Kalamazoo's neighborhood activator plans to be very active this year

Jacqueline Slaby is from Battle Creek, Michigan. She has a bachelor's degree in growth and structure of cities from Bryn Mawr College and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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Jacqueline currently works as a realtor with Century 21 C Howard. She previously worked for the City of Kalamazoo as a neighborhood activator, for Munn X Slaby as co-founder, for SGK as a digital account manager, for Temple University Rome as an alumni educational specialist, and for the City of Marshall as director of community services.

Jacqueline previously served on the Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education for six years. This is her first run for office in Kalamazoo.

Supports innovation and entrepreneurship by providing clear steps, practical tools, and hands-on support for businesses in Kalamazoo.

- Supports innovation and entrepreneurship by providing clear steps, practical tools, and hands-on support for businesses in Kalamazoo.

Economy

Supports strengthening the city’s nightlife by improving street safety, supporting late-hour businesses, and promoting a diverse range of venues and events for all ages.

- Supports strengthening the city’s nightlife by improving street safety, supporting late-hour businesses, and promoting a diverse range of venues and events for all ages.

Housing & Urban Development

As of August 14, 2025, Jacqueline Slaby’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Healthcare

Believes in increasing resident involvement in city decisions by making information more accessible and encouraging participation on boards and committees.

Believes in using "simple tools" and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to improve service for all.

- Believes in increasing resident involvement in city decisions by making information more accessible and encouraging participation on boards and committees.
- Believes in using "simple tools" and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to improve service for all.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Jacqueline Slaby

Jacqueline Slaby is from Battle Creek, Michigan. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Growth and Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College and a Master’s degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jacqueline Slaby is turning Battle Creek and Marshall into her stages

Jacqueline is a director of community services at the City of Marshall, where she oversees planning and zoning, building inspections, code enforcement, and recreation. She previously worked in marketing at SGK Inc., a global packaging and marketing firm, where she was involved in packaging design for companies such as Kellogg and Pepsico. She also operated a marketing firm with a partner. 

Jacqueline previously served on the Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education for six years. 

Supports strengthening the city’s nightlife by ensuring safer streets, supporting late-hour businesses, and promoting a diverse mix of venues and events for all ages.

As of August 14, 2025, Jacqueline Slaby did not have a website or any information online.

Supports strengthening the city’s nightlife with safer streets, late-hour business support, and a mix of venues and events for all ages.

Buket Urgen

November 4 Municipal Election City of Kalamazoo

See who's running for local office this year in Kalamazoo, Portage ...

Bernard Dervan III's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

As of August 14, 2025, Bernard Dervan III did not have a website or any information online.

Bernard Dervan III

Drew Duncan joins Kalamazoo City Commission race, focusing on ...

Drew Duncan has worked as a campaign manager, field organizer, marketing strategist, speechwriter, and policy advocate. 

Drew's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first time running for public office.

Supports attracting tax-generating businesses, removing barriers for local entrepreneurs, and ensuring investments reach historically underserved neighborhoods.

- Supports attracting tax-generating businesses, removing barriers for local entrepreneurs, and ensuring investments reach historically underserved neighborhoods.

Supports zoning reform, tenant protections, and public investment in housing.

- Supports zoning reform, tenant protections, and public investment in housing.

Supports investing in non-police crisis teams, enhanced street lighting and sidewalks, and community programs aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

Plans to invest in mental health response, neighborhood infrastructure, and violence prevention.

- Supports investing in non-police crisis teams, enhanced street lighting and sidewalks, and community programs aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.
- Plans to invest in mental health response, neighborhood infrastructure, and violence prevention.

Believes environmental protection is crucial for health, reducing costs, and ensuring a better future for Kalamazoo.

- Believes environmental protection is crucial for health, reducing costs, and ensuring a better future for Kalamazoo.

As of August 14, 2025, Drew Duncan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports adding more trees, bioswales, and permeable pavement to reduce flooding and keep neighborhoods cool in the summer.

Supports protecting natural spaces by safeguarding wetlands, rivers, and parks from overdevelopment and pollution.

Supports sustainable building by setting higher energy efficiency standards for new developments.

