KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo City Commissioners held a working retreat last weekend to discuss and set their financial spending plan for the next two years.
Commissioners talked over the community’s challenges which were identified by the public ranging from crime, housing, streets, racism, and poverty.
Besides discussing the issues, City Staff wanted to pin down commissioners on exactly what they want to do about them, and to set specific goals to be reached by the end of 2024. At the top of the list, reducing gun deaths and injuries by cutting teen gun violence 50%.
Kalamazoo City Mayor Dave Anderson says while affordable housing is a high priority, reducing gun violence is even higher.
“We’re talking about how the ripple effect of that affects families, neighborhoods, and as a consequence, the entire city of Kalamazoo,” said Anderson.
Poverty reduction, economic development, environmental sustainability and justice, diversity and youth issues and community improvements were also on the agenda. Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam says they took a big first step toward a clear action plan.
“We had some great conversations, we had some great outcomes, but we still have some more work to do,” said Lam who also stated that they are starting earlier than ever on the process so they have time to do it right, with the next step to come at a follow-up meeting with commissioners next month.
reporting from John McNeill
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