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Journalists and advocates gather in Kalamazoo to discuss affordable housing

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Kalamazoo
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February 6, 2026

Panelists included journalists who regularly cover housing and community issues — Watershed Voice editor-in-chief and founder Alek Haak-Frost, Brad Devereaux of MLive, Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan, and freelance journalist Al Jones, project editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo — as well as housing advocates Gwendolyn Hooker of Kalamazoo-based Hope Through Navigation, Shanay Settles of the Calhoun County Health Department, and Patsy Moore of Mount Zion Baptist Church and Legacy Senior Living.

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Three Rivers City Commission approves spa, orders review of city code language
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Three Rivers
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February 4, 2026

Three Rivers Mayor Angel Johnston cited specific examples of language from the city code that she said was troubling. “Of the prohibited things that you can and cannot do, homosexual and other deviant behaviors. Now that bothers me to my core. I don’t believe that homosexuality is deviant, and I hope that nobody in this room does either,” Johnston said, reading from the ordinance.

KDPS chief says Flock cameras not used for immigration enforcement as residents raise concerns
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Kalamazoo
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February 4, 2026

Multiple speakers, including members of the advocacy group We the People, urged commissioners to remove the cameras and asked city leaders to state they would not assist federal immigration officers if they came to Kalamazoo. In response, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen described how the department uses Flock cameras and outlined what he said are prohibited uses of the technology.

After nearly seven-hour meeting, Kalamazoo City Commission votes to preserve Asylum Lake
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Kalamazoo
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January 27, 2026

Residents spoke for nearly three hours during the public hearing portion of agenda, with nearly every speaker voicing opposition to the rezoning.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
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Sturgis
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January 27, 2026

A first reading of proposed updates to the city’s burning ordinance is also on the agenda. The ordinance, which falls under Fire Prevention and Protection in the city code, has not been comprehensively revised since 1969, according to the city manager’s report.

Watershed Voice 2025: By the Numbers
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News
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December 29, 2025

As the year comes to an end, Watershed Voice takes a look back at a year of keeping readers across Southwest Michigan informed. In 2025, Watershed Voice published 322 stories, averaging 27 articles per month. Over the course of the year, our reporting reached 137,762 total page views from 79,435 visitors.

Watershed Voice holiday resource guide
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Local
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December 22, 2025

Last week Kalamazoo, Sturgis, and Three Rivers had city commission meetings. In all three meetings, independent of each other, homelessness and ways the city can address it was discussed. As the holidays approach and cold weather continues, Watershed Voice compiled a list of all the resources available for those who need it most in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties.  This guide lists shelter, warming, food and crisis resources available during the holiday period. Availability and capacity can change quickly, especially during extreme weather.

Three Rivers mayor proposes homelessness prevention and response task force
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Three Rivers
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December 19, 2025

The task force could include seven to 15 members appointed by the mayor and city commission, including city leadership (mayor or designee, police chief and city manager), a county Department of Health and Human Services representative, a school district liaison, a local housing authority or landlord representative, a mental health provider, a nonprofit or faith-based representative, a foster care transition coordinator, two community members with lived experience, a local business representative and, if possible, a legal aid or court representative.

Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness
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Sturgis
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December 18, 2025

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase
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Sturgis
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December 17, 2025

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

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