Kalamazoo County Home Buying Grant

Free Prescription Discount Cards Offered

Kalamazoo County Offers Free Prescription Discount Cards ( English)Kalamazoo County Offers Free Prescription Discount Cards (Spanish)

Free Prescription Discount Cards Offered

Kalamazoo County Offers Free Prescription Discount Cards ( English)Kalamazoo County Offers Free Prescription Discount Cards (Spanish)

Kalamazoo County Home Buying Grant

About Portage City Manager Office

ResponsibilitiesThe City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Portage and oversees all city departments. The mission of the Office of the City Manager is to deliver superior city services and unsurpassed customer service to Portage citizens and business owners and to respond to the needs of the community. The City Administration carries out its mission under the direction of and on behalf of the Portage City Council through the implementation of City Council policies and priorities.  The City Manager serves as the Council's chief policy advisor. The City Manager advises the City Council and makes recommendations on matters related to all city operations, the preparation and presentation of the annual budget, and the six-year Capital Improvement Program. The City Manager regularly reports on the financial position of the city and long-term development plans.Questions & CommentsYour questions and comments are welcome - complete our form!Report Issuesp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.5px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 10.0px ’Myriad Pro’} span.s1 {letter-spacing: -0.1px}The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. Citizens are encouraged to contact the City Manager with concerns or complaints about city services by calling Complaint Resolution at (269) 329-4404 or by visiting reportit.portagemi.gov.

About Portage City Manager Office

ResponsibilitiesThe City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Portage and oversees all city departments. The mission of the Office of the City Manager is to deliver superior city services and unsurpassed customer service to Portage citizens and business owners and to respond to the needs of the community. The City Administration carries out its mission under the direction of and on behalf of the Portage City Council through the implementation of City Council policies and priorities.  The City Manager serves as the Council's chief policy advisor. The City Manager advises the City Council and makes recommendations on matters related to all city operations, the preparation and presentation of the annual budget, and the six-year Capital Improvement Program. The City Manager regularly reports on the financial position of the city and long-term development plans.Questions & CommentsYour questions and comments are welcome - complete our form!Report Issuesp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.5px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 10.0px ’Myriad Pro’} span.s1 {letter-spacing: -0.1px}The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. Citizens are encouraged to contact the City Manager with concerns or complaints about city services by calling Complaint Resolution at (269) 329-4404 or by visiting reportit.portagemi.gov.

Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis Announces Retirement

NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2026Contact: Mary Beth Block, Public Information Officer, (269) 329-4405Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis Announces Retirement Effective July 3, 2026 After nearly four years of service to the City of Portage, City Manager Pat McGinnis announced today that he will retire effective July 3, 2026. McGinnis began his tenure with the city on July 12, 2022. McGinnis did not disclose specific plans for retirement, noting only that it will mark his first time since 1988 without heading to City Hall each day. “Portage is an ideal city in very good shape,” said McGinnis. “City staff are experts in their fields, and the elected officials are forward-thinking and have the commitment to keep Portage among the top cities to live in Michigan.” More information regarding the leadership transition will be shared by the City of Portage in the near future. #####

Portage Police Patrol Division Overview

Patrol is the backbone of the Police Division, providing 24-hour service to the community every day of the year. Patrol officers are typically the first to respond to calls for service and are responsible for maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and building strong relationships within the community.Through visible presence, proactive enforcement, and problem-solving strategies, the Patrol Division works to reduce crime and address quality-of-life concerns throughout the city.Core ResponsibilitiesPatrol officers respond to a wide range of calls, including emergencies in progress, traffic crashes, medical assists, domestic disputes, suspicious activity, and general service requests. Officers assess situations, provide immediate assistance, investigate incidents, enforce laws, and prepare detailed reports.The city is divided into patrol districts to ensure efficient response and consistent coverage. Officers are assigned to specific districts during their shifts, allowing them to become familiar with the neighborhoods, businesses, and recurring concerns within their assigned areas. Click here to view Patrol District Maps and identify the district serving your neighborhood.In addition to responding to calls, officers conduct proactive patrols to deter criminal activity, monitor traffic safety, and address community concerns before they escalate. Strategic deployment ensures resources are placed where they are most needed based on crime trends and community feedback. Click to see Districts Maps.Services & UnitsTraffic Enforcement & Crash Response. Patrol officers are responsible for traffic enforcement and roadway safety. This includes enforcing traffic laws, responding to crashes, investigating serious collisions, and working to reduce hazardous driving behaviors. Through enforcement and education, officers strive to make roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.Proactive Patrol. Proactive patrol focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. Officers monitor high-traffic and high-visibility areas, conduct directed patrols based on crime data, and address recurring issues identified by residents and businesses. By maintaining a visible presence and engaging in preventative enforcement, officers help deter criminal activity and enhance overall community safety.Specialized Assignments. Within the Patrol Division, officers may serve in specialty roles such as field training officers, evidence technicians, drone operators, or other specialized response teams. These assignments enhance the division’s ability to respond effectively to complex or high-risk situations.Commitment to ServiceThe Patrol Division is committed to professionalism, accountability, and service excellence. Every call for service is an opportunity to assist someone in need, protect life and property, and strengthen the safety of our community.

