Company Profile

City of Kalamazoo

Company Overview

The City of Kalamazoo operates under a commission-manager government, adopted in 1918.
A seven-member City Commission, elected by residents, serves as the legislative body, setting
policies and providing leadership. The City Manager, appointed by the Commission, acts as
Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing daily operations, service delivery, and administrative
appointments. Similar to a Board of Directors and CEO, the Commission sets policy, while the City
Manager executes city functions. The Deputy City Manager supports this work by overseeing
departments, guiding strategic initiatives, managing communications, and ensuring policy
implementation. This role also provides project management support and serves as Acting City
Manager when needed, ensuring continuity and efficiency in city operations.

697 Full Time Employees
2025 Budget: $388.7 milion

Company History

Kalamazoo is a city of innovation, opportunity, and community investment. It’s home to the
Kalamazoo Promise, a nationally recognized scholarship program that provides free college
tuition to graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools. The Kalamazoo Promise makes higher
education accessible to everyone and fosters a highly skilled workforce.
The City of Kalamazoo also boasts the largest unified public safety department in the country,
seamlessly integrating police, fire, and emergency response services to enhance public safety
and efficiency. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is also among the few select law
enforcement agencies that are accredited by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation
Program.
The region’s water and wastewater utilities are managed by the City of Kalamazoo. We serve
more than 200,000 customers in 11 jurisdictions, providing an average of 20 million gallons
of water per day. It’s one of Michigan’s largest groundwater systems, ensuring a vital and
sustainable water supply for residents and businesses
The city has a rich history in pharmaceuticals and medicine, with companies like Upjohn shaping
the industry and leaving a lasting impact on global healthcare. Today, this legacy continues
with a thriving life sciences and medical research sector including companies like Zoetis, Stryker,
and Pfizer. In 2021, President Joe Biden visited the Pfizer plant in the Kalamazoo area after the
COVID-19 vaccine was developed. Western Michigan University established a medical school
downtown in 2012.

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  • 1 day ago

    Director of Community Planning & Economic Development

    City of Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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    The Community Planning Economic Development Director is responsible for overseeing five (5) divisions: planning, code administration, building trades, economic development, and community development. This role offers a unique early opportunity to evaluate the organization s current operations and make a meaningful impact. The successful candidate will be empowered to identify areas for improvement and provide strategic recommendations on systems and structural enhancements, driving greater ...

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