Know Your Neighbor (Newsletter)

The Oshtemo Township Board decided not to vote on a request to contribute $25,000 to the United Way of South Central Michigan 2026-27 winter sheltering program at a Sept. 9 meeting. Most trustees opposed the request, citing concerns the program may burden local resources.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo County is opening applications for $10.5 million in housing millage funds. The funds will support affordable housing development and preservation, home repairs, housing supportive services and creative responses to housing needs, according to a Kalamazoo County press release. “For many Kalamazoo County residents, finding and keeping a safe, affordable home remains increasingly difficult,” the release said.

Swap your lightly used books for other lightly used books. Enjoy free admission to the KNC in honor of National Public Lands Day. Browse art, jewelry and clothing from local artists and dance to live music. Fall into Fun at The Backyard of Kalamazoo & Westside Garden Center! A family-friendly fall experience with indoor and outdoor pumpkin patches, hayrides and a hay-bale playground, among other activities. Time: Fridays and Saturdays until Oct.

Democracy dies behind paywalls. All KYN election coverage will be free for all. KALAMAZOO, MI — When Kawther Mohhamed’s children see Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, they say, “he looks like (my) uncle, like my brother.” Mohammed is Palestinian. Seeing a candidate with an Arabic name (El-Sayed’s full name is Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed) is a “huge deal,” she said. But that’s not enough for her to vote for El-Sayed come Nov. 3.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Beacon Kalamazoo and Baecon Plainwell are seeking donors for upcoming blood drives. Beacon Kalamazoo’s upcoming blood drive is on Friday, Sept. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrence Education Center Auditorium, 1521 Gull Road. The Beacon Plainwell blood drive is on Sept.

KALAMAZOO, MI — The Kalamazoo City Commission will now review and vote on contracts for various surveillance technologies, regardless of their value. But city commissioners were divided on what level of oversight they should have at a meeting on Monday, Sept. 21. Some wanted more oversight, while others raised concerns about micromanaging City Manager Malcolm Hankins or the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo’s contract with Flock Safety was renewed in July, one month before city commissioners initiated a process to require a vote on license plate reader contracts. The Kalamazoo City Commission will consider amending the city’s purchasing policy at a meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, to require a vote on contracts for license plate reader technologies under $100,000.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo city commissioners will decide whether to require a board vote to approve contracts with Flock Safety on Monday, Sept. 21. But city commissioners may not consider a contract renewal with Flock until 2027. A Freedom of Information Act request revealed the city received a purchase order from Flock Safety on July 16. The purchase is for “Flock Safety Falcon” from June 24 through June 23, 2027. The purchase order is worth $99,9000.

The Portage City Council discusses a funding request to support the 2026-27 United Way winter sheltering program on Sept. 8. Credit: Aya Miller PORTAGE, MI — Portage City Council members voted to contribute $100,000 to the United Way of South Central Michigan 2026-27 winter sheltering program. The upcoming winter sheltering program will be the second program operated by the United Way. Kalamazoo County and the City of Kalamazoo funded the inaugural winter sheltering program in 2025-26.

A screenshot from the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Strategic Vision. Credit: City of Kalamazoo KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo community members have 15 days to share their feedback on the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 Strategic Vision. The Strategic Vision is a guiding framework for the city’s priorities and investments in the next 10 years. The finalized Strategic Vision will be used to develop a city Master Plan, with expected adoption in the first quarter of 2027, according to a city press release.