Community Planning & Economic Development
General Fund & Special Revenue Fund
Department Description
The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is comprised of Code Administration, Planning, Community Investment, and Economic Development Divisions.
Code Administration coordinates multi-departmental plan review, inspection and enforcement services while protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Code Administration is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable building codes and regulations, addresses the negative effects of blighted and abandoned properties, and administers code compliance on approximately 16,000 rental units in the city.
Planning is responsible for long term planning through the development and implementation of the Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 (IK2025) Master Plan and for developing and implementing short and medium plans that support IK2025 and the City's Strategic Vision and Goals. Planning also updates and enforces the city's zoning ordinance.
Community Investment includes the effective management of federal, state, and local funds in support of programs that address Kalamazoo's housing, neighborhood and community development needs.
Economic Development implements programs and provides services supporting businesses and investment in the community, including the retention, growth and attraction of business and industry by building relationships with employers, and by anticipating/responding to their needs.
All of CPED works together to offer support to development in the city, offering expertise in the use of incentives such as grants and loans for small businesses and housing development, gap financing, land assembly and linkages to workforce development resources.
The Department works with federal, state and local development organizations/agencies to address community reinvestment, job creation, entrepreneurship, job retention, brownfield redevelopment and riverfront redevelopment. CPED provides staffing support to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Corporation, Planning Commission, Community Development Act Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo and other boards and committees related to development.
Core Services
CPED provides the following services for the residents and visitors of Kalamazoo:
- Building and Trades inspects buildings to ensure compliance with the code to protect public health, safety, and the general welfare of Kalamazoo as it relates to buildings, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire prevention.
- Code Compliance coordinates inspections and enforcement of codes related to dangerous or dilapidated structures, structures open to casual entry, trash or garbage on private property or in the curb lawn, zoning violations, tall grass or weeds, and graffiti.
- Community Investment invests federal, state and local funds in programs and services that benefit neighborhoods, business development, and low-income households to address critical needs in our community.
- The department-wide development team assists developers of all sizes with site selection, site plan review and approval, economic incentives, and other needs that arise during the development process.
- Planning directs future growth and redevelopment in the City through land use planning and zoning to help create a better, more sustainable community.
- Planning engages with the community to determine priorities for the city's master plan and supporting plans.
- Code Administration oversees the Rental Registration & Certification Program to help ensure safe and sanitary rental housing within the City of Kalamazoo.
Department Goals
Goal: Abundant Opportunities for all People to Prosper
Action Plan: Business Development Fund investment to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups in the Core Neighborhoods.
Objectives: To support those startup businesses and homebased businesses that are in Core Neighborhoods, owned by women and minority residents, and include technical assistance for business owners. City staff assist with navigation and assistance to apply for funds.
Metrics:
- Fund 50 Homebased business startups
- Fund 15 façade improvements
- Fund 15 interior buildout improvements
- Fund 10 Minority Contractors to get their builder's license
Alignment with Strategic Vision: Shared Prosperity, Economic Vitality
Goal: Invest in Neighborhood Plan Implementation
Action Plan: An inclusive city where everyone feels at home that includes extensive engagement.
Objectives: To continue to engage residents with neighborhood planning, transportation, sidewalk, and zoning update projects.
Metrics:
- Fund 8 neighborhood plan action items
- Fund 3 IK 2025 Engagement Events
Alignment with Strategic Vision: Complete Neighborhoods, Strength through Diversity
Department Positions
Department Positions by Year
Department Expenditures - General Fund
Expenditures by Type - General Fund
Department Expenditures - All Funds
Community Planning and Economic Development - All Funds
In addition to the General Fund, the Public Safety department manages several programs that have resources from grants, donations, or other dedicated funding sources. Below is the department total by fund.