KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A major downtown transformation is in the works in the City of Kalamazoo, with city leaders unveiling the first phase in a roadmap they say will help build a more walkable, welcoming, and business-friendly district.
The plan spans a decade, with city leaders stating that it will focus on six key areas, or “strategic pillars,” to reshape how people experience Kalamazoo’s downtown:
- Built for Business – supporting business growth and visibility
- Clean, Safe & Welcoming – enhancing cleanliness and public safety
- Place with Purpose – improving public spaces with intentional design
- Streetwise & Connected – making downtown easier to navigate with better signage and walkability
- Strong & Sustainable – strengthening internal capacity and leadership
- Vibrant & Visible – elevating downtown’s brand identity and visibility
Kalamazoo’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA) is behind this project. The goal of the DDA and DEGA, according to their purpose statement, is:
To halt property value deterioration and promote economic growth within its business district (DDA) and to correct and prevent deterioration in residential, commercial, and industrial areas (DEGA)…