Kalamazoo proposes $328.6 million 2027 budget

Kalamazoo is moving up its 2027 budget schedule, with a public hearing proposed for Nov. 16 and final action planned for Dec. 7. The proposed city budget totals $328.6 million, while the General Fund is about $88 million; public safety is its largest spending category, and roughly $100 million is planned for infrastructure, including water, wastewater, streets and sidewalks. Separately, city officials say winter shelters now offer 210 beds, with nearly $500,000 allocated for sheltering this winter and another similar amount included in next year’s budget. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan urged residents and advocates to direct people needing shelter to the available services.