New 5-year plan means the Kalamazoo County Land Bank is thinking more than one house at a time
The Land Bank plans to expand its focus by working to find solutions that lay the groundwork for stronger communities.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.
Short-term pain, long-term gain: Kalamazoo begins biggest Downtown street transformation in 60 Years
Construction is underway on Kalamazoo's long-planned Streets for All project, with city leaders and downtown businesses acknowledging years of disruption while promoting the $100 million overhaul will create a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant downtown.
Back in business: How the Southwest Michigan First Chamber rebuilt membership and renewed its mission
After years of declining membership and organizational change, the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is rebuilding its influence by expanding business connections, fostering inclusion, and helping strengthen Kalamazoo's small business community.
The road ahead: Everything you need to know about Downtown Kalamazoo’s two-way street conversion
Downtown Kalamazoo's six-year, $50 million-plus two-way street conversion begins July 15, with phased construction leading to a calmer, more connected downtown by 2030.
A first-of-its-kind millage request on the August ballot to strengthen child care in Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County voters will decide in August whether to approve a first-of-its-kind child care millage that would create long-term funding to lower costs for families, support early childhood educators, and expand access to quality child care.
From cannabis to AI: Proposed Kalamazoo data center sparks questions about its future in Milwood
A proposal to convert a former Kalamazoo cannabis grow facility into an AI data center has sparked community debate over its potential impacts.
Combating isolation one ride at a time: Metro Share helps Kalamazoo seniors stay connected
As the transit millage nears, Metro Share highlights the need for senior transportation, providing free rides that help older adults access essential services and social activities throughout Kalamazoo County.
A little Paris, a lot of Vine: Friday nights at Martini’s
On Friday nights at Martini's, The Birdseed Salesmen's jazz drifts across the wildflower-edged patio where conversations about sled dogs, art weirdos, punk rock, and everyday life reveal the quirky sense of place that makes Vine unlike anywhere else in town.
Planet Z Commentary: We are nature — it’s time we started acting like it
The greatest challenge of the 21st Century may be remembering our place in the natural world. In this commentary, Planet Z Project Editor Harper Horvath explores how our growing disconnection from nature threatens both environmental sustainability and human well-being.
As demand rises, Milestone expands support for older adults with mental health needs
From assistance with finding housing and food to accessing treatment and employment services, Milestone Senior Services helps older adults overcome barriers created by mental illness.
