Discover Kalamazoo seeks American Rescue Plan funds to boost local tourism efforts

During the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 2, 2025, key discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in the travel industry and the urgent need for enhanced public health measures in response to the opioid crisis.

Jane Ghosh, Director of Discover Kalamazoo, reported on the effective use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to promote tourism in the county. She emphasized the importance of these funds in supporting local businesses amid economic uncertainty. Ghosh noted that despite revenue falling below expectations, Discover Kalamazoo is committed to maintaining its programming to drive visitation. She urged the commissioners to consider allocating any remaining American Rescue Plan dollars to bolster their media campaigns, which could quickly be deployed to attract more visitors to the area.

In a poignant address, Gwendolyn, a Northside resident and business owner, brought attention to the alarming rise in opioid-related fatalities in Kalamazoo County. She highlighted that in 2022, the county experienced 65 fatal overdoses, with a troubling cluster of incidents occurring in April 2023. Gwendolyn called for the implementation of an alert system to notify residents of dangerous drugs circulating in the community, a measure she believes could save lives. She urged the commissioners to prioritize this initiative, noting that the infrastructure and funding are already in place to establish such a system.

The meeting underscored the dual focus of the county's leadership on economic recovery through tourism and the pressing need for public health interventions to combat the opioid crisis. As the commissioners consider future funding allocations, the community's health and economic vitality remain at the forefront of their discussions.