| The Kalamazoo Childcare Coalition has been presenting a proposed county childcare millage to local governing bodies ahead of a potential ballot vote. The millage would aim to increase provider wages, lower costs for families, and expand the Tri-Share program, which splits childcare costs between employers, employees, and the state to help small businesses offer childcare benefits. The coalition presented to the Kalamazoo City Commission’s Committee of the Whole on May 11 and to the Oshtemo Township Board on May 12. Commissioners and trustees engaged with questions about implementation, evaluation, and how the millage relates to state-level efforts already underway. |
| Plus: The Tri-Share program, originally a pilot, is now a statewide initiative. Presenters described it as a tool for economic development as much as a family support program. |
Watch the presentation to the Oshtemo Township Board.
