Candidate Questionnaire: Jess Thompson

The following is Watershed Voice‘s candidate questionnaire for the November 2025 local elections. We will be running all remaining candidate questionnaires in the order received today, October 30, with a full recap and election outline tomorrow.

Jess Thompson, Kalamazoo City Commission candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are her answers as submitted.

Name: Jessica Thompson
Age: 52
Are you an incumbent? No
Family (optional): I’m a proud mom of five wonderful kids — my greatest teachers and motivation.

Background/Bio:

I’m the owner of Bee Joyful Shop, Michigan’s first zero-waste refillery, located in downtown Kalamazoo. I also serve as the Executive Director for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA), and I coordinate events and marketing for downtown through the Downtown Kalamazoo Collective.

Over the past several years, I’ve led and collaborated on projects that strengthen our community, including Beats on Bates, Mac & Cheese and Salsa Cook-Offs, Second Saturdays in the Zoo, and Kalamazoo Caribbean Fest. I co-host the Shop Talk Podcast with Jack FM, celebrating local businesses and sharing their stories. My work has been recognized with several awards, including Sustainable Shop of the Year, the Women-Owned Business Award, and the Community Partner Award from Discover Kalamazoo.

Why are you running for the office of Kalamazoo City Commissioner?

I’m running because I believe in community first, sustainable solutions, and inclusive economic growth. I’ve spent years working directly with residents, small business owners, and city partners, and I see the impact that collaboration and compassion can have. I want to bring that same hands-on leadership, transparency, and teamwork to the City Commission — to continue listening, learning, and working alongside our neighborhoods to build a stronger, more connected Kalamazoo.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?

While I haven’t held elected office, I currently serve as the Executive Director of the DDA and DEGA, and as Chair of the Marketing and Events Committee. I’m also a member of the Clean and Green Committee for the City of Kalamazoo and work closely with Public Safety, Parks & Recreation, and local nonprofits to improve our downtown and community spaces.

I’ve helped rebrand downtown, expanded grant programs for small and large events, increased the number of public waste and recycling stations, and collaborated with the city to install road closure bollards to save businesses money and improve safety during events.

If not, describe any experience — professional, volunteer, or otherwise — that you believe is relevant to serving as Kalamazoo City Commissioner.

As a small business owner, community organizer, and downtown leader, I’ve built relationships across every level of our city. I’ve coordinated over 100 events, managed marketing for downtown businesses for three years, and worked with local entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses.

I also volunteer regularly — from cleanup efforts and mural projects to housing and homelessness coordination meetings with Kalamazoo County. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing Kalamazoo.

How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?

I’ve lived and worked in Kalamazoo for more than a decade and have deep roots throughout the community.

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area relative to the scope of the position you are seeking, and why?

1. Housing Affordability and Stability – Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live.
2. Small Business and Economic Growth – Local businesses are the heartbeat of our city, and their success drives neighborhood revitalization.
3. Community Safety and Connection – Safety grows through engagement, visibility, and trust between residents, businesses, and public safety.

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?

To address housing, I’ll support partnerships that increase affordable and workforce housing while advocating for stronger accountability and transparency in development.

For economic growth, I’ll continue championing small businesses — not only downtown, but across all 22 Kalamazoo neighborhoods — by promoting resources, streamlining city processes, and ensuring that entrepreneurs have a voice in city decisions.

For community safety, I’ll encourage collaboration between public safety, neighborhood associations, and outreach programs to ensure solutions that are both compassionate and effective.

How would you ensure better protection and service for the most vulnerable and underserved populations in Kalamazoo?

By listening first. I believe the best solutions come directly from those most affected. I’ll continue working with nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and community advocates to ensure resources are accessible, equitable, and effective. I also support expanding mental health and transitional housing services in coordination with Kalamazoo County’s new housing initiative.

How would you promote transparency and maintain public trust in city government?

Transparency starts at the personal level. My pages are public, my door is open, and I’ve always encouraged people to reach out directly to ask questions or share ideas. I believe city leaders should lead with openness, clear communication, and honesty — not just during campaigns, but every single day in office.

What values or guiding principles shape your approach to public service?

Compassion, collaboration, and community. I believe in listening before acting, leading with kindness, and making decisions that lift others up. I’ve always focused on solutions that balance sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term growth for everyone who calls Kalamazoo home.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

As a single mom of five, I understand the challenges of balancing work, family, and financial stability. There were years when I shared a two-bedroom apartment with my kids before being able to buy my first home on my own. That experience drives my empathy and my determination to create policies that help families and individuals find stability and opportunity.

It’s been more than two decades since a small business owner has served on the Kalamazoo City Commission. I believe it’s time for that voice to return — someone who understands the daily realities of running a business, raising a family, and building community from the ground up.