Civic Snapshots
Highlights of local government meetings
Civic Snapshot: August 18, 2025 Kalamazoo City Commission
In the Committee of the Whole Meeting the Commission welcomed Lucy Dilley of the Can-Do Kitchen, who discussed the organization's evolution into Can-Do Kalamazoo, an entrepreneur hub supporting diverse business types in the Kalamazoo area. The hub offers resources, connections,…
Civic Snapshot: August 14, 2025 City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals
The board addressed significant amendments to their bylaws. The key changes included increasing board membership from six to seven members and removing the sections on reconsideration and rehearing due to legal limitations. The board discussed the implications of these changes,…
Civic Snapshot: August 14, 2025 Oshtemo Township Planning Commission
The Commission reviewed proposed amendments to zoning ordinances, particularly those affecting setbacks and parking regulations. Key discussions included the challenges and implications of adjusting setback requirements for properties adjacent to various zoning districts and ensuring parking regulations are clear for…
Civic Snapshot: August 14, 2025 Comstock Township Planning Commission
The Commission considered a rezoning request changing a residential property to agricultural use, considering the impact on future land use and compliance with the master plan. The commission debated the current chicken ordinance, exploring the possibility of increasing the number…
Civic Snapshot: August 14, 2025 City of Kalamazoo Utility Policy Committee
The Committee reviewed the proposed 2026 Water Rate Setting with Danica Katz from Stantec Global Engineering presenting a detailed analysis of water rate adjustments, focusing on cost of service and customer class impacts. The committee reviewed various rate adjustment options,…
Civic Snapshot: August 12, 2025 Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees
The Board reviewed strategic planning priorities such as green energy and community programming, budget amendments for public works and fire department, and extensive discussion on the firefighters' union contract, particularly the terms concerning community event participation and working hours. The…
Civic Snapshot: August 13, 2025 City of Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission
Members reviewed the City Hall local historic district report. The commission also assessed the progress of a community engagement initiative aimed at fostering historic preservation partnerships within Kalamazoo. Notable highlights include securing CLG grant funds for the City Hall restoration…
