Kalamazoo city commissioners heard an update Monday from Lansing-based firm MHSA on how it represents the city before state government.
Sandi Jones and Nick Baugh of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates presented to the Committee of the Whole on October 5. Deputy City Manager David Marquardt introduced them. The item was a presentation, and commissioners took no action.
The presenters said the firm represents the city before the Legislature, the governor’s office and state departments. They said it also tracks legislative and regulatory activity in Lansing each day and advises city staff on strategy. Jones said the firm reviews every bill introduced to assess whether it affects the city. The presenters said their work has included helping the city secure state grants for public safety and fire turnout gear and arranging conversations with state departments.
Looking ahead, the presenters said November’s election will bring a new governor and put the entire Legislature on the ballot. They said that could mean turnover in state departments and shifting priorities, and that it may take several months to settle. They said January and February are a good time for the city to finalize its state priorities, and that they expect the state budget process to begin in earnest in early 2027.
Commissioners asked how the firm handles priorities shared with neighboring governments, when the city should set its budget requests, and what to expect in the post-election lame-duck session. The presenters said they had not yet seen either side lay out a push for that session.
