KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo City Commission Monday night gave the public a glimpse into their ambitious plans and goals to create more affordable housing, making it clear it won’t be easy, cheap, or quick.
City officials say right now it’s not even clear how big the problem is. The Upjohn Institute has been commissioned by Kalamazoo County to do a survey this spring that will begin later this month.
Upjohn Institute Community Development Coordinator Emily Petz says in working with various non-profit organizations and partners, they understand that getting everyone’s perspective is necessary to come up with a solution.
City Commissioners have $8 million budgeted this year to improve housing, which includes everything from removing lead paint, to repairing roofs, and $3 million to build new homes.
Commissioner Chris Preadel says it’s unprecedented, with the most ambitious and aggressive budgets and agendas for housing that the city has ever seen.
Mayor David Anderson says it’s just a small step to address a very big problem, he says funding from new countywide housing millage and other sources gives them a chance for success.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners will use the results of the new survey to develop a ten year plan to make sure the millage money is spent wisely.
