Community Development

New city manager aims to tackle Battle Creek’s challenges — and harness its assets

Three months into her role, Amanda Zimmerlin discusses how her Ohio background prepared her to tackle Battle Creek’s housing, homelessness, and childcare challenges while championing the city’s assets.

Latest in Community Development
Wheel the World puts Kalamazoo on the map for accessible travel

Wheel the World’s accessibility audit has positioned Kalamazoo as a national leader in inclusive travel, benefiting both visitors and local residents.

Suprise unveiling: Kalamazoo’s Cooney Cultivation Center at Farmer’s Market moving tribute to veteran activist

Kalamazoo honored longtime activist and commissioner Don Cooney with a surprise dedication of the new Kalamazoo Farmers' Market Cooney Cultivation Center, a community hub designed to nurture youth, connection, and local growth.

La Loma Supermercado brings authentic flavors — and cultural pride — to Battle Creek

La Loma Supermercado, a new $3 million Mexican and Latin American grocery and taqueria in Battle Creek, is bringing authentic flavors, cultural connection, and community vibrancy to the region.

Curtain rises again: New owners aim to revive Kalamazoo’s State Theatre for second act

A Texas Corners couple has purchased Kalamazoo’s historic State Theatre and plans a multimillion-dollar restoration to bring the 1927 landmark back to life for its 100th anniversary.

Formerly unhoused, Bill Brown now builds trust and hope with Kalamazoo’s unhoused

For Bill Brown, it’s important to be out there first thing in the morning when the homeless wake up cold and hungry, wondering what they are going to do. He offers hand warmers, gloves, hats, and food bags. He gives them hope.

Big plans, big questions: Northside residents eye inclusion as Kalamazoo Event Center takes shape

Northside residents are hopeful the new $300M Kalamazoo Event Center will bring jobs, training, and business opportunities to their community.

Millage request is next stop for Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit

Kalamazoo’s Metro Transit is seeking a five-year millage increase to sustain bus services and expand its growing on-demand Metro Link program.

Program assists some unhoused from elsewhere to find their way back home

A program called Finding Your Way Home operated by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, with assistance from local organizations that help homeless people is assisting people get back to their hometown.

Poet’s Press: “The Streets Still Remember,” reflections on growing up on Kalamazoo’s Northside

Poet's Press, a Second Wave quarterly series presented in partnership with the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival, launches with our first installment by poet Markeva Love and collaborating artist Taylor Scamehorn. This series features news poems — an experimental form that examines local people, places, and events through a personal, poetic lens. 

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