City of Kalamazoo - 2026 Kalamazoo City Commission Annual Retreat
Commissioners engage in discussions to establish strategic priorities for the city. Topics include enhancing community trust and safety, economic development, and the importance of public engagement. Commissioners express the need for measurable outcomes and focus on issues such as gun violence, shared prosperity, and the effective use of public spaces. The city manager emphasizes the role of staff in aligning with the commission’s vision. The retreat is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to develop a strategic vision and master plan based on community input.
00:00 Introduction
00:00:29 Welcome and Logistics
00:01:06 Call to Order
00:01:36 Roll Call
00:01:52 Approval of Motion to Excuse Commissioner
00:02:09 Communications
00:02:34 Public Comments
00:03:35 Public Comments – Housing and Equity
00:06:40 Public Comments – Accessibility Concerns
00:09:57 Public Comments – Equity and Anti-Racism
00:13:05 Public Comments – White Supremacy Culture
00:14:39 Public Comments – Unhoused Residents
00:17:14 Work of the Day – Strategic Planning
00:27:11 Introductions and Expectations
00:32:05 Facilitator Remarks and Meeting Norms
00:34:41 Welcome and Expectations
00:35:51 Introductions and Roles
00:36:54 Vision and Goals
00:37:54 Public Safety and City Priorities
00:38:10 Expectations for Collaboration
00:38:29 Director’s Expectations
00:39:05 City Manager’s Perspective
00:41:37 Strategic Discussion and Vision
01:09:13 City Manager’s Vision Presentation
01:11:44 City Manager’s Vision and Commitments
01:18:26 Goals for First Year and Implementation
01:27:00 Commission Discussion on Good Governance
01:43:20 Discussion on Governance and Communication
01:48:45 Accountability and Metrics in Governance
01:51:03 Values in Governance
01:59:45 Addressing Young People and Inclusivity
02:07:00 Onboarding and Development of Commissioners
02:13:57 Discussion on Elected Official Training
02:15:07 Anti-Racism Training and Onboarding
02:24:01 Opportunities for Collaboration and Equity Training
02:31:01 Onboarding Process Feedback and Improvement
02:35:01 Commissioner Teamwork and Decision Making
02:39:00 City Manager and Staff Relations
02:46:01 Clarifying Communication and Cultural Norms
02:47:22 Discussion on Staff Directive Clarity
02:56:59 Strategic Planning and Budget Timeline
03:00:24 National Community Survey Results
03:02:08 Imagine Kalamazoo Strategic Visioning
03:08:10 Guiding Principles and Strategic Goals
03:13:08 Neighborhood Plans and Community Engagement
03:25:05 Staff Presentation on City Planning and Engagement
03:25:21 Discussion on Quality of Meeting Outcomes
03:27:08 Strategic Vision and Goals Discussion
03:29:09 Concerns about Draft Goals
03:44:50 Discussion on Public Spaces and Community Engagement
03:48:14 Setting Priorities and Goals
03:53:39 Feedback on Goal Areas and Metrics
03:58:44 Public Input and Community Sentiment
04:00:00 Neighborhood Arts and Cultural Elevation
04:01:18 Gun Violence and Community Safety
04:09:09 Economic Vitality and Equity
04:20:02 Effective City Operations and Technology
04:31:23 Environmental Goals and Asset Management
04:33:26 Discussion on Environmental Assets and Rezoning
04:35:12 Urban Forest and Tree Canopy Concerns
04:36:29 Connectivity of Trail Systems
04:41:27 Environmental Concerns Committee Report
04:49:50 Homelessness and Affordable Housing Discussion
05:02:28 Transportation and Non-Motorized Plan
