Kalamazoo Times

Kalamazoo County Government issued the following announcement on Nov. 5.

Kalamazoo County residents voted to continue and expand a program to provide affordable housing for county residents. The Kalamazoo County Housing Proposal passed with more than 66,000 “yes” votes, according to unofficial results from the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office. In August, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted to put the Kalamazoo County Housing Proposal on the ballot. 

“I am grateful Kalamazoo County residents voted to expand a program to help more residents find affordable and potential first time housing,” said Kalamazoo County Board Chair Tracy Hall. “It is all of our responsibility to ensure the funds generated by this millage will be spent transparently, efficiently and strategically to ensure Kalamazoo County residents facing homelessness will instead have access to safe, affordable homes.” The current 0.1-mill tax has raised nearly $800,000 annually each of the last six years. The money has helped more than 500 families find affordable housing. The new 0.75-mill property tax will cover eight years, from December 2021 to December 2028, and provide rental subsidies, permanent housing and other supportive services for Kalamazoo County residents. 

“Homelessness is a countywide challenge that impacts every corner of our community,” Hall said. “This proposal succeeded because of a collaborative effort of many individuals and organizations across Kalamazoo County. To those partners who made this campaign successful: thank you.”

Original source can be found here.