City Commission Selects Malcolm Hankins as Next City Manager
Published on October 21, 2025
Following a national search and a multi-stage public process, the Kalamazoo City Commission voted at its October 20 Business Meeting to enter negotiations with Malcolm Hankins for the position of City Manager. If a contract is finalized, the Commission anticipates approving it at a Special Meeting next week.
Commissioners cited Mr. Hankins’ deep experience in public service, his servant-leadership approach, and his commitment to equity and community engagement as key factors in their decision.
“When I look at Malcolm, I see an individual who has focused on overcoming racial disparities and integrating care and empathy into public systems,” said Commissioner Chris Praedel. “At this precise moment in our history, I don’t think it’s right for us to remain who we are. It’s time to challenge ourselves to become the next level, and my choice would be Malcolm.”
Commissioner Don Cooney noted that Hankins’ record of neighborhood leadership and advocacy for underserved residents stood out during the selection process. “If we want to move this city forward, the voices and concerns of those who feel disenfranchised and unheard must be listened to,” Cooney said. “We need to move from distrust to partnership. Mr. Hankins’ work in the neighborhoods, his efforts with the homeless, his deep commitment to those in need, his clear ability to listen and care, his life experience, his ability to welcome all people, these are the gifts we need to move this city forward.”
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman added that Hankins brings a spirit of empathy and renewal to city leadership. “We are in a pivotal time in our community, where we need something fresh, we need a level of divinity, and we also need some fresh eyes,” she said. “Mr. Hankins exhibited empathy. You could feel the genuine heart for people.”
Mr. Hankins currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Des Moines, Iowa, where he oversees key administrative functions, policy implementation, and community-based initiatives focused on equity, engagement, and municipal operations. He has more than 35 years of public service experience, including 22 years in management and six in executive leadership roles, with a record of building inclusive, collaborative programs across multiple cities.
Before joining Des Moines, Hankins served as Neighborhood Services Director for the City of Aurora, Colorado, overseeing neighborhood revitalization, homelessness programs, and community relations programs. He also served as Neighborhood Preservation Manager in Chandler, Arizona, where he developed new approaches to customer service and housing stability. Earlier in his career, Hankins held leadership roles with the cities of Scottsdale and Phoenix, focusing on housing inspection programs, revitalization efforts, and performance-based management systems.
Hankins holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Phoenix Seminary and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership at Drake University. He is also a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Servant Leadership Institute, and the American Association of Code Enforcement Officials.
If negotiations are successful, Hankins will succeed City Manager Jim Ritsema, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 13 years of service.