City of Kalamazoo - October 15, 2025 City Manager Interviews

Updated 3 days ago

On Wednesday, the Kalamazoo City Commission conducts a committee of the whole meeting to interview candidates for the city manager position. The meeting focuses on key city issues such as economic development, affordable housing, and addressing homelessness. Candidates discuss their approaches to these challenges, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, inclusivity, and building trust with both the commission and the community. The commission also addresses procedural matters and public comments, highlighting concerns about the candidate selection process and the need for transparency. The meeting reflects the commission's commitment to selecting a city manager who can lead Kalamazoo through its current challenges and opportunities.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:05:28)
The meeting was officially called to order for the Kalamazoo City Commission's committee of the whole meeting.

The meeting was called to order by the presiding officer, marking the official start of the Kalamazoo City Commission's committee of the whole meeting.
Roll Call (00:05:52)
Clerk Boley conducted roll call, confirming the presence of all commissioners and the mayor.

Clerk Boley performed the roll call, verifying that Commissioners Cooney, Decker, Hoffman, Cradle, Wilson, Vice Mayor Hess, and Mayor Anderson were all present.
Introduction of Meeting Purpose (00:06:09)
The meeting was set to interview four candidates for the future city manager position.

The purpose of the meeting was introduced as being dedicated to interviewing four candidates for the city manager position, emphasizing the importance and structure of the session.
Candidate Interviews - Introduction (00:08:14)
Pamela Weidman introduced the interview process and the role of the candidates.

Pamela Weidman gave an overview of the city manager recruitment process, highlighting the community's involvement and the equitable opportunity for each candidate to respond to questions.
Candidate Interview Session: Malcolm Hankins (00:15:05)
Malcolm Hankins was interviewed, discussing his skills, challenges, and approaches relevant to the city manager role.

Malcolm Hankins was interviewed by the commission. He discussed his experience in neighborhood work, affordable housing, and development. He shared his vision for the role of city manager, his approach to community engagement, handling disagreements, his ethical standards, and strategic priorities like downtown development and homelessness. Mr. Hankins also responded to questions about equity and relationships with diverse groups.
Meeting Called to Order (00:52:12)
The meeting is officially called back to order after a break and the next candidate is to be brought in.

The chairperson calls the meeting back to order and indicates that they are ready to proceed with the next agenda item. The meeting resumes after a short break and preparations are made to bring in the next candidate for the interview process.
Introduction of Ms. Lamb (00:52:47)
Ms. Lamb is welcomed and the procedure for the interview is briefly explained, including the presence of a timekeeper.

Ms. Lamb, the next candidate for the city manager position, is welcomed to the meeting. The procedure for her interview is explained, including how questions will be asked in sequence by the panel and the presence of a timekeeper to manage the duration of the interview.
Interview Question 1 (00:53:00)
Ms. Lamb discusses her skills, experiences, and reasons for her interest in the city manager position.

The first question to Ms. Lamb asks her to describe the specific skills and experiences she brings to the position of city manager, and why she is interested and uniquely qualified for the role. She outlines her background in community organizing, her work in administration, and her deep commitment to the community of Kalamazoo.
Interview Question 2 (00:53:52)
Ms. Lamb identifies poverty, housing, and trust as top challenges and opportunities for the community.

Ms. Lamb is asked to identify the top three opportunities or challenges facing the community. She discusses poverty and economic mobility, housing and homelessness, and the need to build trust within the community. She highlights initiatives like RX Kids and collaborations with local organizations to address these issues.
Interview Question 3 (01:02:03)
Ms. Lamb describes the role of the city manager and her approach to leadership.

The question asks Ms. Lamb to describe the role of city manager in a commission-manager form of government and her approach to leading in that role. She emphasizes the importance of building high-functioning teams, establishing trust, and aligning the city's priorities with community needs while maintaining strong relationships with the city commission.
Interview Question 4 (01:04:39)
Ms. Lamb discusses her approach to interacting with elected officials and resolving disagreements.

