Public comments at Kalamazoo City meeting spotlight choice of next city manager; vote scheduled at 7 p.m.
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Summary
Residents, neighborhood groups and civic leaders spoke at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 20 urging the commission to consider candidates’ records on equity, transparency and 'day-one' readiness; no vote was taken at the committee meeting and the commission will deliberate and vote at the 7 p.m. business meeting.
The City of Kalamazoo held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 20 that centered on public comments about the search for a new city manager, with speakers urging commissioners to weigh candidates’ records on equity, transparency and readiness to lead on day one. The commission did not vote at the committee meeting; formal deliberation and any vote on a finalist will occur at the 7 p.m. business meeting, where the item may be moved earlier in the agenda.
Speakers at the committee meeting expressed support for different finalists and emphasized community priorities. "Laura Lam is smart, knowledgeable, articulate and genuinely cares about Kalamazoo," said Wendy Fields, president of the Kalamazoo branch of the NAACP, while also warning that concerns about "a lack of transparency, trust and communication" would need to be addressed. "I believe Malcolm Hankins is the best person for the job," said a number of commenters, including community members who cited his approach to equity and community engagement.
The public comment period was used by neighborhood leaders, nonprofit representatives and long-time residents to advance three common themes: keeping equity and anti-racism at the forefront of city operations; choosing a manager who can act "on day one" and navigate fast-moving funding and regulatory changes; and ensuring transparency and communication with residents and staff. Amy Klein, who identified herself as a long-time resident and city employee, urged the commission to "recognize the value of hiring from within" when describing her support for Laura Lam. Several neighborhood and civic leaders, including speakers affiliated with ISAAC and other community organizations, said they favored Malcolm Hankins for his community listening and equity-focused experience.
Commissioners and staff clarified process details during the meeting. Mayor Anderson and staff reminded the public that the Committee of the Whole hearing was intended for community feedback and general questions only; formal ranking, deliberation and any motion to authorize offer negotiations will take place at the 7 p.m. business meeting. The clerk has prepared a ranked ballot option that the commission may use at the business meeting; the chosen finalist must be contacted to confirm continued interest before the commission would authorize negotiations.
Vice Mayor Hess thanked staff and the search consultant Raftelis for their work on the process. Commissioner comments late in the meeting praised the three finalists as "incredibly qualified" and urged the public and staff that the city will be "all right" under any of the finalists.
No motions or votes on the city manager selection were taken at the Committee of the Whole meeting. The commission scheduled formal deliberation and any vote for the 7 p.m. business meeting, where the agenda item may be moved to immediately follow public comment.
