Meet Our Candidates

Kizzy Bradford

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Soloman J. Carpenter

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Bernard Dervan III

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Keshia Dickason

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Thomas Durlach

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Drew Duncan

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1.) What do you believe is the biggest barrier to affordable housing in Kalamazoo, and how would you address it if elected?

The biggest barrier to affordable housing in Kalamazoo is the lack of housing options at
working-class price points. If elected, I would work to expand the city’s use of pre-
approved housing plans and faster permitting for developments that meet affordability
targets. I would reduce barriers to small-scale housing like duplexes and accessory
dwelling units, while also investing in the rehab of existing rentals tied to long-term
affordability agreements. I would also make the rental certification process more
predictable and transparent so that good actors can keep units online. Since state law
prohibits local rent control, I would focus on local incentives like fee rebates and gap
financing that produce below-market rents.

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2.) What role should the City of Kalamazoo play in ensuring accountability and fair treatment within HUD-funded and nonprofit-owned housing developments?

The City of Kalamazoo should act as both a partner and a watchdog. When public dollars
and tax incentives support housing, the city has a responsibility to make sure residents are
treated fairly and that developments are safe and well maintained. This means stronger
oversight of HUD-funded and nonprofit-owned housing, transparent reporting on
conditions, and a clear process for tenants to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
The city can also require community benefit agreements and performance standards so
that housing providers stay accountable to the people they serve.

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3.) Would you support stronger tenant protections (such as “just cause” eviction policies or rental licensing reform) in Kalamazoo? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support stronger tenant protections. Too many residents in Kalamazoo face
unstable or unsafe housing, and stronger policies are needed to balance the relationship
between tenants and landlords. Just cause eviction policies can help prevent people from
losing their homes without a fair reason, and rental licensing reform can raise the
standard of housing quality across the city. Protecting tenants is not only about fairness
but also about creating stable neighborhoods where families can thrive.

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4.) How should the city approach the growing crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity?

The city should treat homelessness and housing insecurity as urgent issues that require
compassion and accountability. We need more low-barrier shelters like the one recently
approved, but also long-term solutions that include supportive housing, mental health
services, and pathways to permanent stability. The city should strengthen partnerships
with nonprofits, faith communities, and service providers while making sure public
dollars are used effectively and transparently. Most importantly, people with lived
experience of homelessness must have a seat at the table so policies reflect real needs and
lead to lasting change.

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5.) What commitments will you make to ensure transparency and accountability between
developers, nonprofits, and the residents they serve?

I will commit to making transparency and accountability central to how the city works
with developers and nonprofits. That means requiring clear community benefit
agreements when public dollars are used, ensuring open reporting on project outcomes,
and creating regular opportunities for residents to give feedback. I will also push for
decisions to be made in public view with accessible information so residents understand
how and why choices are made. Trust is built when people can see results and hold
leaders and partners accountable.

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For more information visit Drew for Kzoo on Facebook

Stephanie D. Hoffman (incumbent)

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Sara L. Schlack

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Jacqueline Slaby

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Jessica Thompson

1.) What do you believe is the biggest barrier to affordable housing in Kalamazoo, and how would you address it if elected? 

One of the biggest barriers to affordable housing in Kalamazoo is the gap between rising housing costs and wages. I believe we can bridge that gap by encouraging responsible development that includes affordable options, supporting workforce development, and expanding partnerships between the City, local nonprofits, and developers. Housing should be accessible to everyone, and I’ll advocate for creative, sustainable solutions that ensure people who work here can also afford to live here.

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2.) What role should the City of Kalamazoo play in ensuring accountability and fair treatment within HUD-funded and nonprofit-owned housing developments?

The City should play an active role in ensuring that all residents, no matter where they live,are treated with dignity and respect. That means maintaining clear communication with housing partners, setting strong accountability standards, and listening to the voices of residents directly. I believe transparency builds trust, and the City must ensure that all housing programs are run with fairness, compassion, and community input.

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3.) Would you support stronger tenant protections (such as “just cause” eviction policies or rental licensing reform) in Kalamazoo? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support stronger tenant protections that keep residents safe and stable in their homes. Every person deserves to feel secure where they live. By creating fair policies and rental standards that protect both tenants and responsible landlords, we can build a housing environment based on respect, stability, and shared responsibility.

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4.) How should the city approach the growing crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity?

The issue of homelessness requires a united, compassionate approach. I’m encouraged that the County of Kalamazoo is now taking the lead on this effort, working closely with the City and bringing together the many nonprofits and organizations already serving our unhoused neighbors. This collaboration is a huge step toward creating a comprehensive plan that focuses on both immediate needs and long-term stability. I believe the City’s role is to stay actively engaged, support these partnerships, and ensure that every decision reflects care, coordination, and dignity for every person in our community.

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5.) What commitments will you make to ensure transparency and accountability between

I’m committed to open communication, clear reporting, and ensuring that community voices are always part of the process. The City should require transparency in development agreements and ensure that projects are designed with community benefit in mind. By creating space for residents to ask questions and share concerns, we can build stronger partnerships and greater public trust.

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developers, nonprofits, and the residents they serve?

Housing is more than buildings, it’s about belonging. I’m committed to helping create a city where every person feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. That means investing in neighborhoods, improving access to affordable housing, and ensuring our growth benefits everyone. Together, we can build a Kalamazoo that continues to shine as a connected, compassionate, and inclusive community.

For more information visit Jess Thompson for Kalamazoo City Commissioner

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Chris Glasser

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Robert E. Gray

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