Ms. Lamb is asked about her approach to interacting with elected officials, especially when disagreements arise. She stresses the importance of building trust, establishing clear expectations, and being available for open communication. She suggests ways to mediate conflicts and ensure productive relationships within the governing body.
Interview Question 5 (01:07:33)
Ms. Lamb shares her experience with advancing a policy she initially disagreed with.

The panel asks Ms. Lamb to describe a time when she was asked to advance a policy or program she disagreed with. She recounts her experience with the allocation of stimulus funds during the pandemic, how she worked to incorporate community input, and the development of criteria to promote equitable outcomes in funding decisions.
Interview Question 6 (01:11:10)
Ms. Lamb is asked about a challenging ethical issue she faced in her career.

Ms. Lamb is prompted to discuss the most challenging ethical issue she has faced in her career. Although the transcript cuts off before her full response, she begins by mentioning her time in San Jose and her role in the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative.
Discussion on Staff Issues and Council Overreach (01:11:43)
A manager discusses a significant career jump and a council member's pressure to terminate an employee due to personal conflict.

The manager explains their transition to a new role with greater responsibilities and describes a situation where a council member pressured them to terminate an employee due to personal conflict. The manager stood firm against the council member's overreach, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and protecting staff.
City Manager Priorities and Approach to Development (01:14:07)
The candidate addresses top priorities like affordable housing and downtown development, focusing on balancing growth and preventing displacement.

The candidate for city manager discusses their approach to key priorities such as affordable housing, homelessness, and downtown redevelopment. They emphasize the need to balance growth with protecting vulnerable community members from displacement and share examples of successful strategies from other cities.
Advancing Equitable Practices (01:18:09)
The candidate discusses strategies for advancing equitable practices in the community and workplace, highlighting past successes.

The candidate shares their experience in advancing equitable practices by engaging diverse communities and establishing strong relationships. They highlight past successes like the Seven Trees neighborhood initiative and discuss their approach to supporting diverse staff and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Vision as City Manager (01:23:10)
The candidate outlines their vision for the city, focusing on community engagement, team support, and achieving results.

The candidate articulates their vision for the city if appointed as city manager. They propose focusing on strengthening community relationships, enhancing customer service, supporting city staff, and achieving measurable results. Their approach includes building trust, improving communication, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Building Trust and Communication (01:28:29)
Commissioners discuss strategies for building trust between the city manager, commission, and community, emphasizing communication and transparency.

During this agenda item, commissioners and the candidate discuss how to build trust within the city government and the broader community. Key points include the importance of communication, transparency, being present in the community, and ensuring that the city manager is accessible and responsive to the needs of both the commission and residents.
Discussion on City Manager Candidate Responsibilities (01:39:48)
Discussion about the responsibilities and expectations for the next city manager, including relationship building and community engagement.

The meeting involved a discussion on the expectations for the next city manager, emphasizing the need for flexibility in working hours to engage with the community effectively. The importance of trust, truth, and communication in establishing relationships with commissioners and the community was highlighted. A commitment to being visible and present in the community was discussed, ensuring that the manager maintains a balance between administrative duties and community engagement.
Recess for Dinner Break (01:44:22)
The meeting was recessed for a dinner break lasting about an hour before resuming for further discussions and interviews.

The meeting was paused for a scheduled recess, providing attendees an opportunity to have dinner. The recess was planned to last about an hour, ensuring everyone had time to refresh before continuing with the remaining agenda items.
Continuation of City Manager Interviews (02:42:37)
Resumption of interviews for the city manager position, focusing on candidate Otis Jones Senior and his qualifications and vision.

