFE's endowment, tax reduction payments, budget stabilization grants, and aspirational projects. Brown highlighted the strategic focus on youth development, infrastructure, and economic development, emphasizing the FFE's contribution to the city's vision and future projects.
Discussion on FFE's Impact and Community Involvement (01:19:00)
Discussion on FFE's contributions to Kalamazoo, public involvement opportunities, and the importance of reducing intergenerational poverty.

The meeting included a discussion on how the public can learn more about the FFE's impacts and get involved. The discussion reiterated the FFE's goals, including reducing intergenerational poverty, balancing the budget, and supporting aspirational projects. The conversation also covered ways community members can contribute to the FFE.
Commissioner Comments and Adjournment (01:25:02)
Opportunity for Commissioners to make comments before adjourning the meeting, with a reminder of the upcoming business meeting.

The meeting provided a chance for Commissioners to share their comments. There was a reminder about the next business meeting scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, and the session concluded with a brief exchange among Commissioners before adjournment.