August 17, 2026 Committee of the Whole

The City of Kalamazoo Committee of the Whole meeting on August 17, 2026, focused primarily on presenting and discussing the results of a comprehensive organizational assessment conducted by the consultant All Things Diverse. The assessment examined employee experiences, turnover rates, pay equity, and workplace culture, highlighting significant issues such as high voluntary turnover, inconsistent accountability, and siloed departmental communication. The consultant provided a strategic action plan with six prioritized recommendations, including improving internal communication, establishing clear accountability and promotion frameworks, enhancing psychological safety, and implementing succession planning. While no specific procurement or contracting decisions were made, the discussion emphasized the importance of executing the recommended organizational improvements to enhance service delivery and employee engagement. The city manager and commissioners expressed support for implementing these changes and continuing progress updates.