- Project
- Midwest
- Urban
- Strategic Planning
The Challenges
The City of Kalamazoo prioritized equitable economic development and community wealth building as it set out to develop an economic development strategy in 2024. Yet, it was unclear how current initiatives were contributing to those goals and how progress was being measured over time.
With several transformative projects underway during the planning process, it was critical to consider the impacts of these projects and how they would contribute to or hinder the City’s goals. Additionally, Kalamazoo’s economic development system contains dozens of non-profits, public organizations, private organizations, as well as educational partners.
To harness the energy and participation of these groups toward developing a shared vision, the strategy would emphasize the roles of different parties across the ecosystem and support the City’s ability to strategically partner with them.
The Solution
The Camoin Associates team incorporated 70+ stakeholders and in-depth data analytics throughout 10 months of planning and strategy development.
The strategy is built on four goal areas that cover target markets, entrepreneurship, neighborhood connections, advancing conditions for growth, and improving the downtown experience.
The plan maintains an approach to economic development where neighborhoods are not pitted against downtown or the city against the region. While a place-based approach is sensible based on certain unique circumstances of a corridor or neighborhood, each investment must tie back to a shared vision for the city. This unified approach will yield the greatest economic gains within the city.
The Impact
The plan was unanimously accepted by the City Commission after spirited discussion from the public and many iterations were vetted by stakeholders. City staff immediately began working with partners on pieces of the strategy suited to their strengths and building consensus on the next steps moving forward.
The plan prepares Kalamazoo to be a Redevelopment-Ready Community, which means that they have access to certain exclusive state resources and funding.
“Our new economic development strategy will serve as a guiding blueprint for the next 3-5 years, casting a shared vision and ensuring a unified approach that fosters equitable opportunities for Kalamazoo residents, neighborhoods, and businesses to achieve lasting economic prosperity.”
– Chelsie Downs-Hubbarth, Community Investment Manager
Services Provided
- Economic base analysis
- Real estate market analysis
- Stakeholder interviews and facilitation
- Strategy development
- Presentations to City leadership
