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Boards & Commissions

Kalamazoo has several boards and commissions that advise the City Commission on specific topics or serve in a quasi-judicial role. Board and commission members serve on a volunteer basis. Membership requirements and term length vary by board. Appointments are ultimately made by the Mayor or City Commission.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission

Apply to serve on one of Kalamazoo's boards or commissions.

Board of Review for Assessments

The Board of Review hears citizen appeals regarding property assessments.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority & Economic Development Authority

The BRA promotes revitalizing environmentally distressed or blighted areas in the city. It shares membership with the EDC, which assists with commercial and industrial development projects.

Building Board of Appeals

The Building Board of Appeals hears appeals from owners of buildings determined to be dangerous and appeals of decisions or determinations made by inspectors.

Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board (CPSRAB)

CPSRAB hears appeals of investigations conducted by the KDPS Office of Professional Standards. It also serves in an advisory role to improve public safety service and community relations.

City Commission

Kalamazoo's City Commissioners are the elected representatives of the people of Kalamazoo. The Commission provides leadership and policy direction for the community and all municipal government activities.

Civil Rights Board

The Civil Rights Board reviews allegations of discrimination and violations of the local civil rights and fair housing ordinances. The board also makes recommendations on how practices or policies that lead to discrimination can be changed.

Community Development Act Advisory Committee (CDAAC)

CDAAC’s reviews applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and makes recommendations to the City Commission for their allocation.

Downtown Development Authority & Downtown Economic Growth Authority

The DDA fosters development of the downtown business area & the DEGA helps fund improvements along commercial corridors downtown.

Election Commission

The Kalamazoo City Election Commission is responsible for caring out election related duties as specified in state law.

Employee Retirement System Board of Trustees (Pension Board)

The Pension Board oversees all matters relating to the administration of the city’s pension system. These matters include approving the disbursement of funds, pensions, and rendering decisions in duty disability and buy-back cases.

Environmental Concerns Committee

The Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) monitors significant environmental trends affecting the City of Kalamazoo and advises the City Manager and City Commission regarding environmental matters.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission conducts design review hearings to decide issues related to the Historic District ordinance and to permit exceptions when appropriate.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission advises the City Commission on historic preservation issues like creating districts and landmarks.

Kalamazoo Municipal Golf Association

The KMGA Board of Governors oversees the operations of the three public golf courses, adopting an annual budget, setting the fees, and establishing rules and regulations for the grounds and the behavior of members.

Local Officers Compensation Commission

The LOCC meets every two years to set the compensation for elected City officials. The City Commission, by a 2/3 vote, may reject the compensation levels recommended by the LOCC.

Meeting Calendar

Public meetings of Kalamazoo's boards and commissions.

Minutes & Agendas

Find agendas and minutes for Kalamazoo's boards and commissions.

Natural Features Protection Review Board

The NFP Review Board provides expert knowledges on natural features, development, or construction to help staff with Site Plan Review. NFP Board approval is needed before a site plan can be approved in NFP Overlay areas.

Northside Cultural Business District Authority

The NCBDA supports Northside resident-owned businesses, and works to create an identity for the District, and improve building facades and infrastructure.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)

PRAB makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Commission about parks planning and recreation programs.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission develops the city's master plan for current and future land use and provides recommendations to the City Commission on re-zoning requests and changes to the Zoning Ordinance text.

Retirement Investment Committee & Perpetual Care Investment Committee

The Investment Committee manages the assets of the Employees’ Retirement System. It shares membership and meets jointly with the Perpetual Care Investment Committee, which manages the Perpetual Care Fund.

Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo (SPK) Organizing Committee

The Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo organizing committee guides the work of Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo, a bold and ambitious plan to empower everyone in Kalamazoo to thrive and prosper.

Traffic Board

The Traffic Board hears community appeals and requests. It also considers recommendations from the Traffic Engineer regarding traffic control orders and parking regulations.

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee develops guidelines related to implement and enforce of the tree ordinance. It also recommends changes to the ordinance as necessary.

Utility Policy Committee

The Utility Policy Committee includes stakeholders from our water system who review and discuss operations, maintenance, rates, and capital planning.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears requests for variances from the Zoning Ordinance. It also provides interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance and hears appeals regarding administrative decisions.