KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo residents will soon have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the city’s proposed budget for 2026, which totals $344 million, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year’s budget.
The proposed budget reflects a nearly $45 million reduction, primarily due to changes in the city’s capital improvement plans, according to Kalamazoo Budget Director Steve Vicenzi. Despite the overall decrease, certain departments are slated to receive increased funding.
Vicenzi explained that the city received $110 million from Michigan’s Drinking Water Revolving Fund, which will be allocated to various projects aimed at maintaining clean and safe drinking water. This infusion of funds has influenced the overall budget composition…