Supports reducing waste through stronger recycling programs and limits on single-use plastics.

Supports empowering the community through the Environmental Concerns Committee to ensure environmental decisions include public input and scientific expertise.

Supports investing in clean energy by expanding solar power on city buildings and supporting renewable energy projects that cut costs and carbon emissions.

- Supports adding more trees, bioswales, and permeable pavement to reduce flooding and keep neighborhoods cool in the summer.
- Supports protecting natural spaces by safeguarding wetlands, rivers, and parks from overdevelopment and pollution.
- Supports sustainable building by setting higher energy efficiency standards for new developments.
- Supports reducing waste through stronger recycling programs and limits on single-use plastics.
- Supports empowering the community through the Environmental Concerns Committee to ensure environmental decisions include public input and scientific expertise.
- Supports investing in clean energy by expanding solar power on city buildings and supporting renewable energy projects that cut costs and carbon emissions.

Supports adding more trees, bioswales, and permeable pavement to infrastructure to reduce flooding and keep neighborhoods cool in the summer.

- Supports adding more trees, bioswales, and permeable pavement to infrastructure to reduce flooding and keep neighborhoods cool in the summer.

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Drew Duncan

Drew is a public servant and economic development professional. He works in workforce and economic development, helping to connect job seekers with opportunities and supporting local businesses. He previously held roles in local government, workforce boards, and small business support.

Drew's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Supports removing barriers for local entrepreneurs and ensuring investments reach historically underserved neighborhoods.

Supports zoning reform, tenant protections, and public investment to aid non-profit developers and community land trusts.

Supports investing in mental health response, neighborhood infrastructure, and violence prevention.

Linkedin

Jessica Thompson is originally from Allegan, Michigan. She lives in Kalamazoo and has five children.

Jessica owns Bee Joyful Shop. She also works as an office manager and licensed property and casualty insurance producer with State Farm. She previously worked as a customer service representative at PNC, and as a store manager at Build a Bear and Campus Den. Earlier in her career, she served as eastern regional manager for MOPS International.

What you need to know: Kalamazoo's 2025 municipal election ...

Jessica's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Supports expanding access to resources, streamlining processes, and supporting programs for local businesses.

- Supports expanding access to resources, streamlining processes, and supporting programs for local businesses.

Supports efforts to expand affordable housing, protect renters, and connect unhoused individuals with necessary services.

- Supports efforts to expand affordable housing, protect renters, and connect unhoused individuals with necessary services.

Believes in a holistic approach to public safety, addressing root causes like poverty and addiction, supporting violence reduction programs, and ensuring all neighborhoods feel safe.

- Believes in a holistic approach to public safety, addressing root causes like poverty and addiction, supporting violence reduction programs, and ensuring all neighborhoods feel safe.

Supports efforts to connect unhoused individuals with necessary services.

- Supports efforts to connect unhoused individuals with necessary services.

Wants to ensure every neighborhood's voice is heard and plans to prioritize policies that help neighborhoods thrive, including traffic calming, street safety, youth programs, and community development grants.

Supports preserving green spaces, planting trees in underserved areas, and local food systems.

- Wants to ensure every neighborhood's voice is heard and plans to prioritize policies that help neighborhoods thrive, including traffic calming, street safety, youth programs, and community development grants.
- Supports preserving green spaces, planting trees in underserved areas, and local food systems.

Supports policies that reduce waste, promote clean energy, and invest in walkable, bike-friendly infrastructure.

- Supports policies that reduce waste, promote clean energy, and invest in walkable, bike-friendly infrastructure.

As of August 14, 2025, Jessica Thompson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson is from Allegan, Michigan. She moved to Kalamazoo in 1991 for college. She has an associate degree from Macomb Community College. She lives with her five children in Kalamazoo.

As of August 14, 2025, Jessica Thompson did not have a website or any information online.

Believes in community unity and progress through "bold ideas and big heart."

Plans to improve communication between the city and residents and advocate for systems that prioritize equity, access, and transparency.

'People over politics': Road Commissioner announces bid for ...

