About downtown
Our team
The people behind downtown Kalamazoo: City of Kalamazoo staff who serve the DDA and DEGA, the board that guides them, and the Downtown Ambassadors you see on the street every day.
In shortDowntown staff work for the City of Kalamazoo and serve the DDA and DEGA, two public authorities governed by one board. Below is who to contact for what.
How downtown is organized
Two public authorities invest in downtown, and one board governs both. The City of Kalamazoo provides their staff through a service agreement, so the people you reach are City employees working for the DDA and DEGA.
One shared board of nine members
Downtown Development Authority
Invests in the downtown district, funded by tax increment financing and a 2-mill levy.
Downtown Economic Growth Authority
Invests along downtown’s commercial corridors. Created by the City Commission in 2018.
Service agreement
City of Kalamazoo: Employs downtown staff
Staff are City employees who serve as staff to the DDA and DEGA and support the board day to day.
Who to contact
Find what you need, and the right person is next to it. Every address and number is written out, so you can copy it or read it aloud.
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Events, the calendar and sponsorships
Adding an event, or applying for a DDA and DEGA event sponsorship.
Katrina Davidson, Downtown Projects Coordinator
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News, media and marketing
Press questions, story ideas, and downtown branding and promotion.
Katrina Davidson, Downtown Projects Coordinator
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Downtown Dollars
Buying or redeeming them, or signing your business up to accept them.
Katrina Davidson, Downtown Projects Coordinator
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Opening or growing a downtown business
Business support, the Social District, and partnering on downtown programs.
Meghan Behymer, Downtown Coordinator
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Projects, placemaking and investment
Plazas, streets and other downtown projects, and investing downtown.
Meghan Behymer, Downtown Coordinator
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Trash, graffiti or a mess downtown
Litter, graffiti, spills, or a hand finding your way.
Downtown Ambassadors
Sunday – Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. · Wednesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
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Board meetings, budgets and reports
Agendas, minutes, budgets and the documents the board approves.
Meetings are the third Monday of the month, 3 to 5 p.m., at City Hall.
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Something else
Not sure who to ask? Start here and we’ll pass it along.
Downtown staff
City of Kalamazoo employees who serve as staff to the DDA and DEGA.
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Meghan Behymer
Downtown Coordinator
Leads downtown strategy, budgeting and fund development, infrastructure and placemaking initiatives, and business growth efforts. Works with community partners to advance projects, programs, and investments that strengthen Downtown Kalamazoo.
Talk to me about
- Downtown strategy and budgets
- Funding and community partnerships
- Projects, placemaking and infrastructure
- Business growth
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Katrina Davidson
Downtown Projects Coordinator
Leads downtown branding, marketing, communications, and event coordination, helping connect people with the businesses, experiences, and happenings that make Downtown Kalamazoo unique.
Talk to me about
- Marketing and branding
- News, media and communications
- Events and the downtown calendar
The board
One board serves both the DDA and DEGA. Members are appointed to four-year terms, and the mayor serves ex officio.
- Curtis AardemaChair
- Clarence LloydVice Chair
- Trisha KiddSecretary
- Rick SearingTreasurer
- Connor SampsonMember
- Harvin SandhuMember
- Stanley SteppesMember
- Cheng Kidd SunMember
- David AndersonMayor, City Commission liaison
Board members as of October 2026.
On the street seven days a week
Downtown Ambassadors
The Ambassadors pick up litter, remove graffiti, help visitors find their way and keep an eye on downtown. If something needs cleaning up, call them directly.
Get involved
Join the board
Board members are appointed. Anyone interested can apply through the City.
Come to a meeting
Board meetings are open to the public, the third Monday of the month from 3 to 5 p.m.
Visit the office
City Hall, 241 W. South St.