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Kalamazoo City Commission - Committee of the Whole - April 21, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 19 hours ago

The Commission reviews updates on the city's strategic priorities as discussed in their recent retreat. Mayor Anderson and the commissioners address various topics, with a focus on affordable housing, public safety, and economic development. Notable discussions include the feasibility study for a home sharing model aimed at addressing housing needs, and the integration of community feedback into the planning process. The meeting also covers the Imagine Kalamazoo initiative and its phases, which involve extensive community engagement to shape the city's strategic vision and master plan. The commission highlights efforts to enhance public safety with increased camera presence and youth engagement programs, and discusses economic initiatives like the Kalamazoo Entrepreneurial Network's Capital Consortium Program.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:34)
The meeting was called to order for the committee of the whole for the Kalamazoo city commission on Monday.

The meeting began with a welcome and the official call to order for the committee of the whole meeting for the Kalamazoo city commission. The chair noted the date and time and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Roll Call (00:02:40)
Roll call was conducted by Clerk Moss. Commissioners were present except for Commissioner Hoffman.

Clerk Moss conducted the roll call for the meeting. Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Preto, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson were present. A motion was made to excuse Commissioner Hoffman's absence, which was passed.
Public Comments (00:03:16)
The floor was opened for public comments, allowing the public to express their thoughts.

The opportunity for public comments was announced. It was specified that public comments are limited to two minutes at the committee of the whole meeting. Toby Hannah Davies expressed gratitude for home sharing being a priority.
Committee Reports (00:06:00)
Manager Ritsema and COO Laura Lamb presented a report on the commission retreat and priorities.

Manager Ritsema introduced a report on the commission retreat held in March. COO Laura Lamb presented the outcomes and priorities from the retreat, focusing on goals for the next year and strategies aligned with community input and city plans.
Discussion on Home Sharing Feasibility Study (00:11:00)
The feasibility study for the home sharing model was discussed, outlining the RFP process.

Community Development Manager Cheryl Parsons provided an update on the home sharing model, discussing the feasibility study process and the components of the RFP. The study aims to determine the benefits and outline the requirements for implementing a home sharing program.
Shared Prosperity Initiatives (00:21:00)
Initiatives for increasing support for the unhoused community and critical code repair were discussed.

Laura Lamb discussed initiatives to increase coordination and support for the unhoused community, including responses to extreme weather. The importance of critical code repair in partnership with community partners was emphasized to help residents maintain their homes.
Imagine Kalamazoo Update (00:26:00)
Deputy City Manager Rebekah Kik updated on Imagine Kalamazoo phases and community engagement.

Deputy City Manager Rebekah Kik presented an update on the progress of the Imagine Kalamazoo initiative. The phases of the initiative were outlined, and the importance of community engagement in shaping the city's strategic vision and master plan was highlighted.
Public Meetings and Strategic Vision (00:34:26)
Discussion on ongoing public meetings and strategic visioning exercises for community engagement and goal setting.

The meeting discussed the ongoing public meetings being hosted, with five completed and one remaining. These meetings include presentations and discussions on goals and community input. There are nine topic-specific focus groups involving subject matter experts, partners, and organizations throughout the city. The aim is to incorporate community input into the strategic vision and goals, with opportunities for residents to participate online and in person.
Community Survey and Data Incorporation (00:37:09)
Exploration of how community survey results and external data are integrated into the planning process.

A commissioner inquired about the incorporation of community survey results into the planning process. The response detailed the use of data, best practices, and community expertise, with survey results contributing as part of best practices and data. Additional data from economic development, retail marketing analysis, target market analysis, and housing strategy are also being integrated into the planning documents. Feedback points from the community survey will be included in the overall engagement summary.
Commissioner Comments and Adjournment (00:39:09)
Opportunity for commissioner comments before adjournment of the meeting session.

The meeting provided an opportunity for commissioners to make comments. It was noted that there would be another opportunity for comments at the upcoming business meeting. Seeing no further comments, the meeting was adjourned until the next session.