Keshia Dickason is from Muskegon, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Cornerstone University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Strayer University. She lives with her husband, Aaron Sr., and their three children in Kalamazoo.

Keshia is the owner and CEO of a home help care staffing agency. She previously served as the Executive Liaison for Community Engagement at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency and as the Executive Director for Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan. Earlier in her career, she worked for the State of Michigan as the District Manager for the Michigan Senate.

Kalamazoo County appoints first woman of color Road Commissioner

Meet Your Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County - Road ...

Keshia is currently serving her fifth year of a six-year term as a Kalamazoo County Road Commissioner. She was appointed to the Road Commission in February 2021 by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. Keshia previously ran for Kalamazoo County Commissioner in 2020 but did not win. 

Supports investing in people through workforce development.

Supports creating a Skilled Trades Center in Kalamazoo.

- Supports investing in people through workforce development.
- Supports creating a Skilled Trades Center in Kalamazoo.

Supports affordable housing, protecting senior housing options, and advocating for housing stability and tenant protection.

- Supports affordable housing, protecting senior housing options, and advocating for housing stability and tenant protection.

As of August 14, 2025, Keshia Dickason did not have a website or any information online.

Supports promoting clean, green, and safe neighborhoods.

Supports promoting "clean, green, and safe neighborhoods."

Supports the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the RCKC’s strategic planning.

Supports the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County's (RCKC) strategic planning.

- Supports promoting "clean, green, and safe neighborhoods."
- Supports the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County's (RCKC) strategic planning.

Supports sustainable infrastructure and access to clean water.

- Supports protecting the environment.
- Supports sustainable infrastructure and access to clean water.

Supports creating walkable and bike-friendly communities.

- Supports creating walkable and bike-friendly communities.

Keshia Dickason

Keshia Dickason is from Muskegon, Michigan. She has a bachelor of science in business management from Cornerstone University and is pursuing a master of science in health care administration from Strayer University. She lives with her husband, Aaron Sr., and their three children in Kalamazoo.

Keshia is the owner and CEO of a women-owned home help care staffing agency. She previously served as the Executive Liaison for Community Engagement at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency and as the Executive Director for Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan. Earlier in her career, she worked for the State of Michigan as the District Manager for the Michigan Senate.

Keshia is the owner and CEO of a women-owned home health care staffing agency. She previously worked as a district manager for the Michigan Senate, where she helped constituents in the Kalamazoo County area. Earlier in her career, she served as the executive liaison for community engagement at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency and as the executive director for Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan.

Keshia is currently serving her fifth year of a six-year term on the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. She was appointed to the Road Commission in February 2021 and is the first woman of color to serve in that role. Keshia previously ran for Kalamazoo County Commissioner in 2020 but did not win.

Kizzy Bradford studied social work at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and university studies with a focus in social work/ADA at Western Michigan University. She serves as a trustee on the Kalamazoo Junior Girls Organization Board. She lives in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

Kizzy currently works as a program specialist with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. She previously worked for Kalamazoo Public Schools as a school secretary and paraprofessional. She is also an entrepreneur with two businesses, Blessit Occasions LLC and Virtuous K’s.

Kizzy currently serves as a trustee on the Oshtemo Township Board and as a commissioner for the Kalamazoo County Housing Board. Her campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is her first run for city office.

Supports small business development and economic empowerment in Kalamazoo.

- Supports small business development and economic empowerment in Kalamazoo.

Advocates for affordable housing and tenant protections in Kalamazoo.

- Advocates for affordable housing and tenant protections in Kalamazoo.

Supports community-centered approaches to safety and collaboration with residents.

- Supports community-centered approaches to safety and collaboration with residents.

As of August 14, 2025, Kizzy N. Bradford did not have a website or any information online.

Plans to strengthen resources for seniors and youth programs in the city.

- Plans to strengthen resources for seniors and youth programs in the city.

Kizzy N. Bradford

Kizzy N. Bradford's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Schlack & Associates | About Us

Sara is an attorney for Schlack & Associates. She previously served as a deputy district attorney in New Mexico and as a defense attorney in Michigan.

Sara's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Supports initiatives that promote economic development and improve public services.

- Supports initiatives that promote economic development and improve public services.

