October 5, 2026 Committee of the Whole

The City of Kalamazoo Committee of the Whole met on October 5, 2026, and received an update on the city’s legislative-affairs partnership with Lansing-based firm MHSA. The presenters described advocacy work with state lawmakers and departments, including helping secure direct legislative enhancement grants in 2024 for public safety and in 2025 for fire turnout gear, supporting the city’s participation in the Rx Kids program, and addressing state and federal grant-related issues. They noted that statewide requests for legislative funding totaled about $4.3 billion, with roughly $70 million awarded. The public safety trust fund received an initial deposit in 2024; further deposits remain uncertain and depend on future budget conditions.

Commissioners discussed the upcoming state elections, anticipated leadership and staff turnover, and the resulting uncertainty for legislative priorities and budgets. No motions or votes were taken, and no new contract award, procurement decision, or spending authorization was identified. Public comments included a request to maintain attention to energy efficiency in city buildings; no action was taken on that comment.