The meeting continued with the interview of Otis Jones Senior for the city manager position. The discussion covered his background, experiences, and approach to challenges facing the city, such as economic development, affordable housing, and community engagement. The importance of inclusivity and equitable practices was emphasized, alongside his handling of ethical issues and leadership style. The session concluded with an invitation for any additional questions from the commission.
Discussion on Urban Development Initiatives (03:08:51)
Discussion on urban development projects in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Camden, focusing on revitalization, affordable housing, and homelessness solutions.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on various urban development initiatives. Key projects in Cincinnati's Over the Rhine district and Columbus were highlighted, focusing on revitalizing blighted areas, reducing crime, and introducing affordable housing. The Camden waterfront development was also discussed, emphasizing efforts to support homeless children through partnerships with organizations like Covenant House. The speaker elaborated on his experience with community collaboration and innovative housing solutions, including first-time ownership programs and partnerships with local organizations.
Economic Development and Homelessness Strategies (03:17:20)
Exploration of approaches to economic development, affordable housing, and addressing homelessness, with emphasis on collaboration with nonprofits and innovative solutions.

The discussion continued with a focus on economic development and strategies to address homelessness. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with nonprofits and local businesses, the speaker discussed the need for innovative solutions such as public improvement districts and ambassador programs. These initiatives aim to connect people with resources and promote mobility, highlighting the significance of affordable housing bonds and community empowerment in tackling homelessness.
City Governance and Staff Relations (03:18:23)
Discussion on fostering relationships with city staff and department heads, emphasizing the importance of leadership and strategic planning.

The conversation shifted to city governance, focusing on establishing strong relationships with city staff and department heads. The speaker outlined strategies for effective leadership, including direct engagement with staff, setting goals, and creating strategic plans. The importance of empowering staff and involving them in decision-making processes was highlighted as essential for successful city management.
Scheduling and Interview Adjustments (03:47:06)
Discussion on rescheduling a candidate interview due to unforeseen circumstances, considering community engagement and transparency.

The meeting addressed the need to reschedule a candidate interview due to unforeseen circumstances. Commissioners discussed the importance of ensuring community engagement by offering alternative arrangements, such as a Zoom interview, while maintaining transparency and providing opportunities for public participation. The logistics and timing of the rescheduled interview were considered to accommodate both the commission's and the community's needs.
Public Comments on City Manager Selection (03:54:02)
Public comments were made expressing concerns about the city manager selection process, emphasizing transparency and community trust.

During the public comment period, several community members expressed concerns about the city manager selection process. They highlighted issues related to transparency, community trust, and the need for a candidate who is community-focused and innovative. Concerns about the inclusivity of the process and the handling of public engagement during the meet and greet were also raised. Community members urged commissioners to consider candidates who can effectively engage with diverse community perspectives and address the city's pressing issues.
Public Comments on City Manager Selection (04:06:25)
Residents discuss the qualities needed in a city manager, focusing on authority and influence to address housing, systemic racism, and homelessness.

In this segment, residents express their views on what is needed from the next city manager. They emphasize the importance of a city manager who will use their authority to ensure landlords respect housing equity ordinances, address systemic racism, and work towards solutions for homelessness that respect human rights. The discussion highlights the need for a manager capable of addressing chronic stress and mortality rates in black and brown communities.
Commissioner Comments on City Manager Interviews (04:11:01)
Commissioners Decker, Cradle, and Hess share reflections on the city manager interviews and the importance of community involvement.

Commissioner Decker expresses gratitude for the candidates interviewed and anticipates a difficult decision. Commissioner Cradle emphasizes the importance of an open mind and community feedback, sharing a personal story about judging candidates. Vice Mayor Hess highlights the positive impressions candidates had of the community's engagement during the meet and greet. They all stress the critical nature of the decision for the city's future.
Procedural Motion to Recess Meeting (04:18:01)
A motion is passed to recess the meeting to allow a final interview with a city manager candidate via Zoom.

The commissioners discuss and pass a procedural motion to recess the meeting in order to conduct a final interview with a city manager candidate, L Cole, via Zoom. They discuss logistics and confirm that the meeting will be held in person with the candidate joining remotely.