Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated announces rebrand, launch of Citizen Coalitions
Nearly 30 years after its creation, Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated will change its name to Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership as part of a broad organizational restructuring that includes the launch of four Citizen Coalitions. The new brand identity reflects the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership commitment to collaborative, inclusive growth in Downtown Kalamazoo.
“Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated has an incredibly impactful legacy to look back on, but today the organization is at a turning point. We want to recognize and build on the success of our predecessors, but we’re also ushering in a new era for Downtown and for our organization,” Andrew Haan, President of Kalamazoo Downtown Incorporated, said.
New Name, New Structure
Over the course of 2018, the organization has engaged in a series of working sessions and focus groups to evaluate the existing leadership structure and organizational values. Going forward, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership seeks to broaden its leadership network and create opportunities for diverse stakeholders to be able to guide its programs, services and initiatives.
“Our community draws strength from its diversity, and downtown serves our entire community. It’s critical that the programs, projects, and initiatives we invest in, and the direction of the organization is guided by a diverse group of leaders. The new name and structure is reflective of not only the collaborative nature of the work, but also of the values we are committed to,” said Haan.
As part of this effort, the organization is launching four Citizen Coalitions focused on areas of impact key to the success of the Downtown: People, Place, Experience and Growth. Each Coalition will have a different area of focus, but all work will be guided by six key values identified by the Board: inclusion, engagement, transparency, collaboration, transformation and innovation.
- The Coalition for People will work to strengthen links with local organizations and engage the diverse Downtown populations. Members will focus on achievement of inclusive growth and engagement, soliciting feedback from local stakeholders, and identifying how initiatives can better serve the Downtown community.
- The Coalition for Place will work to plan and implement an inviting environment Downtown. Members will help identify and prioritize key public infrastructure investments, including connectivity and mobility improvements, sidewalks, street furniture, lighting and wayfinding.
- The Coalition for Experience will work to curate an engaging Downtown culture. Members will generate ideas for events, programs, and public art to bring people Downtown, and make creative suggestions to market the Downtown and its businesses.
- The Coalition for Growth will focus on driving entrepreneurship and investment Downtown. Members will guide efforts to support existing businesses Downtown, attract new businesses, provide support to start-ups, and foster inclusive growth and development downtown.
Anyone with a vested interest in Downtown Kalamazoo is encouraged to submit an application to become a Coalition member.