Kalamazoo City Commission - Committee of the Whole - September 15, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Committee of the Whole reviews Imagine Kalamazoo 2035, the strategic vision for Kalamazoo, focusing on community engagement, economic mobility, and shared prosperity. The meeting highlights the importance of incorporating diverse community voices into the city's planning process. COO Laura Lam and Deputy City Manager Rebekah Kik present the strategic vision framework, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable growth. The meeting takes an exciting turn with a visit from Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna, who expresses his commitment to continuing the partnership between the university and the city. Commissioners reflect on the progress and future steps, emphasizing the importance of making Kalamazoo a welcoming and safe place for all residents. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how Kalamazoo is planning for its future while fostering collaboration with local institutions.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:56)
The meeting of the committee of the whole for the Kalamazoo City Commission is officially called to order by the chair.

The chair officially calls the meeting of the committee of the whole for the Kalamazoo City Commission to order, signaling the formal start of the proceedings.
Roll Call (00:02:18)
Roll call is conducted by Clerk Burling to confirm attendance of commissioners including Mayor Anderson.

Clerk Burling conducts a roll call to confirm the presence of the commissioners. Commissioner Cooney, Commissioner Decker, Commissioner Hoffman, Commissioner Cradle, Commissioner Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson are all confirmed to be present.
Public Comments (00:02:40)
A period for public comments is opened, limited to two minutes per speaker, inviting residents to share their thoughts.

The chair announces the opening of the public comments section, where members of the public are invited to come forward, state their name and whether they live in the city, and share their comments for up to two minutes.
Strategic Vision Draft Update (00:03:02)
Presentation on the strategic vision draft for Kalamazoo, focusing on community engagement, goals, and future plans.

COO Laura Lamb and Deputy City Manager Rebecca Kick present the strategic vision draft update. The presentation covers the process of community engagement, the framework for the strategic vision, guiding principles, goals, and next steps. They emphasize the importance of community involvement and the iterative nature of the planning process.
Introduction of Western Michigan University President (00:29:02)
President Russell Caul of Western Michigan University is introduced and welcomed to the meeting.

President Russell Caul of Western Michigan University is introduced and given the opportunity to address the commission. He expresses his pride in being a graduate of the university and his commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the city.
Welcome and Introduction (00:30:29)
The meeting begins with a welcome and introduction by key speakers, highlighting partnerships and community efforts.

The meeting kicks off with a welcome address, emphasizing ongoing partnerships and joint efforts between the city and the university to improve the community. Key initiatives mentioned include the downtown Kalamazoo Economic Vitality study and support for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council.
Partnerships with Western Michigan University (00:31:00)
Discussion on the symbiotic relationship between Western Michigan University and the city of Kalamazoo.

The speakers discuss the mutually beneficial relationship between Western Michigan University and the city. They highlight how a healthy university contributes to a healthy city and vice versa. The university president expresses a commitment to continue partnering with the city on various projects and offers to assist in public service initiatives.
Questions and Comments from Commissioners (00:32:02)
Commissioners engage with the university president, expressing appreciation and discussing potential collaborations.

Commissioner Cooney and others express their gratitude to the university president for his efforts and discuss potential areas of collaboration. Topics include the university's role in community service, economic development, and supporting students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Community Engagement and Student Involvement (00:32:57)
Discussion on increasing student involvement in community activities and decision-making processes.

The conversation shifts to how Western Michigan University can continue and expand its efforts to involve students in community activities and decision-making. Commissioners suggest bringing student voices into the Committee of the Whole to provide updates and insights on their experiences and perspectives.
Support for Student-led Initiatives (00:34:16)
Encouragement for student-led initiatives and increased interaction between students and the community.

The discussion highlights the importance of supporting student-led initiatives and ensuring students are actively engaged in the community. Commissioners encourage creating opportunities for students to participate in internships and community service that align with their academic and career interests.
Public Service and Community Collaboration (00:36:00)
Emphasis on the importance of collaboration between the university and the city for community betterment.

Commissioners and the university president discuss the need for continued collaboration between the university and the city to address community challenges and improve public services. The conversation highlights the role of students and faculty in contributing to these efforts.
Commissioner Reflections and Feedback (00:37:34)
Commissioners reflect on the discussions and provide feedback on strategic planning and community involvement.

The commissioners share their reflections on the meeting's discussions, providing feedback on strategic planning and community involvement. They emphasize the importance of listening to community voices and integrating their insights into future planning and decision-making.
Strategic Vision and Community Input (00:45:02)
Presentation and discussion of strategic vision draft, focusing on community input and feedback.

A presentation of the strategic vision draft is given, focusing on gathering community input and feedback on the proposed goals and initiatives. The discussion highlights the importance of ensuring the vision reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Kalamazoo community.
Commissioner Feedback on Strategic Vision (00:51:00)
Commissioners provide feedback on the strategic vision, emphasizing community engagement and inclusivity.

Commissioners provide feedback on the strategic vision draft, emphasizing the need for continued community engagement and ensuring the vision is inclusive and reflective of diverse community perspectives. Suggestions include enhancing public spaces, supporting local businesses, and promoting economic mobility.
Closing Remarks and Adjournment (00:57:00)
The meeting concludes with closing remarks and plans for future engagements.

The meeting concludes with closing remarks from the mayor and other attendees. Plans are discussed for future engagements and continued collaboration between the city and the university to achieve shared goals and address community needs.
Reflections on Community Engagement (00:57:42)
Discussion on the importance of community engagement and making people feel welcome and safe in city spaces.

The speaker reflects on personal experiences in Bronson Park, emphasizing how parks should have amenities for children, like swings and slides, to make them feel like true parks. The importance of how the city makes people feel welcome and safe is highlighted, as well as the invitation for community engagement in city processes.
Ongoing Process and Future Engagement (00:58:38)
Reminder that the process is ongoing and not yet complete, with future opportunities for community and staff engagement.

Vice Mayor Hess reminds everyone that the current process is an ongoing endeavor, not something with a definite end. He emphasizes that there will be more opportunities to engage with the community and that the process itself, including implementation, is continuous.
City Manager Search Committee Insights (01:00:14)
Discussion on insights from the city manager search committee that could enhance the planning process.

Commissioner Brattle mentions that insights from the city manager search committee might provide valuable input for the planning process, suggesting that certain engagement strategies might be applicable.
Commissioner Comments and Public Engagement (01:00:50)
Proposal for increased engagement with student commissions for regular updates and public comments.

Vice Mayor Hess discusses the idea of inviting student commissions from local institutions to participate in public comments and provide updates at city meetings. This would keep student issues prominent in city discussions.
Meeting Adjournment and Upcoming Business Meeting (01:01:59)
The meeting is adjourned, with a reminder of the upcoming business meeting in about an hour.

The meeting is officially adjourned with a reminder that the regular business meeting will commence shortly, providing another opportunity for commissioner comments.