Downtown Kalamazoo's

Citizen Coalitions

At the Partnership, we believe that the decisions, changes, and efforts should be informed by the community we represent. That’s why we’re supported by four citizen coalitions who have direct input into what happens downtown. These coalitions are staffed by volunteer Kalamazoo community members, who work behind the scenes to guide and set priorities and goals for the Partnership. Coalition members also brainstorm innovative ways to solve challenges and strengthen ongoing projects.

Each coalition represents the diverse voices, backgrounds, and expertise of the people who form downtown Kalamazoo. They serve across four areas of impact: People, Place, Growth, and Experience. In 2021, these groups are working to keep downtown open for business by identifying innovative solutions for outdoor spaces, promoting and supporting downtown businesses, driving foot traffic and activating vacant spaces.

People

The Coalition for People works together with local organizations to engage the diverse community that makes up downtown Kalamazoo. We work on increasing inclusivity, getting feedback from local residents, and discovering new and better ways to make downtown welcoming for everyone.

What we’re doing

Advocating for more inclusive programs, events, and initiatives
Developing a community perception survey to better assess the impact of our work
Improving the quality of experience for any visitor to downtown through community outreach and conversation

Place

The Coalition for Place focuses on continuously developing downtown into an inviting place that everyone can enjoy, in any season and circumstance. We don’t only work on building a beautiful environment, we also work on developing public infrastructure, such as sidewalks, street lighting, and maps of downtown. This makes it easier for everyone to get around downtown safely and keeps our community connected.

What we’re doing

Working in partnership with the City to enhance public spaces downtown and enable businesses to expand operations and seating outdoors during COVID-19
Enhancing the downtown experience for visitors by activating public spaces through art and architecture
Overseeing pedestrian count technology installation in key downtown spaces to improve foot traffic data for businesses

Growth

The Coalition for Growth supports entrepreneurship and investment downtown, working to create a place where businesses of all sizes can launch and thrive. We actively support new businesses, help attract new businesses, and guide start-ups. We also work closely with the downtown community’s anchor institutions to continuously develop and grow the downtown economy.

What we’re doing

Developing strategies to support growth of the downtown economy in areas of residence, retail, hospitality, and office space through a multi-sector growth plan
Engaging emerging entrepreneurs through pop-up opportunities in vacant spaces and existing businesses with specific focus on minority- and women-owned businesses
Incentivizing spending in downtown businesses through promotion of our Downtown Dollars program
Leveraging key resources and innovative technology to highlight relevant market data for downtown

Experience

The Coalition for Experience works to curate downtown Kalamazoo into an engaging social space. We brainstorm ideas for events, programs, and public art—including murals and sculpture—with the goal to draw people into downtown. We also work to promote downtown and its businesses with creative marketing ideas that showcase the unique beauty and diversity of the community.

What we’re doing

Enhancing the vibrancy of downtown through four seasons of safe and socially distant events and initiatives
Brainstorming creative ways to market and promote downtown, encouraging support of local businesses during COVID-19
Identifying opportunities to leverage Downtown Kalamazoo’s Central Commons Refreshment Area

Want to Make a Difference?

Coalition Applications are available each October.

If you love downtown and want to make a difference, take action and apply for one of our four citizen coalitions. Each coalition meets six times a year (once every other month) and works to shape our downtown into an incredible community.

If you have any questions about how the coalitions work and what’s all required from members, get in touch with us at the Partnership.

Get in Touch

Coalition Members

We are proud to have a diverse group of community members supporting our mission. View the members of the Citizen Coalitions here.