Ordinance 281: Cooper Township Establishes Rules for Keeping Domestic Animals

Cooper Township Adopts New Animal and Accessory Building Ordinances

Ordinance 282: Cooper Township Clarifies Accessory Uses and Buildings Rules

Historic District Commission Meeting Agenda Available

Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Historic District Commission Meeting Agenda (PDF) 7900 South Westnedge AvenuePortage, MI 49002 Monday - Thursday7:30am - 5:30pm

Kalamazoo County Addresses Watershed Health and Invasive Species Management

Lots of different factors are at play when it comes to managing a watershed and keeping it healthy, productive, and free of invasive species. Here's a look into some aspects and common threats to watersheds and what we can do to mitigate them.

Kalamazoo County Explains Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Water Management

Read an article about Rain Gardens like the one pictured.Green infrastructure is a type of water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle.In the 1970s, landscape architects began to think about stormwater management differently. They started to emphasize developing urban areas with a more conscious design and utilizing nature for infiltration. The terms Green Infrastructure (referring to newer structures like rain gardens and bioswales) and Low-Impact Developments (LIDs) (planning around existing natural features) didn't come about until the 21st century.Green Infrastructure is cost-effective.Green Infrastructure basically mimics how the natural environment treats water and includes grassy swales, rain gardens, bioinfiltration areas, and green roofs.Gray infrastructure is man-made structures built to manage water resources like catch basin inlets, storm drain pipes, discharge structures, and culverts.Benefits of Green InfrastructureHealth benefits—Green infrastructure can improve air quality and reduce smog in a dense area. In general, having more plants means having more carbon sequestration, shade, and cleaner air. Cooler and cleaner air should reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, which are on the rise.Reduced flooding is also a major benefit. Green infrastructure, especially in at-risk areas, can reduce flooding risk and increase a community's climate resiliency.It is very pertinent that we have more areas of absorption to help deal with excess water during storms.Green infrastructure plays a huge role in managing flooding, increasing absorption, and reducing the speed at which water travels. When Green Infrastructure and LIDs are implemented, they greatly reduce the amount of water that needs to be transported by drains while simultaneously slowing it down, letting it re-enter the water system, and not allowing it time to carry pollutants.Examples of Green Infrastructure You Could Implement at Your HomeRain gardensButterfly gardens in swalesCisternsRain barrelsGreen RoofsEstablishing riparian zones and buffer strips around bodies of waterPermeable drivewaysSome Great Local Examples of Green InfrastructureKalamazoo College's Arcus Building - Lots of different green infrastructure implemented in the designCity Hall - built 4,600 square feet of green roof in 2011.City Hall Green RoofKalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) is a great place downtown or at the Texas Township campus to visit and see green infrastructure in person.Green Roof Installation at KVCC CampusGreen Infrastructure Signage Downtown by Kalamazoo Valley MuseumRain Garden Designs for Kalamazoo County (PDF)Local conservation districts - South West Michigan Land Conservancy  and Kalamazoo Conservation DistrictKalamazoo Public Schools LEED gold/silver certificationLinden Grove / Prairie Ridge Elementary School - Green roofs, recycled construction materials, high efficiency.Articles about Green InfrastructureEPA Article "What Is Green Infrastructure"NRDC Article on Managing Water with Green InfrastructureEPA Article on Managing Floods Via Green Infrastructure

