January 2025 City View
Proposed 2025 Budget Would Invest More Than $180 Million Into Infrastructure
The City Commission will vote on the 2025 Proposed Budget at its meeting on Monday, January 6, following an in-depth work session and public hearing held in December.
The $388 million budget includes all funds (General, Water, Wastewater, Streets, State and Federal funding, and the Foundation for Excellence). It reflects priorities from the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan, City Commission goals, and a community survey highlighting the economy, safety, mobility, and utilities as key areas for investment.
The 2025 Budget increases capital spending by over $100 million to $181 million. Key investments include water system upgrades addressing PFAS, lead service line replacements, and continuing water main replacement. $110 million would be funded by low-interest loans that are eligible for partial forgiveness through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The budget allocates $16 million for streets, funding two-way conversions of West Main Street, Douglas Avenue, and part of Kalamazoo Avenue. Of this total, $14 million is from outside sources like Federal grants or funding from the jurisdictional street transfer.
Other projects include the first phase of the Arcadia Creek redesign, which will remove approximately 60 acres of land and 70 homes or buildings from the floodplain. Milham Park improvements, the Farmers Market’s multi-purpose building, and Crosstown facility renovations are also included.
Community investments include $1.5 million to support the recently announced RX Kids initiative, which provides cash benefits to expecting mothers. This budget also includes significant investments in housing, continuing youth programs like Super Rec and All Things Possible, and support and training programs for small businesses.
FFE’s $21 million grant continues to allow expanded services while keeping property taxes lowered—a benefit our community has had since 2017.
Visit kalamazoocity.org/budgets to view the full 2025 Budget Proposal and watch the Budget Presentation. Comments can be shared with commissioners via email or during public comment on January 6. Per the City Charter, the budget must be proposed by December 1 and adopted by January 31.
Take the Strategic Goal Survey!
We’re nearing the end of Imagine It!, the first phase of Imagine Kalamazoo 2035, but have we heard from YOU yet? There’s still time to share your perspective at this foundational stage of the planning process!
Head to kalamazoocity.org/IK2035 and take the Strategic Goal Survey. It only takes a few minutes and ensures your voice is reflected in this early stage of the process.
From City Manager Jim Ritsema
Happy New Year! It’s a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and our accomplishments as well as focus on our resolutions for the new year. Our great city experienced numerous challenges in 2024 and we also accomplished a lot.
Infrastructure and our streets have been a major area of conversation among residents, visitors to the city, and city leaders. In 2024, we were blessed to receive millions in state and federal funding to finance the unprecedented volume of construction and infrastructure projects. We get it: It was tough to get around the city and navigate all the detours. Yet the projects were required to be finished in a certain time frame, otherwise the funding would have been lost. Today, these projects are behind us, and we now have new sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure that will last us for generations, along with safe, beautiful new streets for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians! Through it all, we thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked to improve our city.
Expect more great things to come in 2025. We will begin the process to transform Kalamazoo Avenue to two-way traffic at Douglas Avenue and West Main, and moving east from Westnedge to Harrison Street in 2026. The Michigan Avenue transformation to two-way traffic will begin in 2027. Last fall, we launched Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 (IK2035), a blueprint creating a shared vision to enhance the quality of life for all. IK2035 follows Imagine Kalamazoo 2025, an overarching guiding document for Kalamazoo that was adopted in 2017 and outlined goals to guide our work and provide a framework for all the City’s plans.
IK2025 is coming to an end, and we’re thrilled that 99 percent of its projects and programs have been realized or are in progress. Now, we look to the next decade through IK2035. This new initiative is all about engagement with everyone throughout the city: community groups, businesses, developers, investors, philanthropists, government, and YOU. Please participate in the Strategic Goals Survey which is open until mid-January. You can learn more at kalamazoocity.org/IK2035. And over the next year, we will be working to update the City of Kalamazoo’s Strategic Vision and Master Plan, which are foundational to what happens in the city over the next 10 years and beyond.
We’re excited to get started. Don’t forget those resolutions. We’ll be sure to remember ours, and they include our dedication to serve you. May you have a wonderful and enjoyable 2025!
-Jim Ritsema, City Manager
Real Holiday Tree Drop Off Through January 31
Real holiday trees are biodegradable and easily recyclable! When it’s time to take your tree down, you can drop it off at the parking lot at 322 E Stockbridge Avenue through January 31. Please only bring real trees and make sure to remove all ornaments and decorations first.
Take a Day On for the MLK Day of Service on January 20
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking part in the annual Community-Wide Day of Service on Monday, January 20. The Day of Service invites residents to put the teaching and philosophy of Dr. King into action by volunteering for causes that will make our community stronger and make our city a better place. You can register to volunteer through Gryphon Place at go.gryphon.org up until the day of the event!
Following the day of service, a ceremony will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park at 507 N Rose St. Meet at the Metro Transit Building across the street at 3:45 p.m. and walk through the park before gathering for a ceremony at approximately 4:15 p.m.
You can find more information at kalamazoocity.org/MLK.
