KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety periodically conducts a Citizens Academy to give residents a look inside the workings of their unique operation. Now City Manager Malcolm Hankins says they are developing a Residents Academy to do the same for the rest of the city’s operations.
He says several staff members have suggested it might be a good idea, “to create an environment where the community can come into the city and get a look at how things are done and understand how services are delivered as well as understanding how we operate.”
Hankins says programs like this have proven successful in other communities at strengthening relationships between residents and local government.
“My hope is that that helps to build some understanding about government operations and governance and also helps to give some opportunity for people in our community to have dialogue with staff and us in a more informal setting.”
He says he will be seeking funding during city budget talks this fall, with a projected launch in mid-2027.
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