Residents urge action on homelessness, housing costs and immigration; students and volunteers pitch local initiatives

A wide range of residents used the July 21 public-comment period to press the Kalamazoo City Commission on homelessness, housing costs and gentrification, local immigration policy, neighborhood flooding tied to development, and community-led initiatives such as rain-barrel workshops and a statewide ranked-choice petition drive.

Shauna Espinosa, identified in the meeting as a resident, criticized city priorities and called for more focus on the unhoused and people she said are vulnerable to rising costs. “Are we focusing on our unhoused? Are we focusing on those that are in need?” she asked, and warned that recent policy shifts and higher costs could worsen the city’s housing crisis.

Pro Brown, also speaking as a resident and community organizer, called on the city to adopt a formal policy of noncooperation with ICE and denounced what they described as ongoing gentrification that pushes longtime residents out of North, East and South Side neighborhoods. “Do not pander to rich philanthropists because they hold dollars in front of you,” Brown said.

Sewano Venugas cited a recent report that homelessness in Kalamazoo is up 19% year to date and said residents of color feel less safe in public spaces. “People that look like me, brown people in this town, are scared,” Venugas said, urging commissioners to publicly denounce federal policies and prepare local safety nets.

Tina, a resident of Lake Street, warned that proposed development at the former DHS site and recent construction that raised ground levels have increased flooding in neighborhoods and called on the city to fix storm drains and sewer back-ups before new construction proceeds. “If you're gonna build, fix the problems and the issues first with your storm drains, your sewers that back up,” she said, adding that raising new buildings could divert water onto existing homes.

Other public comments included: - Ava Ballant, a rising senior at Kalamazoo Central and Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center, outlined a community workshop she will host on Aug. 9 to help residents convert old storage containers into rain barrels. She noted the Kalamazoo Watershed offers barrels that must be purchased and said she wants to create a free, lower-cost option. - Jeff Messer, a Rank My Vote volunteer, said a statewide petition drive to qualify a ranked-choice voting constitutional amendment for the November 2026 ballot had begun and urged volunteers to sign and collect signatures. - Several commenters raised food insecurity and resource needs at local missions and service providers.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns. Commissioner Michael Prado outlined recent city investments in housing and youth programming, including ARPA-funded initiatives and a $500,000 investment in a family shelter; he urged community cooperation to address rising needs. Vice Mayor Hess and Commissioner Bridal encouraged community involvement in mentorship and neighborhood programs and highlighted upcoming community events such as Love Week and National Night Out.

No formal action was taken during public comment; many speakers asked the commission for follow-up or for the city to consider policy positions on federal immigration measures.