Kalamazoo County Manages Municipal Stormwater System Under EPA Guidelines

What Is an MS4?A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is a network of structures designed to collect and manage stormwater. The system helps direct stormwater to local rivers, streams, lakes, or back into the groundwater supply, supporting proper drainage and reducing flooding.Components of an MS4:Catch basinsRoadside ditchesRetention basinsUnderground pipesOpen-air drainsMS4s play a vital role in stormwater management by moving water into areas that can better absorb it. However, because stormwater in an MS4 is untreated, it can carry pollutants directly into local water bodies. Unlike wastewater from homes and businesses, which is treated at the Kalamazoo wastewater treatment plant, stormwater flows untreated into rivers, streams, and lakes.Monitoring and PermitsTo operate an MS4, Kalamazoo County must meet specific requirements under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This permit allows the discharge of stormwater into local surface waters.The County follows a Stormwater Management Plan (PDF) to:Ensure stormwater is as clean as possible before entering local waterbodies.Properly manage stormwater quantity in new developments and redevelopment projects.By closely monitoring the MS4 system and following these guidelines, the County protects water quality and helps maintain a sustainable environment.EPA MS4 websiteEGLE MS4 resourcesWhy You Should Care About Stormwater videoCheck out other organizations in the area that we have partnered with to help promote and protect the clean waters of our countyMichigan's Storm Water ProgramMS4 Compliance pageIllicit Discharge Brochure (PDF)

Kalamazoo County Recommends Native Plants and Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Try to minimize lawn/turf areas and use native, low-maintenance plantings.Smart native choices for Michigan LandscapesButterfly gardensRiparian Owner's Guidebook for Watershed Management (PDF)Michigan Low Impact Development GuideArticle on Green Infrastructure Water ManagementNOAA Article - Protecting Coastal HabitatsLawn Care Problems and Solutions (PDF)Services - Michigan Natural Features Inventory

Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District Authority Board Established for Youth Sports Facility

The Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District (KCECAD) Authority Board was established under the Regional Event Center Financing Act, Act 340 of 2020, MCL 141.1441 et seq. (the “Act”) and the adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-212 (“Ord. 2025-212”) by the Board of Commissioners to oversee the development and funding of a Youth Sports Facility. KCECAD mailing address is KCECAD c/o Discover Kalamazoo, 240 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.Further information can be obtained by calling the Board of Commissioners' Office at 269-384-8111.MembersNameTitle / SectorTerm ExpirationAbigail WheelerCounty Commissioner LiaisonJuly 15, 2028Jeanne HessVice Mayor, City of KalamazooJuly 15, 2028Brian PerskyDirector of Business Development, Discover KalamazooJuly 15, 2028Jane GhoshPresident & CEO, Discover KalamazooJuly 15, 2026Fred RahmeArea Director of Sales & Operations, Nexera Capital (Candlewood Suites & Fairfield Inn & Suites Kalamazoo East)July 15, 2027Devysha PatelRegional Manager, Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Kalamazoo; Comfort Inn Kalamazoo East; Best Western Suites; Hampton Inn-OshtemoJuly 15, 2026Steven AldridgeVice President of Sales & Marketing, Amerilodge GroupJuly 15, 2026Jill BlandExecutive Vice President of Economic Development, Southwest Michigan FirstJuly 15, 2027Corey PersonDirector & Founder, United Pursuit and Pursuit of Excellence FoundationJuly 15, 2028Annemarie BoarmanGeneral Manager and Integrator, Next Level Sports CenterJuly 15, 2027Cheri BellSupervisor, Oshtemo TownshipJuly 15, 2028Board LiaisonJane Ghosh, Discover Kalamazoo President & CEO[email protected]2026 MeetingsNoticesMeeting dates, times, and locations are posted on the County’s Public Meeting Notice page.DocumentsAugust 11, 2025 – Minutes (PDF)August 15, 2025 – Minutes (PDF)September 4, 2025 - Minutes (PDF)September 9, 2025 (Special Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)September 26, 2025 - Minutes (pdf)October 8th, 2025 - Minutes (pdf)October 16th, 2025 (Special Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)October 17, 2025 - Minutes (PDF)October 30, 2025 (Special Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)November 3, 2025 (Special Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)November 12, 2025  (Operator RFP Review Committee Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)November 19, 2025 (Operator RFP Review Committee Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)November 21, 2025 - Minutes (PDF)December 1, 2025 (Special Meeting) - Minutes (PDF)December 19, 2025 - Minutes (PDF)January 23, 2026 - Minutes (PDF)February 27, 2026 - Minutes (PDF)March 27, 2026 - Minutes (PDF)April 17, 2026  - Minutes (PDF)May 22, 2026 June 26, 2026 July 24, 2026 August 28, 2026September 25, 2026 October 23, 2026November 20, 2026 December 18, 2026 Other DocumentsAuthority BylawsRFP for Fundraising Consultant Services - Awarded to Kennari ConsultingFundraising Consulting Services for the Indoor Youth & Amateur Sports Facility ProjectIssued by: Discover Kalamazoo (on behalf of KCECAD)Date Issued: March 2, 2026Proposal Deadline: March 16, 2026View the full Request for Proposal (PDF)RFP for Owners Rep- Awarded to Rockford ConstructionBuilding Consulting Services for the Indoor Youth & Amateur Sports Facility ProjectIssued by: Discover Kalamazoo (on behalf of KCECAD)Date Issued: November 4, 2025Proposal Deadline: November 17, 2025View the full Request for Proposal (PDF)RFP for Operator - Awarded to The Sports Facilities CompaniesOperator Services for the Indoor Youth & Amateur Sports Facility ProjectIssued by: Rockford (on behalf of KCECAD)Date Issued: Wednesday, October 1, 2025Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, October 29, 2025View the full Request for Proposal (PDF)RFP for Design - Awarded to AVB, Inc.Build Services for the Indoor Youth & Amateur Sports Facility ProjectIssued by: Rockford (on behalf of KCECAD)Date Issued: Wednesday, September 10, 2025Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2025View the full Request for Proposal (PDF) RFP for Consulting Services- Awarded to Rockford ConstructionConsulting Services for the Indoor Youth & Amateur Sports Facility ProjectIssued by: Discover KalamazooDate Issued: July 29, 2025Proposal Deadline: August 12, 2025View the full Request for Proposal (PDF)