As of August 14, 2025, Sara L. Schlack did not have a website or any information online.

Advocates for policies that protect citizens' rights and ensure justice for all.

- Advocates for policies that protect citizens' rights and ensure justice for all.

Sara L. Schlack

Sara L. Schlack's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Sara currently works as a criminal defense attorney. She previously served as a deputy district attorney in New Mexico and began her legal career working for the federal government in the D.C. area.

Kalamazoo Eastside resident opens positive salon that models a ...

Soloman J. Carpenter is from Kalamazoo’s Eastside neighborhood. He lives with his four daughters and two stepsons.

Soloman owned and operated Slayed Cartel Beauty Bar, a multi-stylist salon on East Main Street in Kalamazoo, which he established in 2019. He previously worked as a store manager at Metro PCS and at Denso Manufacturing.

Soloman’s campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of August 14, 2025, Soloman J. Carpenter did not have a website or any information online.

Soloman J. Carpenter

Soloman J. Carpenter lives with his four daughters and two stepsons.

Soloman J. Carpenter's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Stephanie Hoffman is running for Kalamazoo City Commission ...

Stephanie D. Hoffman is a U.S. Army veteran. She is married.

Stephanie is the executive director of Open Doors Kalamazoo. She previously co-chaired the "Homes for All" campaign and worked with ISAAC, an organization focused on advocacy and action in the community, and TRHT, which promotes racial healing and transformation.

Stephanie is currently a city commissioner representing Kalamazoo. She was first elected in 2021 and is currently serving her first term.

As of August 14, 2025, Stephanie D. Hoffman did not have a website or any information online.

Believes that housing is a human right and supports investing in affordable, permanent housing and homeownership opportunities.

- Believes that housing is a human right and supports investing in affordable, permanent housing and homeownership opportunities.

Plans to address gun violence by targeting root causes.

- Plans to address gun violence by targeting root causes.

Prioritizes creating anti-racist policies and systems for the community.

- Prioritizes creating anti-racist policies and systems for the community.

Stephanie D. Hoffman

Stephanie D. Hoffman is married and is a U.S. Army veteran. She has attended some college.

Stephanie is currently a city commissioner representing Kalamazoo. She was first elected in 2021 and is currently serving her first term. She is the only incumbent seeking reelection in 2025.

Independent candidate Thomas Durlach announces bid for ...

Thomas Durlach graduated from Michigan State University. He volunteers preparing and serving meals at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission kitchen.

Thomas's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first time running for public office.

Supports small businesses and wants to attract new investment opportunities.

Wants to create "real, sustained economic growth" through "smart incentives, expanded free parking, and genuine support for local shops—not just big developers."

- Supports small businesses and wants to attract new investment opportunities.
- Wants to create "real, sustained economic growth" through "smart incentives, expanded free parking, and genuine support for local shops—not just big developers."

Supports "Supportive Housing With Purpose," which includes vocational paths and community engagement, not just shelter.

Supports partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to provide mental health care, job training, and support services.

- Supports "Supportive Housing With Purpose," which includes vocational paths and community engagement, not just shelter.
- Supports partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to provide mental health care, job training, and support services.

As of August 14, 2025, Thomas Durlach did not have a website or any information online.

Supports establishing clear expectations for public area usage and implementing outreach programs.

- Supports establishing clear expectations for public area usage and implementing outreach programs.

Thomas Durlach

Durlach, a Michigan State University graduate, is an award-winning innovator who has worked to give back to his community. Some of his feats include the following, according to his campaign: Organized and led community events that have raised over $5,000 for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission Holds over 25 patents for innovations within Stryker Medical's product portfolio Volunteered over 35 hours per weekend in 2021 preparing and serving meals at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission kitchen

Thomas Durlach's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Said public safety standards will still be enforced fairly and consistently for those who "decline help."

Believes business equality must be a core value.

- City commissioners in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Commissioners attend regular meetings, listen to public concerns, and vote on city issues like zoning, public safety, and spending. They also appoint and direct officials, like the city manager.
- City commissioners may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. They may represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Terms for city council members often last two or four years, depending on the city.