Kalamazoo City Commission - August 4, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Attendees voiced concerns over ICE enforcement actions and the city's preparedness to protect undocumented residents. Public comments focused on the need for Kalamazoo to be a sanctuary city and the lack of trust in local enforcement to resist ICE. City Communications Manager Mike Smith presented an update on the city's communication strategy, highlighting efforts to improve transparency and engagement through a comprehensive three-year plan. The meeting also addressed the city's efforts in improving public relations, emergency communication, and social media outreach.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:02)
The meeting is officially called to order for the Kalamazoo City Commission.

The chairperson officially called the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting to order, indicating the start of the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:02:13)
Clerk conducts roll call; all commissioners present except Commissioner P Pral.

The Clerk conducted a roll call of commissioners. Commissioners Cooney, Decker, Hoffman, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson were present. Commissioner P Pral was absent.
Approval of Absences (00:02:27)
Motion to excuse Commissioner P Pral is made and passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Decker and supported by Vice Mayor Hess to excuse Commissioner P Pral. The motion passed with all in favor.
Public Comments (00:02:48)
Public comments focused on protesting ICE and the city's response to unhoused and undocumented individuals.

Several members of the public spoke out against ICE operations and the treatment of unhoused and undocumented individuals by the city's public safety department. They called for the city to become a sanctuary city and expressed distrust in the current administration's ability to protect vulnerable communities.
Communications (00:03:41)
No new communications from the Mayor or Manager.

The Mayor and the city manager stated that there were no new communications to report to the commission at this time.
Work Session: Communications Plan Update (00:09:47)
The communications manager presents an update on the city's communications plan and strategies.

Mike Smith, the city's communications manager, presented an update on the city's three-year communications plan, highlighting the goals and strategies to improve communication with residents, stakeholders, and the media. The update included a review of the city's communication flow, strategic goals, brand management, emergency communication, and media relations.
Presentation by Mr. Smith (00:32:47)
Mr. Smith presented on communication initiatives, focusing on video expansion, approval ratings, and social media growth.

Mr. Smith discussed various communication initiatives, including the community contacts database, internal staff emails, video series, and city commission email updates. He emphasized key outcomes such as expanding videos to tell the city's story, improving approval ratings among residents, and increasing social media postings. He also addressed questions from the commissioners about social media influencers, survey participation, and the importance of engaging citizens.