KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Based on the amount of public Wi-Fi, its cybersecurity efforts, and other initiatives like using artificial intelligence and smart cameras on recycling trucks to detect contamination, the Center for Digital Government has once again listed the City of Kalamazoo as among the nation’s top digital cities.
Kalamazoo is ranked eighth in the CDG’s 2025 Digital Cities Survey in the Up to 75,000 Population Category. It is the fourth year in a row that Kalamazoo has earned a Top Ten designation.
In 2024, the City of Kalamazoo received a ninth-place tie with the City of Tamarac, Florida. Two years ago, Kalamazoo was ranked fifth in the Up to 75,000 Population Category – its highest ranking yet – and the City of Kalamazoo received a No. 10 ranking in 2022.
“Four straight years show we’re doing great things on our digital initiatives,” said Tim Dubois, chief information officer for the City of Kalamazoo. “It is exciting to again receive high national recognition and be part of an exclusive group among our national peers. We are proud to see the efforts and work of our IT teams be awarded with such an honor.”
The CDG’s 2025 designation highlights Kalamazoo as among a distinguished group of cities recognized for advancing digital services. It also mentions Kalamazoo’s success in enhancing citizen engagement as well as improving government operations through strong leadership and innovative technology.
Cybersecurity and Digital Workplace Innovation
The IT department launched mandatory cybersecurity training for all staff and contractors, successfully raising city-wide digital vigilance through 100% staff and 75% contractor participation within three months. IT also implemented multi-factor authentication citywide and rolled out advanced network security including Cisco ISE and a Zero Trust security platform. These initiatives enable secure hybrid work, help rapidly respond to threats, and have eliminated legacy VPN complexity, directly supporting innovation, efficiency, and secure remote operations across all City of Kalamazoo departments.
AI-Powered Community Services
The City of Kalamazoo piloted an advanced recycling initiative using artificial intelligence and smart cameras on recycling trucks to detect contamination. Residents get personalized feedback when issues are found, helping reduce contamination rates, save taxpayer dollars, and extend equipment lifespan. The initiative covers nearly 14,000 households, leverages $104,500 in grant funding, and is expected to deliver up to 25% reduction in contaminants, promoting both sustainability and smart City goals.
Broadband Expansion and Digital Equity Collaboration
In fall 2024, the City of Kalamazoo deployed 5G public Wi-Fi in several parks, expanding digital inclusion in underserved areas. The project is managed collaboratively by IT, Kzoo Parks, and the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with T-Mobile. The project is scalable, cost-effective, and is now expanding to additional parks, demonstrating how digital equity, resident access, and operational sustainability are achieved through interdepartmental teamwork.
The top 10-ranking cities in the categories will be honored during a Digital Cities Award event at the Digital Cities Awards Dinner “City Summit” at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City Hotel Wednesday, November 19 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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