City of Kalamazoo Submits 2026 FFE Funding Request

Published on December 02, 2025

The City of Kalamazoo has submitted its annual request for support from the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) for the 2026 budget year. The request outlines continued commitments to tax reduction, budget stabilization, and strategic community investments that align with Imagine Kalamazoo goals and FFE’s mission of shared prosperity.

The City is requesting a total of $26.78 million in support from FFE, including:

$16.5 million for property tax reduction
$119,080 for tax reconciliation
$5.13 million for Budget Stabilization
$5.02 million for aspirational projects and programs

These investments help maintain stable city services while allowing Kalamazoo to pursue transformational initiatives that directly benefit residents.

The City’s $5.02 million aspirational request focuses on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting youth and families, expanding housing opportunities, and improving infrastructure. The largest single proposed investment is a $1.72 million commitment to the Housing Development Fund. This funding would continue the City’s work to increase affordable housing options, support rehabilitation efforts, and bridge financial gaps that prevent new or preserved housing from moving forward

In addition to housing, the City is requesting support for several impactful initiatives, including:

Youth development programs, such as summer camps, job readiness opportunities, and leadership development for teens.
Emergency shelter support, ensuring safe, coordinated shelter options during extreme weather events.
Economic vitality initiatives, including continued support for small businesses through the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant (KMEG) Fund.
Public space and mobility improvements, such as planning for a potential downtown circulator and investing in park amenities and recreational spaces.

These investments reflect community priorities and reinforce long-term commitments to equitable growth, safety, and opportunity across Kalamazoo’s neighborhoods.

Continuing Partnership for Community Impact FFE’s partnership with the City of Kalamazoo continues to make a measurable difference in residents’ lives, from stabilizing taxes to supporting programs that help families thrive. The 2026 request will be reviewed according to FFE’s annual budgeting process as the organization works to ensure resources are used effectively and transparently for the benefit of the entire community. The FFE budget must be approved by both its Board of Directors and Kalamazoo's City Commission before it is adopted.

You can read the request letter here(PDF, 679KB)