Northside Association for Community Development
Development & Tax Increment Financing Plan
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood acts as the primary entry to the City and is served by the Northside Association for Community Development (NACD). Williams & Works began coordinating with the NACD in 2009 on the development of the Northside Neighborhood Plan. Informed by a robust public engagement process, the Northside neighborhood envisioned a vibrant and unique commercial corridor to serve the needs of Northside residents. The Neighborhood Plan focused on establishing a prominent Westnedge Gateway, promoting commercial design guidelines, beautification of streetscapes, and identifying more recreational opportunities for nearby residents.
In 2022, the Northside Cultural Business District Authority partnered with Williams & Works to help put the Neighborhood Plan into action. The Development Plan & Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan outlines a desired vision for the neighborhood and an action plan for implementation. With equity at the forefront, the Development Plan & TIF Plan focuses on corridor improvements and investment in local talent to encourage growth and development. In addition to project ideas and probable costs, estimated annual capture revenues were generated to inform more realistic implementation strategies and timelines. Important aspects of the Neighborhood Plan were integrated in the Development Plan & TIF Plan, including design elements that depict street and intersection enhancements, gateway signage, bike infrastructure, and commercial design principles.
