KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners held a public hearing on their proposed 2026 budget Monday but unlike previous years, some residents had something to say.
Usually, no one speaks out.
This time, homeless advocates wanted commissioners to find more money to help the homeless, asking that they delay the scheduled approval for two weeks, to allow them more time to come up with recommendations.
One person the budget “does not reflect the community we are living in,” while another added “I’m just wanting to make the case for buying ourselves more time here.”
Commissioners had their own suggestions to improve the budget.
Jacqueline Slaby proposed restoring funds the city used to grant for neighborhood projects.
“I think that it’s important for us to make good on that commitment and I think this is an opportunity for us to get back to that level of support,” she said.
Commissioner Jeanne Hess proposed funding transportation to get homeless residents to shelters.
Vice Mayor Drew Duncan had his own ideas on where city money could go. He says Sisters in Business helps black female entrepreneurs.
“I have gone to Cat Café several times, and they too are in need of funds,” said Duncan.
The commission has $88,000 dollars left over in their community priorities fund from this year.
A subcommittee was created to consider how that money could be spent, but whether they can come up with a recommendation to modify next year’s budget before January 5th, when the vote is scheduled, is yet to be determined.
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