KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – How will the City of Kalamazoo spend its COVID-19 relief funding? Pretty much the way they have been spending their own money for the last few years, but at a faster clip, with bigger programs.
City Manager Jim Ritsema says commissioners set the priorities last February, which included economic development, affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure and youth programs.
The city will also use the federal money to replace parking and road construction revenue lost during the pandemic. Staff is proposing that $3 million from the ARPA fund be spent on Phase Two of the expansion of the Farmers Market, to fund a new Market Event Center that will permit year round operations, and other community events.
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman wondered if that was the best use of the money, especially given the need for shelters for the homeless.
Another new proposal is to fund cash bonuses and incentives to recruit and retain Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers. Deputy Chief Dave Boysen says its getting harder and harder to hire and maintain staff.
The city will also be reestablishing a Public Safety substation on the Kalamazoo Mall
ARPA money will once again fund an expanded summer youth program next year that served over 3400 kids this summer.
The largest percentage will be sunk into affordable housing. That includes everything from lead abatement to senior repairs to new construction.
Staff laid out a general plan to City Commissioners at their meeting Monday that will expend the $28 million the city has left in its ARPA fund over the next three years, with spending in 2024 and 2025 still subject to change.
Final approval of ARPA funding for 2023 will be folded into the budget approval process that will wind up in January 2023.
(reporting from John McNeill)
