Kalamazoo commissioners voted unanimously to set November ballot language for a citizen-initiated charter amendment, while raising concerns about how it reached them.
The amendment, proposed by a group called Community Action Michigan, would create a Citizens’ Healthcare Action Committee tasked with developing a healthcare action plan and making recommendations on healthcare costs and accessibility. City Attorney Aaron Leal told commissioners the group filed its petition with City Clerk Scott Borling on July 1. Borling verified that the petition had enough valid signatures under Michigan’s Home Rule City Act to qualify as a valid charter amendment initiative. The commission’s role, Leal explained, was limited to approving the ballot language and setting the election date — not evaluating the substance of the proposal itself. If approved by voters, the measure will be added to the city charter as a new Section 200.
Commissioners were clear that their vote reflected procedure, not endorsement. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan said the petition was circulated by paid canvassers rather than local volunteers, and that the group held a press conference at City Hall over the summer without engaging directly with elected officials beforehand. “Tonight this feels extremely manufactured,” Duncan said, adding that he would vote yes because the commission was legally required to, but planned to make clear to the public that the initiative wasn’t led by Kalamazoo residents.
Commissioner Jeanne Hess pushed back on language in the commission’s packet stating the amendment would carry no cost to the city, noting that any new committee still requires staff time, administrative support, and meeting space. “I don’t think our packet was correct in saying” there’s no cost, Hess said.
Commissioner Chris Praedel said he sympathized with residents who signed the petition. “I feel kind of duped to be fully honest with you,” he said, adding that he wasn’t sure most signers fully understood the committee’s proposed powers under the city charter, and questioned whether a body like the county health department might be better positioned to take on the plan’s stated goals.
The resolution passed 5-0 among the commissioners present — Mayor David Anderson, Vice Mayor Duncan, and Commissioners Hess, Praedel, and Wilson. Commissioners Stephanie Hoffman and Jae Slaby were excused from the meeting.
What’s next: Kalamazoo voters will decide the charter amendment at the November 3, 2026 general election.