When to Contact Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner: Spills, Flooding, Maintenance

SpillsCall 911 to immediately report all spills.How to Report Surface Water Pollution (PDF)FloodingThe Drain Commissioner's Office addresses flooding issues only when they involve County drains. Many water features in Kalamazoo County, such as streams and ditches, may resemble County drains but fall outside our jurisdiction.Before contacting the Drain Commissioner's Office:Check if the flooding is related to a County drain or basin by using the County Drain Maps (PDF).If the flooding is not associated with a County drain, consider the following options:Roadside Ditches: Contact the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County at 269-381-3170.Private Property Drains: These are typically the responsibility of the property owner (e.g., parking lots or farm fields).Streams or Rivers: Contact the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) at 269-567-3500.Municipal Drains: Local drainage systems are managed by your city, township, or village.MaintenanceTo report drain maintenance issues, contact the Drain Commissioner's Office. Examples include:Rubbish, debris, or obstructions blocking the drain.Erosion of stream banks.Conditions harming drain structures, livestock, fish, wildlife, or public health.Illegal DumpingDumping sewage or waste into County drains is unlawful. Report illegal dumping to the Drain Commissioner's Office immediately. For abandoned barrels:Call 911 or contact the County Sheriff.Do not approach abandoned barrels.Right-of-Way InquiriesCounty drains include easements that allow the Drain Commissioner's Office access for maintenance, repair, and operation. Property owners retain ownership of the land but must:Avoid obstructing the drain or allowing livestock to graze within it.Obtain permits for activities like crossings or connections to the drain.Permit Information:Permit applications are required for any work in the right-of-way.Activities causing erosion or sedimentation also require permits.Failing to secure a permit may result in double fees or referral to the State of Michigan for significant damage.Exact right-of-way widths vary and are recorded with the Register of Deeds and the Drain Office.Lake LevelsKalamazoo County manages legal lake levels for the following lakes:Austin LakeWest LakeSunset LakeLong LakeEagle LakeCrooked LakeHill 'N Brook LakeIf excess water conditions occur without significant rainfall, contact the Drain Commissioner's Office.Contact Us

Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner's Office Supports Community Water Management

The Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner’s Office is dedicated to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Kalamazoo County residents. Our work focuses on protecting surface waters and the environment while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. Through stormwater management, flood control, soil erosion prevention, and education, we strive to create a cleaner, safer, and more resilient community for everyone.

Kalamazoo County Stormwater Education Resources & Management

Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.    Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Green infrastructure is a type of water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Discover useful suggestions for efficient and sustainable water use. “Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System” refers to the collection of structures that gather stormwater in an area and discharge it to local rivers, streams, and lakes or infiltrate it back into the ground water supply. Find resources for classroom activities. The County maintains hundreds of miles of drains that carry stormwater throughout the County and into lakes and large rivers like the Kalamazoo River and the St. Joseph River. The Kalamazoo County Drain Commission’s Storm Water Management Plan is available for public review and comment. Lots of different factors are at play when it comes to managing a watershed and keeping it healthy, productive, and free of invasive species. Access Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) classroom resources, lending stations, videos, curriculum help, and other great educational tools. Monday through Friday8:00 AM to 4:00 PMClosed on Holidays Drain Commissioner201 W. Kalamazoo Ave.Kalamazoo, MI 49007Phone: 269-384-8117Office HoursMonday through Friday8:00 AM to 4:00 PMClosed on Holidays