Downtown Chili Cook-Off Celebrates 20th Year!
It’s time to gather your friends and start planning your chili tasting strategy! Mark your calendars for January 25th, and get ready for a day filled with bold flavors, friendly competition, and community spirit as the Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off celebrates its 20th year!
Restaurants and businesses throughout downtown will be competing for the titles of Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, Best Restaurant, and Best Retail. Don’t miss out on this flavorful showdown from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Downtown Kalamazoo! Find the Cook-Off on Facebook for more information.
Greater Kalamazoo Restaurant Week Starts February 21
It’s a great time of year for foodies, because hot on the heels of the Chili Cook-Off is Greater Kalamazoo Restaurant Week! From February 21st to March 1st, restaurants in the Kalamazoo area will be highlighting what makes them special using a price-fix menu, with featured dishes for one, for two, or for the table. Plus, the Cocktail Competition heats up as your favorite bartenders vie for your votes to be crowned the season’s Best Cocktail.
Information and features are updated as soon as we hear about them. Find all of the details at kalamazoorestaurantweek.com or find the event on social media.
Michigan Avenue Design Open House on January 16
The last in a series of open houses to develop a two-way design for Michigan Avenue will take place on Thursday, January 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition (KNAC) at 315 W Michigan Ave. Join us to see the first design set for Michigan Ave based on the feedback we have heard throughout the process, traffic modeling, consideration of all travelers, and best practices. You can also learn about some of the upcoming construction work that is planned for 2025.
This event was originally scheduled for December, but we’ve heard so much feedback we needed a little more time to consider it all (we take public input very seriously- last year the Kalamazoo Ave design was updated based on community feedback!).
We hope you’ll join us to see the design recommendation and learn what’s on the horizon for Kalamazoo’s streets! Learn more at kalamazoocity.org/StreetsForAll.
Help Kalamazoo Plan For Safer Streets
In 2023, the City of Kalamazoo was awarded a Federal Safe Streets For All (SS4A) grant to make our streets safer and reduce traffic injuries and deaths. This grant has already funded several pilot traffic calming projects around the city, like pedestrian islands, mini traffic circles, speed humps, and bike lanes.
Now, we are starting work on a comprehensive plan to address safety on our streets. To develop this plan, we are looking for your feedback. We want to know about your experience getting around Kalamazoo- where does it feel safe? where does it feel dangerous?
Please share your feedback by taking a brief survey, or sharing your comments on an interactive map. This will help us develop the safety plan and prioritize where our attention is most needed to protect people on our transportation network.
Visit kalamazoocity.org/SS4A to find more information about the SS4A grant along with links to the survey and interactive map.
City Commits $750K to New Youth Center with BGCK
The City of Kalamazoo awarded $750,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the construction of a new 22,000-square-foot Boys & Girls Clubs youth center at 847 Portage Street.
With an estimated total project cost of $11 million, the state-of-the-art facility will feature 15 rooms dedicated to diverse youth programming, including spaces for STEM learning, arts and media, teen-focused activities, and multipurpose use. A commercial kitchen and cafeteria will provide daily meals and life-skills programming, while a secure outdoor play area will offer safe recreational opportunities.
The new youth center will also serve as a hub for collaboration between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department (Kzoo Parks), expanding programming and enhancing services such as the Police Athletic League. We can’t wait for this incredible new resource to be available to Kalamazoo’s youth in 2026!
Happy City Author To Speak In Kalamazoo January 31
Charles Montgomery, acclaimed author of Happy City and one of the world’s 100 most influential urbanists (Planetizen), will visit Kalamazoo to discuss how urban design can create healthier, happier, and more inclusive cities. His talk will take place on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m. at Civic Theatre in Downtown Kalamazoo (329 S Park St), followed by a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with Montgomery about his work and ideas.
In his presentation, Montgomery will explore questions such as: How do the places we live impact our happiness and well-being? How can cities be designed to serve their residents better? What role do social connections play in fostering happier and more resilient communities? Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, behavioral economics, and urban design, Montgomery will share insights and real-world examples of how cities can be transformed to maximize human happiness.
For more information about Charles Montgomery’s visit and the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 process, visit
kalamazoocity.org/IK2035.
Remember To Shovel Your Sidewalks
Now that we are in the heart of winter, please make sure you remember to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice when it finishes snowing. Property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks within 48 hours after each snowfall.
If the sidewalks are not cleared, the people who rely on them can’t get where they need to go. If left uncleared, the City will arrange to have sidewalks cleared and charge the property owner for the cost, including an administrative fee. So please, help everyone stay connected and keep your sidewalks clear and safe!
Federal Funding May Address Flooding Near Downtown
Flooding along Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River has long affected downtown Kalamazoo and nearby neighborhoods, causing significant disruptions. Areas such as Crosstown Parkway, Vine Street, Lake Street, and neighborhoods east of Portage Street are particularly vulnerable during heavy rainfall. Access to critical facilities like Bronson Methodist Hospital is also impacted.
