The commission focuses on selecting a new city manager – entering closed session for the duration of the Committee of the Whole meeting. The brief open session included public comments emphasizing the need for a leader who addresses structural racism and public health disparities.The Commission aim is to ensure the chosen candidate aligns with the community’s needs and expectations for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the regular business meeting the Commission continued the discussion of the transformational brownfield plan involving projects like Spear Flex and the Michigan Avenue Courthouse. The Commission also reviews the creation of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (N.E.Z.) on Porter Street, and approves candidates for the city manager position, with a public meet and greet scheduled. Additionally, the meeting highlights the city’s commitment to public art and economic development initiatives with a visit from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and an update on the success of Kalamazoo’s first Brush the Block Mural festival.
