Kalamazoo presents Foundation for Excellence series

Published on August 12, 2022

The City of Kalamazoo is announcing a series of presentations to update the public on programs and projects funded by the Foundation for Excellence (FFE).

City staff and partners who are leading work in youth development, affordable housing, small business development, shared prosperity, and neighborhood infrastructure improvements funded by the FFE will be presenting at City Commission meetings in September and October to spread awareness of projects and celebrate the FFE’s Fifth Anniversary.  Presentations will last between 30 and 45 minutes and include an overview of activities as well as more in-depth presentations about select projects and programs.  All meetings are open to public attendance and comment.  The meetings will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about how Kalamazoo is working daily to fulfill the goals of Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 with the support of the Foundation for Excellence,” said Steve Brown, Manager, Foundation for Excellence.  “We founded the FFE officially in October of 2017, and since then we have been building an outstanding board of directors to lead the FFE in supporting the City and residents for many decades to come.  The $150 million invested to date are just the beginning.”

Five presentations are scheduled for the series:

  • 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15 – Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo
  • 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6 – Youth Development and Parks Improvements
  • 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19 – Business Development Fund Economic Development projects
  • 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 – Housing Development Fund Affordable Housing projects
  • 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17 –Neighborhood Improvements and the 2023 draft FFE budget

The Foundation for Excellence is an independent 501c (3) organization created to address systemic challenges to the prosperity of Kalamazoo, and help make the City the most dynamic, fulfilling, and equitable place that it can be.  Every year, the FFE provides funds to the City of Kalamazoo to stabilize its budget, lower the property tax rate, and invest in aspirational projects and programs.  The FFE is led by a board of directors consisting of diverse community members, and all investments are driven by the community's vision.  Kalamazoo residents have final authority through their elected representatives on the Kalamazoo City Commission.

The FFE supports the goals of the City of Kalamazoo, funds aspirational projects, and empowers Kalamazoo residents to achieve the lives they want for themselves and their families.  A municipality like Kalamazoo would traditionally navigate financial challenges by increasing taxes or cutting services.  The FFE was founded as an innovative solution that will serve as a model for others.

The FFE funds projects in youth programming, parks, infrastructure, career development, transportation, economic and business support, and housing that touch every neighborhood in Kalamazoo.  Its impact begins and ends with residents who identify needs.  The FFE funds projects and partnerships to address those needs and advance the transformational goals of Imagine Kalamazoo 2025.

For more information about the FFE visit https://www.kalamazooffe.org/Home.

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