KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo County Government Administrator Tracie Moored and Board Chair Tracy Hall are reflecting on the accomplishments in what has been a challenging year dominated by a global health pandemic.
“It’s no secret the COVID-19 pandemic strained and stretched county government, but thanks to our more than 900 employees, county services continued,” Moored said. “That’s a testament to the hard work and determination of all our employees. It’s their commitment that continues to make Kalamazoo County Extraordinary!”
In a document released Tuesday, Moored and Hall both issued statements regarding accomplishments of the board during the year 2020.
“I applaud our public health experts for their tireless work this year to provide sound medical advice to help slow and understand the challenges of COVID-19, including creating an invaluable guide to help businesses re-open safely and allow employers throughout Kalamazoo County to bring employees back to work during a time of extensive change,” Moored said. “I also want to thank every Kalamazoo County Government employee for their flexibility during a constantly changing work environment.”
The announcement listed the following accomplishments made through the year:
- Showcased County Board priorities at every Board meeting to enhance transparency
- Automated the dog license renewal process
- Moved forward to acquire the Rota-Kiwan Campground
- Solidified a new management agreement with Discover Kalamazoo
- Created the Healthy Workplace Policy, which was a model used by other counties throughout the state
- Rejuvenated partnerships with United Airlines
- Served an integral role in a Veterans housing strategy
- Expanded Animal Services hours
- Received millage support from the community to begin a Kalamazoo County Government Housing Strategy
- Received our first national award for budget transparency
- Partnered to create an LGBTQ housing initiative
- Opened an additional two miles of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, and
- Created and adopted the Kalamazoo County Park Preservation & Natural Resources Protection Policy and Ordinance
“Homelessness is a countywide challenge that impacts every corner of our community, and I want to thank residents for supporting the millage to extend and expand the program in November,” Chair Tracy Hall said. “The expansion of our ‘Homes for All’ program will go a long way towards helping more residents find affordable housing.”
The current 0.1-mill tax raised nearly $900,000 annually each of the last six years and has helped more than 500 families find affordable housing. The new 0.75-mill property tax will cover eight years, from 2021 to 2028, and provide rental subsidies, transitional housing, permanent housing and other supportive services for Kalamazoo County residents.
More information on that millage can be viewed here.
“More Kalamazoo County residents ventured outside this year to get some fresh air and relieve stress brought on by the pandemic, which served well with the completion of another two-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail,” Chair Hall added. “The 35th Street to Galesburg connector brings us two miles closer to completing this 35-mile trail project and giving Kalamazoo County residents more opportunities to get out and get active.”
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