The 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), awaiting President Biden’s signature (at the time of writing), authorizes a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study in the Kalamazoo River Watershed to address urban flooding. Proposed solutions include creating bypass and pump systems to manage floodwaters and prevent backwater events.
While federal funding and timelines remain uncertain, the WRDA could provide critical support to address these long-standing flooding challenges.
“We know what needs to be done to combat the problem of flooding in the area. With the passing of the WRDA, help may be on the way,” said Public Services Director James Baker.
Riding with Roddie
Step into the life of Public Safety Officer Roddie in KDPS’ new weekly series! Whether he’s pulling over drivers, responding to urgent calls, or just connecting with the community, Roddie gives you an authentic look at the daily life of a traffic officer.
From everyday encounters to critical responses, Riding with Roddie offers a mix of action, community, and a few surprises. Don’t miss out—head over to the KDPS YouTube channel now to watch all the episodes and see what it’s really like on the front lines of public safety!
Traffic Study Shows Streets Are Getting Safer
Kalamazoo’s streets are becoming safer, thanks to traffic calming measures to narrow streets and reduce speeds being implemented through the City of Kalamazoo’s Streets for All initiative.
Through November, crash data shows a 23 percent reduction in city crashes, compared to a 13.2 percent reduction in 2023. The 2024 reduction also compares with a 17 percent reduction for the rest of Michigan. Crashes involving bicycles in the downtown area also have decreased by almost 50 percent, while crashes involving pedestrians have decreased by 30 percent.
“The numbers are looking positive,” said Dennis Randolph, Public Works Manager and Traffic Engineer for the City. “We’re seeing a nice and steady decrease in crashes across Kalamazoo because of the traffic calming measures we’ve been implementing. Our efforts are making movement across the city safer for everyone: pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. This is enhancing our overall quality of life.”
$1.25 Million Grant Will Help Address Gun Violence
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS), in partnership with Gryphon Place and the Michigan Transformation Collective, was awarded a $1,250,000 grant from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) aimed at reducing gun violence within the Kalamazoo community. This opportunity allows the Kalamazoo Blueprint for Peace to take a large step forward in accomplishing its goals and action steps.
This grant will fund a collaborative effort to enhance strategies and initiatives focused on preventing gun violence and addressing its root causes. The project will leverage the unique strengths of each participating organization to create a comprehensive approach to Community Violence Intervention. Key elements include supporting community-based intervention programs, utilizing evidence-based practices that take a public health approach, and expanding on data-driven law enforcement strategies. You can read more about the grant at kalamazoopublicsafety.org. Visit mitransformation.org/blueprint-for-peace to learn more about the Blueprint for Peace.
KDPS Hiring Window Opens January 13
The next hiring window for Public Safety Officers will open on Monday, January 13. Interested applicants can apply online through January 29.
Working as a Public Safety Officer is a rewarding career with many opportunities for advancement and specialized training. Plus you will go to work every day to serve and protect the people of your community. You can learn more about a career as a Public Safety Officer at joinkdps.org.
Winter Scavenger Hunt Returns in February
Go on an adventure through city parks this winter to find hidden items on the Winter Family Scavenger Hunt! Use a map and clues to find items hidden in more than a dozen of our great city parks. Take a photo and share it for a chance to win prizes, too! The Scavenger Hunt starts on February 12 and ends on February 19. It’s self-paced, so explore at your own speed. Just make sure your photos are submitted before it ends. Find full details at kzooparks.org/ScavengerHunt.
2025 Will Bring First Two-Way Street Conversions
Construction on the Streets for All series of projects started last year with work on Michikal, but in 2025 we will see the first sections of one-way streets converted to two-way! This year’s work will focus on the one-way section of W Main St near downtown, then Douglas Ave and Kalamazoo Ave in the Stuart Neighborhood.
Starting in the spring, W Main St will be rebuilt between Douglas and W Michigan Ave/Michikal St as a two-way street. When it reopens in July, westbound traffic on Kalamazoo Ave will be directed to Michikal and then W Main St. This will maintain an efficient westbound route through downtown without directing heavy traffic through the Stuart Neighborhood. It will also become easier for pedestrians to cross W Main both at the intersections with Douglas and Michikal, and mid-block.
Then work will start on Douglas Ave and Kalamazoo Ave in the Stuart Neighborhood. Kalamazoo Ave (from Michikal to Douglas) will be rebuilt as a more appropriate neighborhood street, with two-way traffic and on-street parking. Douglas Ave will also be rebuilt as a two-way street, with a stop sign added at the intersection with Kalamazoo Ave and a new stop light at the intersection with W Main St. This will allow vehicles to turn north from W Main to Douglas, better connecting that neighborhood with the rest of the city.
Consumers Energy has some utility work planned downtown on Kalamazoo Ave this year, but work to rebuild that part of the street and convert it to two-way traffic won’t start until 2026.
This year will be a major step forward for better connecting our city with safer and friendlier streets for everyone. Learn more about the Streets for All initiative at kalamazoocity.org/StreetsForAll.